Built in 1970, The Ray Williamson Pool has been in continual operation for over 50 years. The original pool was built first as an outdoor pool, and then in 1977, it was enclosed with its present roof structure. Over the years, improvements have included adding a UV water treatment system in 2011 and a solar water heating system in 2012.

Recent years have seen increased maintenance requirements at the pool. In September of 2022, Stemper Architectural Collaborative was commissioned to perform an extensive facility assessment, including the evaluation of critical architectural, mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, electrical, and structural items. To see the Pool Conditions Assessment, click here.

In February 2023, Stemper AC completed a prioritized project strategy that lays out a renovation program focused on getting ahead of system failures while attempting to minimize the impact on the aquatic community. With the board’s acceptance of this renovation project, the lifespan of the Ray Williamson Pool can be extended by up to 20 years. The renovation project schedule is dependent on numerous factors but is targeted to begin in the spring of either 2024 or 2025. Extensive studies have shown this renovation to be the most fiscally responsible approach to moving forward at the existing Aquatic Center. To see the Prioritized Project Strategy, click here.

The Stemper AC project strategy focuses on overlapping tasks for efficiency and with the goal of minimizing closure times. Despite this aggressive strategy, the renovation will require the Ray Williamson pool to be shut down for approximately eight months. As with any structure of this age, additional discovered conditions are a possibility. Depending on the severity of the conditions discovered, the project may need to be extended.

Benefits of the renovation:

• Keeps the pool operational for an additional 15-20 years.
• Conversion to a safer disinfection system will provide a better user experience and cost less to operate than the current gas-chlorine system.
• Conversion to a sand filtration system will be more sustainable and safer for employees than the current Diatomaceous Earth filtration system.
• Allows current service levels to continue to be met into the future without fear of system failures.
• Facility will be updated to current codes and standards.

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

The District is considering options for upgrading the sports fields at Strawberry Hill Park. One of those options is to plan and install a synthetic turf field in place of the existing sports fields at Strawberry Hill Park. To see a presentation of the project, click here.

SEPA Environmental Checklist
Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance

Proposed Concept Plan/Feasibility Study for Aquatic Center

The board of commissioners agreed to allocate funding in 2022 and 2023 to make necessary repairs to the Ray Williamson Pool to avoid any significant closures. This will also ensure that the community and the Park District’s Board of Commissioners have the proper time to determine a replacement solution for the Ray Williamson Pool.

Click here for the proposed concept plan/feasibility study with three pool options for replacing the Ray Williamson Pool. For background information, see below.

Background & Basis of Study

In recognition of the need for public park facilities and, in particular, a swimming pool, island voters approved the formation of the Bainbridge Island Park & Recreation District in a special election on May 25, 1965.  This effort was spearheaded by members of the Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island with the active support of numerous other groups on the island. The first board meeting of the new Park District was held on June 4, 1965.

To stabilize funding operations and long-term planning for the Park District, island residents voted on September 14, 2004, to approve the formation of the Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park & Recreation District.  As a metropolitan park district, the Park District now operates under a tax structure that provides the community with ongoing funding for their local Park District and thereby assures island residents of continued park and recreation services from year to year.

In February 2015, the Bainbridge Island community voted in favor of purchasing the Sakai property located in the heart of the island and directly across the street from the current aquatic center. The District conducted a public process to determine the public’s interests in the new site, and one of the 12 items generated from the process was a 50-meter pool to replace the aging Ray Williamson lap pool.

In the Summer of 2017, the District commissioned an assessment of the Ray Williamson lap pool. The study confirmed the pool was beyond its useful life and no longer meeting the community’s needs. The same study proposed three alternatives to meet the growing community needs. In conclusion, the District’s board of commissioners decided to pursue further studies on operation and construction costs of a new facility in connection with the current facility as opposed to the Sakai property across the street.

Aquatic Center Replacement Plan Archives

Sakai Property

Sakai Park Update Presentation (5.18.23)

District Timeline

Sakai Park Tennis Courts

Sakai Park Development Statement (5.3.23)

Sakai Environmental Site Assessment Phase 1

Sakai FAQ
Sakai Site Map
Sakai Property Appraisal

Adopted Concept Plan for Sakai Park

The board adopted the concept plan, and the public interest will continue to be utilized to determine public needs in the future. Click here to see adopted concept plan and feasibility study for Sakai Park (Schematic Design). For background information, see below.

Sakai Park & June 6, 2019 Park Board Meeting

At the June 6, 2019 regular board meeting of the Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park & Recreation District, the feasibility study for the Sakai Park Concept Plan will be presented by Jones & Jones. For more info about this meeting, click here. For minutes from this meeting, click here.

