CURRENT PROJECTS

Ray Williamson Pool Rehabilitation

Most Recent Information:

At a community meeting on February 28th at the Aquatic Center, the Park District staff provided an update on the Ray Pool revitalization project, sharing the present opportunity to either rehabilitate the existing pool or to renovate it with an expansion option. To see a pdf of the February 28 Community Meeting Presentation, click here.

 To take an online survey, click here. For a copy of the survey to print and share, click here.

Project Description

The Park Board’s acceptance of a comprehensive renovation strategy could extend the lifespan of the Ray Williamson Pool 50 more years. This urgent part of the project, Phase 1, is tied to an existing permit and is planned for Summer -Winter 2024. This will help to protect against potential closure, growing costs, and a change in the building code that could limit the use of the existing pool building.

The split of the project into two phases gives us a chance to assess the size and timing of the second phase. While proceeding with Phase 1, the Stemper project management team said the existing building and permit can accommodate two more swimming lanes and a change the tank to a consistent pool depth. This additional work is now under review, and community input is vital.

Project Background

Built in 1970, The Ray Williamson Pool has been in continual operation for over 50 years.

Recent years have seen increased maintenance requirements at the pool. In September 2022, Stemper Architectural Collaborative was hired to do a comprehensive facility assessment. This includes evaluating critical items, including architecture, mechanics, plumbing, fire protection, electricity, and structure.

In February 2023, Stemper AC presented a plan to renovate the entire Ray facility at once. In May 2023, the Park Board hired Stemper to move the project to the Construction Documentation and Permitting phase. The work will begin in summer 2024.

In December 2023, it was realized that the project had to be done in two phases, pushing Phase 2 to 2025. This allows the opportunity to consider expanding the renovation  plan for Phase 2 per interest in adding two more lanes and making the pool depth consistent. These are possible additions within the building and under the current permit.

In January 2024, Stemper AC presented several options to the Park Board. They also gave rough estimates of the added costs for expanding the Ray pool tank and amending the height of the pool deck.

The extent of Phase 2 is dependent on community interest and fundraising. The Park District is listening to community input ahead of deciding if the project will be a rehabilitation or an expansion.

Upcoming Events:

    To see the Pool Conditions Assessment, click here.

    For a complete summary of the Ray Williamson Pool renovation project, click here.

    To see a company profile of Stemper Architectural Collaborative, click here.

    Madison Tot Lot Tree Removal

    Four Bigleaf maples will be removed from Madison Tot Lot January 2024. Dead, and potentially hazardous material will also be removed from a Pacific madrone growing on the park’s south perimeter. Bigleaf maples in the park are in decline, evidenced by their dead tops, flaking bark, and fruiting fungal bodies. Trees were assessed by a certified arborist over the fall, and it was determined that the four maples located around the perimeter of the playground were a potential hazard and should be removed within three years to ensure the safety of park users. Trees will be replaced with a suitable alternative.

    Tree Risk Assessment

    Vincent to Gazzam Trail Project

    A new trail connection is being planned for the Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve. The new trail section will follow an easement to the west of the Bainbridge Island Transfer Station and will connect the Opal Ridge Trail to Vincent Road near Kojima Ave.

    Project Presentation

    Williams Olson Park Restoration

    Improvements are coming to Williams Olson Park. Beginning in November of 2023, the park will see the addition of a new picnic shelter, play area, and a portable restroom. Improvements will also be made to the parking area, trails, and accessibility. For the safety of all, intermittent closures of the park may be necessary during the restoration process.

    Project Site Plan

    Sakai Park Tennis Court Construction

    The District Board of Commissioners passed a motion in May to allow two tennis courts to be constructed at Sakai Park. Once completed, the tennis courts at Battle Point Park will be converted to six additional pickleball courts. Staff has secured an engineering firm to create a stormwater plan for the site in preparation for permitting the project. The target date for completion of the Sakai tennis courts is Spring of 2024.

