Over more than two decades, Terry Lande, as executive director, led the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District from a small, underfunded rural agency to the second-largest metropolitan park district in the state.
One of Terry Lande’s biggest accomplishments during his tenure as executive director was the initiative to put before island residents the option to become a metropolitan park district. With stable funding came professional staff and the ability to grow the park and trail inventory to the over 1500 acres and almost 50 miles of trails we have today.
Terry Lande led the effort to transfer ownership of Fort Ward Park and Fay Bainbridge Park to the District when they were threatened to be closed, or worse, sold when Washington State Parks was going through a budget shortfall.
Terry Lande paved the way for two inclusive playgrounds, Owen’s Playground and the new KidsUp! Playground. His forward-thinking led the District to work with the Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation which led to the expansion of their mission. The Parks Foundation in turn was a key partner in the creation of these beloved play spaces serving people of all ages and abilities.
Terry Lande’s vision moved the Sounds of Summer concert series to Battle Point Park, brought in bigger talent, and created the fair-like atmosphere we have today with food and activity booths. Terry Lande was also responsible for bringing us the annual Haunted Hayride, which sells out every year because it is a delight for attendees of all ages and a true reflection of our island community with dedicated staff and volunteers bringing the experience to life.
Terry Lande had a goal for making a community recreation space possible on the island and his leadership throughout the acquisition of the Bainbridge Island Recreation Center was instrumental in that facility becoming available for the community to access at a significantly lower cost than building a new facility.
Terry Lande led by example, and his efforts were extraordinary. He consistently stayed out of the spotlight, not out of shyness but because he knew he was part of something bigger than himself, and he was already focused on preparing for what was next. His passion for parks and recreation and the community was evident, as well as being a Rotarian and chamber board member, Terry worked tirelessly to develop relationships with island agencies and organizations.
These efforts led to key partnerships and interlocal agreements that have served the community efficiently and effectively to this day. These and other accomplishments warrant meaningful recognition for a legacy that will be remembered for, among other things, exemplary leadership, vision, creativity, and collaboration.
The Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District is looking for island residents to serve as volunteers on an advisory committee to recognize Terry Lande’s legacy, which the Board of Commissioners voted to create at their January 2, 2025, regular board meeting.
If you are interested in serving as a volunteer on this committee, please submit a letter of interest indicating the following:
1)Why you wish to serve on this committee.
2) Your knowledge of Terry Lande’s contributions to the community.
3) If you worked with Terry Lande as a representative of one of the District’s partner agencies or organizations.
4) Your knowledge of the vast array of parks, trails, facilities, and recreation offerings the District provides.
5) Your preference for in-person or virtual meetings and when you are available to meet.
Please send your letter of interest by the Friday, February 14, 2025 deadline to:
Dan Hamlin
Executive Director
Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park & Recreation District
7686 NE High School Road
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
or email to dan@biparks.org
For questions, please contact Executive Director Dan Hamlin at 206-245-7385 or dan@biparks.org.