To review materials presented by Jones & Jones at the 6/6/19 board meeting, click on items below:

Sakai 6-6-19 Schematic Design for Board Presentation

Feasibility Schematic Design Report Final

Sakai Park Conceptual- Feasibility Capital Costs

Sakai Park Review and Feasibility Study Introduction

Click here for Jones & Jones presentation overview from the November 15, 2018 board meeting. Click here for minutes from this board meeting.

Sakai Park Feasibility Study

At the October 4, 2018 regular board meeting of the Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park & Recreation District, the Board of Commissioners selected from a competitive RFQ process, the architect and landscape architect Jones & Jones to conduct a feasibility study for Sakai Park based on the concept plan adopted by the board on 6/21/18. The work will include schematic designs for the facilities presented in the concept plan, estimated capital costs, and an operational study that will include estimated costs to operate the facility.  Click here for the minutes from the 10/4/18 park board meeting.

Sakai Park & June 21, 2018 Park Board Meeting

At the June 21, 2018 regular board meeting of the Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park & Recreation District, the Board of Commissioners adopted the concept plan for Sakai Park that was developed by Jones & Jones in 2017. Subsequent to this board meeting an RFQ/RFP is soliciting for feasibility, phasing and other related design details. For more info about this meeting, click here. Click here for minutes from this meeting.

Status of Sakai Park as of May 2018

As a follow up to the concept plan presented to the Park Board by Jones & Jones on 12/7/17, the Park District will be seeking next month proposals from architects that will outline how they would provide specifics and costs for the recommended option presented in the Jones & Jones plan. This will be a formal RFQ (Request for Qualification) process conducted by the Park District with the intent of selecting the most qualified firm to work with in fleshing out options for the park. Look for more information about this later this summer.

At this time, the Park Board of Commissioners has not taken any formal action pertaining to Sakai Park’s development or amenities. There is planning and development underway for a trail through the park. Trail work is subject to City approvals and wetland mitigation.

Board Meeting Agenda Topic for 2/15/18

The Park Board of Commissioners will be reviewing the concept plan for Sakai Park developed by architect Jones & Jones at the February 15, 2018 regular board meeting of the Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park & Recreation District. Possible board action could be taken. Click here for agenda. Click here for minutes from this meeting.

Sakai Park Concept Plan

Click here to view the concept plan (click here for the appendix) for Sakai Park presented by Jones & Jones to the Park Board of Commissioners at the 12/7/17 board meeting. During this board meeting, the Commissioners took action accepting the master concept plan and opening it up for public comments. The plan was not adopted at the 12/7/17 board meeting.

Public comments are now being sought on this proposed concept plan and are due by January 31, 2018. Please submit comments to Senior Planner Perry Barrett at perry@biparks.org. Click here for public notice.

Board adoption of the proposed concept plan is considered for the February 15, 2018 board meeting.

Board Meeting Agenda Topic for 12/7/17 

At the December 7, 2017 regular board meeting of the Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park & Recreation District, Jones & Jones will present to the Park Board of Commissioners their recommended concept plan for Sakai Park. Board action may be taken. 

The concept plan Jones & Jones will recommend to the board on 12/7/17 is based on recommended uses for Sakai Park generated by the community after an extensive 2016 public process.  In early 2017, Jones & Jones was asked to research and assess the feasibility of the community’s recommended uses for the park in the context of site constraints. At three different public meetings this past summer, Jones & Jones presented site plan options to the community and board, and gathered input. The concept plan they will present on 12/7/17 reflects the citizen input that was provided, as well as zoning and site constraints.

Click here to view the agenda of the 12/7/17 park board meeting. To see the minutes of the 12/7/17 board meeting, click here. 

Board Meeting Agenda Topic for 9/21/17:

Click here for a PDF of the Jones & Jones presentation.

At the September 21, 2017 regular board meeting of the Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park & Recreation District, a third presentation was made by Jones & Jones on site plan options for Sakai Park. For more information, click here. To see the minutes of the 9/21/17 board meeting, click here.

Ray Williamson Pool Assessment Study

To see the Ray Williamson Pool Assessment Study, click here. This study was presented at the August 17, 2017 board meeting, with action pertaining to it taken on September 7, 2017. To see the minutes of these two board meetings click on the following links: 8/17/17, 9/7/17.

Board Meeting Agenda Topic for 7/6/17:

Click here for a PDF of the Jones & Jones presentation. Click here for a conceptual draft cost estimate.

