Bainbridge Island's newest open space park is now part of the Park District's system, thanks to a 7.3-acre purchase on Koura Road by the Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation.
The parcel was purchased from the Hayashida family, which has stewarded it for generations. It will remain passive open space with recreational trails. The purchase was funded by two generous private donors through the Parks & Trails Foundation.
The parcel has been transferred to the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District. The Park District will have conversations with neighbors prior to the development of trails.
Interpretive signage at the yet-to-be-named park will share the history of Japanese American agriculture in the Koura Road area. Japanese American families owned and farmed strawberries there through the mid-20th century, in what is now the Meadowmeer neighborhood.
The new park fronts both Koura Road and Miller Road, wrapping around a developed parcel at the Koura/Miller intersection. Protective covenants restrict the property to passive uses and nonmotorized trails.
Executive Director Dan Hamlin said, “This property has been part of our island's agricultural and cultural fabric for generations, and we're honored to help preserve that legacy as parkland. We look forward to working with the community this fall to shape trails that honor this history while giving islanders a beautiful new place to connect with nature.”
“This land has such rich cultural history and many stories to share, beyond its great value for public open space and trails,” said Mary Meier, executive director of the Parks & Trails Foundation. “We are grateful to the Hayashida family for their stewardship of this property and for the opportunity to purchase it for parkland. Two very generous donors made this possible, in addition to all our supporters who keep us strong and ready to respond to these important opportunities.”
There are presently no trails on the property and no access. We ask your patience in the meantime to respect neighbors and the natural habitat. We look forward to a public celebration soon.