    Moritani Preserve Thinning

    Dutchman Logging was awarded the logging bid to thin overstocked forests at Strawberry Hill Park and Moritani Preserve. Work will begin January 2024 and continue through February 2024. Parking and access to park facilities may be limited during this time. Silva Solutions, LLC was awarded the bid to complete a timber cruise and prepare a logging bid for Strawberry Hill Park and Moritani Preserve. The team will oversee the logging contract and logging operations.

    Uncover the “Why” behind our park’s thinning efforts! Explore our Healthy Forest page to grasp the science-driven reasons behind this endeavor. Learn about the delicate equilibrium we’re fostering, and join us in preserving the ecological wellness of our parks.

    Strawberry Hill Park Thinning

    Eight acres in the northwest corner of Strawberry Hill are being thinned to improve forest health. Crews will be on site starting Monday, January 8 to begin tree removal and build an access road. The existing forest is overstocked, and trees growing on the parcel display textbook signs of stress:

    • Trees have <25% live crown
    • Lower branches have died due to lack of light
    • There are extensive blow downs
    • Trees have disproportional height to diameter ratios
    • The understory is sparse and lacks diversity
    • The forest lacks diversity and is primarily composed of Douglas-fir
    • The site lacks structural diversity, and consists primarily of mature trees
    • Trees show diminished levels of growth when tree cores are examined

     

    The forest is undergoing a variable density thin, meaning we will be thinning trees in a way that mimics natural, non-uniform spacing we see in natural, healthy systems. Thinning will reduce the number of trees per acre and increase the remaining trees’ ability to access resources like light, water, and nutrients. Thinning the trees creates gaps in the canopy that allows sunlight to penetrate the forest floor and encourages understory growth. The Natural Resources Department will follow up on the thinning with continued restoration efforts, including invasive species removals and replanting efforts to increase understory and tree diversity.

     

    Park access may be limited during the thinning, and the dog park will be temporarily closed for safety. To remain in compliance with our DNR permit, users must stay at least 300′ away from the thinning operation to ensure safety. We will be placing signage onsite and posting the information to our social media outlets and website.

     

    Moritani Preserve will be thinned late January/early February following the completion of the Strawberry Hill Project.

    Strawberry Hill Skate Park

    The Strawberry Hill Skatepark is being renovated and expanded.
    The Skatepark Expansion Concept Plan was formally approved by the Park Commissioners at the April 20th, 2023, Park District Board Meeting. Construction documents and a permit package are being prepared and will be submitted for permitting upon completion.  Fundraising and permitting will determine future phased development, which will likely begin in 2024.

    The 16,660-sf. Strawberry Hill Skate Park facility will feature an expansive, open “street skating” area with ramps, stairs, rails, and many other elements typical of an urban skating environment. An undulating “pump track” wraps around the skating plaza, allowing a long, continuous ride through momentum-building curves and bowls.

    The park is designed for skaters of all skill levels and will welcome not just skateboarders but roller and inline skaters and scooters.

    For more information on how to get involved with this project, please visit the Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation page here.

    Strawberry Hill Skate Park Expansion Map
    Strawberry Hill Skatepark Expansion Concept
    Skate Park Timeline
    Strawberry Hill Skatepark Expansion Revision Summary

    Strawberry Hill Bike Park

    The bike park design was formally approved by the Park Commissioners at the May 4, 2023, Park District Board Meeting. Construction documents and a permit package are being prepared and will be submitted for permitting upon completion.

    Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance designs the new mountain biking course at Strawberry Hill Park with the help of local mountain bikers. The Park District will construct the course with the support of the Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation. Features will include wooded trails, berms, jumps, and more, with areas for bike riders of all ages and skill levels.

    Visit the Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation’s page here to learn more about the new course and how to get involved.

     

    Strawberry Hill Dog Park

    With the acquisition of the property west of the park, the Strawberry Hill Dog Park is being expanded to nearly double its previous size. The entry area will be improved and expanded, two large training bays will be added, and slatted fencing will be added to reduce distractions between the main areas.

    A fencing contractor has been mobilized, and construction is coming soon.

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