At the July 6, 2017 regular board meeting of the Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park & Recreation District, a second presentation was made by Jones & Jones on site plan options for Sakai Park. For more info, click here. To see the minutes of the 7/6/17 board meeting, click here.

Board Meeting Agenda Topics for 6/1/17:

Click here for a PDF of the Jones & Jones presentation. Submit questions by June 15, 2017 to Senior Planner, Perry Barrett at perry@biparks.org. To see the minutes of the 6/1/17 board meeting, click here.

On the topic of a 50-meter pool, there were a couple of comments at the June 1, 2017 public meeting that the landscape architects and architects are following up on regarding the total necessary square footage. Both the Port Orchard Pool and Weyerhaeuser Aquatic Center were cited or discussed as suggestions for comparison by the original work group. We will post an update soon.

Sakai Park Site Plan Options
Action: Presentation by Jones & Jones.  (For more info on this agenda topic, click here)
Miniature Steam Train Attraction for Children with Quarter Mile Track at Sakai Park
Action: Possible motion to approve Sakai Park as location for steam train attraction.
Please note that the 6/1/17 board meeting will be held at the Bainbridge Island Aquatic Center at 7pm.

Board Meeting Agenda Topic for 5/18/17:

Feasibility Study and Site Plan for Miniature Steam Train Attraction for Children with Quarter Mile Track at Sakai Park
Action:  Information only.

Board Meeting Agenda Topic for 4/6/17:

Miniature Steam Train Attraction for Children with Quarter Mile Track at Sakai Park
Action: Possible motion to approve Sakai Park as location for steam train attraction.

Site Design

The next phase of site design and planning for Sakai Park is occurring.  The Park District selected from a competitive RFQ process the firm Jones & Jones.  Landscape designers and planners will provide site configurations and analysis based on the recommendations submitted by the public’s design committees in 2016.  We look forward to having preliminary designs this spring and a final design recommendation this summer. 

Proposed Schedule:

March

• Develop conceptual design options based on community recommended uses (This would include preliminary utilities, parking/circulation/grading)
• Present Sustainable Systems Analysis and conceptual design options to Park District staff for input, select preferred option(s)/park elements for further refinement

April

• Develop preferred options/park elements with conceptual cost budgeting

May

• Present preferred options/park elements with conceptual cost budgeting to Park Staff and Park Board for input

June

• Present Final preferred option with conceptual cost budgeting and permitting elements to Park Staff, Park Board, and Design Review Board for input

July

• Present Final preferred option with conceptual cost budgeting and permitting elements to Park Board and the public

Minutes/Documents from 2016 Public Process:

Minutes for the first public meeting held on 1-23-16
Minutes for the second public meeting held on 4-23-16
Letter regarding process as of 05-16-16
Summary of public process as of 05-16-16
Minutes for the third public meeting held on 7-16-16
Letter from Bob Linz with Community’s List of Recommended Uses
Excerpts from Board Meeting minutes: Work group presentations to Park Board on 7/21/16
Excerpts from Board Meeting minutes: Work group presentations to Park Board on 8/18/16

8-18-16 Board Meeting presentation schedule and presentations and /or handouts when available:

6:05p     Public Survey – link to results

6:20p     Create A Table – handout

6:35p     Multi-Use, Multi-Age Community Center – link to presentation & handout

7-21-16 Board Meeting presentation schedule and presentations and /or handouts when available:

6:00 PM:

• Tables
• Values – presentation
• Tennis Courts – handout

6:45 PM:

• Financial Feasibility – presentation
• 50 Meter Pool – presentation, and handout

7:00 PM:

• Demographics
• Mountain Bike Area – presentation
• Youth Sports – presentation

Information Generated at 1-23-16 Meeting

• Values
• Idea List updated 2-3-16 (additions added to the bottom of the list; exact duplicates have been removed)
• Issues for Consideration
• Work Groups

2020 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PLANNING PROCESS

ADOPTED 2020 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

The 2020 Comprehensive Plan of the Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park & Recreation District was adopted at the March 5, 2020, board meeting. To view related links, click below:

Adopted 2020 Comprehensive Plan
Appendix
Corresponding Resolution

The Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park & Recreation District is initiating a Washington State-mandated planning update to its six-year comprehensive park, open space, and recreation plan.  This effort will update the park inventory and assess the adequacy of community recreation resources on Bainbridge Island and recreation programming trends. The Park District conducted a public participation outreach through this effort with meetings, an online forum, and a survey.

The information collected will show areas of importance to community residents from which future goals and possible capital projects are derived. Capital projects can include park acquisition and park improvements or development. The updated comprehensive plan will set the direction for the next six years on which capital projects could be funded in upcoming annual budget cycles.  It also assists grant-seeking efforts regarding eligibility for state and federal programs.

2020 Comprehensive Plan Working Timeline
Chapter Review Process

Public Involvement Outcomes Report
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D
Appendix E
Appendix F

SEPA REVIEW

The 2020 Comprehensive Plan has entered the public comment period for SEPA review and will conclude on January 24, 2020. The draft Comprehensive Plan was approved on December 19, 2019, by the Park Board of Commissioners, subject to SEPA review. For related documents, click on the following links:

SEPA Notice
SEPA Checklist
2020 Comprehensive Plan (Approved by Park Board subject to SEPA review)

See below for background information and documents related to this comprehensive plan update.

Board Review of Comprehensive Plan Chapters

During upcoming board meetings and work sessions, the Park Board of Commissioners reviewed the Comprehensive Plan chapter by chapter. All board meetings and work sessions are open to the public. Click here for a working timeline. See the links below for related documents. To view chapters slated for the Board’s initial review and subsequent second reviews, scroll down to “Board Review of Comprehensive Plan Chapters.”

December 5, 2019, Board Meeting

The Board will conduct an initial review of the entire draft comprehensive plan at this meeting. To submit written comments, email Senior Planner Perry Barrett by 5:00 pm on December 4 at perry@biparks.org.

In January 2020, there will be a SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) review period during which other agencies and additional public comments may be submitted.

Draft of Entire Comprehensive Plan

October 24, 2019 Board Work Session

The Board will conduct an initial review of the following chapters at this meeting. To submit written comments on these chapters, email Senior Planner Perry Barrett by 5:00 pm on October 23 at perry@biparks.org.

Chapter 7: Finance (initial review)
Chapter 7: Finance (subsequent review with board and public input)

Chapter 8: Implementation (initial review)
Chapter 8: Implementation (subsequent review with board and public input)

Executive Summary (initial review)
Executive Summary (subsequent review with board and public input)

Appendix Glossary (initial review)
Appendix Glossary (subsequent review with board and public input)

October 10, 2019, Board Work Session

The Board will conduct an initial review of the following chapters at this meeting. To submit written comments on these chapters, email Senior Planner Perry Barrett by 5:00 pm on 10/9/19 at perry@biparks.org.

Chapter 4: Plan Element – Land & Facilities (initial review)
Chapter 4: Plan Element – Land & Facilities (subsequent review with board and public input)

Chapter 5: Park Exhibits (initial review)
Chapter 5: Park Exhibits (subsequent review with board and public input)

Appendix: Historic Sites (initial review)
Appendix: Historic Sites (subsequent review with board and public input)

September 19, 2019, Board Meeting

The Board will conduct an initial review of the following chapter at this meeting. To submit written comments on this chapter, email Senior Planner Perry Barrett by 5:00 pm on September 18 at perry@biparks.org.

Chapter 3: Plan Element – Programs (initial review)
Chapter 3: Plan Element – Programs (subsequent review with board and public input)

September 12, 2019, Board Work Session

The Board will conduct an initial review of the following chapters at this meeting. To submit written comments on these chapters, email Senior Planner Perry Barrett by 5:00 pm on September 11 at perry@biparks.org.

Chapter 2: Goals & Objectives (initial review)
Chapter 2: Goals & Objectives (subsequent review with board and public input)

Chapter 6: Levels of Service (initial review)
Chapter 6: Levels of Service (subsequent review with board and public input)

August 1, 2019, Board Meeting

The Board will review the following chapters at this meeting. If you would like to submit written comments on this chapter, please email Senior Planner Perry Barrett by 5:00 pm on July 31 at perry@biparks.org.

Introduction

Chapter 1: Context & Settings (initial review)
Chapter 1: Context & Settings (subsequent review with board and public input)

On July 10, 2014 by Resolution 2014-14, the Park Board of Commissioners adopted the six-year 2014 Comprehensive Plan for parks, recreation and open space. To view the 2014 Comprehensive Plan documents, see the links below.

Current Comprehensive Plan (full document)

Legal Notice
SEPA Environmental Checklist

Resolution 2014-12: 2014 Comprehensive Plan Adoption Subject to SEPA Review
Resolution 2014-14: 2014 Comprehensive Plan Adoption

The Battle Point Park Pickleball Courts have entered the public comment period for SEPA review and will conclude on March 20, 2020. For related documents, click on the following links:

SEPA Notice
SEPA Checklist
Site Map
Related Introductory Letter

Athletic Club Purchase Proposal

Frequently Asked Questions — Acquisition of Bainbridge Athletic Club by the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District