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7 Unique Retreats in Washington
If you’re in need of a vacation to relax and recharge, here are seven of our favorite unique retreats. From family-friendly vacations to adults-only spa retreats, we’ve included something for everyone. Washington state has so many beautiful places to enjoy and these seven are sure to amaze and inspire.
Alderbrook Resort and Spa in Union
Photo by Alderbrook Resort & Spa.
Situated on the shore of the picturesque Hood Canal, the Alderbrook Resort is tucked away in nature. Available activities include yoga on the beach, boat excursions and kayak rentals, guided hikes, and forest meditation. Guests have the choice of rooms or cottages, some of which are pet-friendly. Live music enhances the weekend atmosphere, and available activities change with the seasons.
Travel Time from Bainbridge Island: 1 hour and 20 minutes (59 miles)
Post Hotel in Leavenworth
Photo by Post Hotel.
This adult-only retreat brings the Alps’ wellness concepts to the mountains of Leavenworth. Throughout the hotel, you can enjoy multiple relaxation lounges, saunas, steam rooms, pools, and a truly luxurious feel. A European breakfast, light lunch, and coffee and tea are all provided. If you want to explore the outdoors, you can rent bicycles, snowshoes, or cross-country skis. Or, check out the putting course nearby. For an upgraded experience, spa services are available.
Travel Time from Bainbridge Island: 3 hours and 20 minutes (130 miles + ferry)
Rosario Resort on Orcas Island
Photo by Rosario Resort.
A gem along the Eastsound of Orcas Island, the Rosario Resort is on the National Register of Historic Places. The resort is spread out over 40 acres with incredible views around every corner. The Moran Museum provides a colorful history of the resort as well as the history of famous shipbuilder Robert Moran. Self-guided tours are available. There are multiple pools on-site, three restaurants, a spa, and activities in the marina.
Travel Time from Bainbridge Island: 4.5 hours (125 miles + 2 ferries)
Ross Lake Resort in Ross Lake, Northern Cascades
Photo by Ross Lake Resort.
A true “away from it all” experience, Ross Lake Resort is a floating oasis in the middle of the Northern Cascades. It is open seasonally from mid-June to October. Although you must book far in advance, this floating resort is worth the wait. Established in 1952, the Ross Lake Resort was constructed on what was formerly a floating logging camp. You can stay at the lodge, camp, or visit for a day trip. There are no on-site restaurants or stores, so bring your own food and supplies.
Travel Time from Bainbridge Island: 3.5 hours (135 miles + ferry + boat)
Salish Lodge & Spa in Snoqualmie Falls
Photo by Salish Lodge & Spa.
Snoqualmie Falls is one of the most iconic landmarks in Washington, and this lodge is perched just above it. Being a guest of Salish Lodge means you have exclusive access to golf at the private Club at Snoqualmie Ridge, the only Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in Washington. A full-service spa and pools round out the retreat vibe of this local gem. This is also a great setting for meetings, weddings, and events, and the restaurant and falls view make for a great day trip destination.
Travel Time from Bainbridge Island: 1.5 hours (38 miles + ferry)
Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine
Photo by Semiahmoo Resort.
A getaway for the whole family! Semiahmoo offers kayak, standup paddleboarding, and bicycle rentals. Additionally, you can enjoy all kinds of activities on-site including live music, lawn games, outdoor movies, beach bonfires, fine dining, golf, a heated pool, and a spa with an array of treatments. Near the Canadian border, this resort has something for everyone. If you’re planning a trip there, be sure to check out their Resort Guide (PDF). It’s a helpful reference tool.
Travel Time from Bainbridge Island: 3 hours (120 miles)
Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum
Photo by Suncadia Resort.
One of the largest resorts in our state, Suncadia sits on 6,000+ acres of beautiful forest with three golf courses, multiple restaurants, miles of hiking and biking trails, and tons to see and do. Their summer activity guide is a great resource for everything available from kayak and ATV rentals to guided fishing excursions, concerts, and art. Winter activities include skiing and tubing. This resort is a true way to experience so many of Washington’s best recreation options.
Travel Time from Bainbridge Island: 2.5 hours (93 miles + ferry)
Second Quarter Market Review for Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge’s real estate market exceeded expectations in our second quarter. That’s even compared to last year’s similarly strong performance. We’ve compiled key highlights to keep you in the know about our local market.
Our Strong Seller’s Market
Bainbridge Island is still an increasingly competitive market, and we just had a strong second quarter. Since Bainbridge is so close to Seattle and retains its island beauty, it continues to attract buyers moving away from bigger cities as the way we work continues to trend toward remote work. There are still many more highly motivated buyers than sellers. Inventory remains low and demand remains high. Our Brokers can help navigate this competitive market. We’ve seen continued situations where buyers are outbid either by price or by an all-cash offer. Having a local expert as your guide can help you achieve success.
In the last five quarters outlined in the graph below, the continued growth trend in sales volume for the second quarter of 2021 is even higher than 2020’s second quarter. That was during the Covid lockdowns, which prompted a surge in home buying in places outside major cities – like Bainbridge Island and beyond. 
Average Prices
With our lower supply, we continue to see even higher prices. And, still, many buyers are showing that they are willing to meet the demands of Bainbridge’s pricing. As you can see below, the listing and sale prices both continue to rise. Sellers continue to benefit from our inventory shortage.
Market Insights from Matthew Gardner
In his most recent Monday with Matthew, our Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner, begins with the staggering fact that “prices have risen almost three-fold, as the cost to finance has dropped by 72%.” If the number sounds too good (or bad) to be true, that’s because it is. To get an accurate picture, you also have to consider inflation. Gardner points out that “just like other goods and services, the price of a house today is not directly comparable to the price of that same house 30 years ago”. That’s due to the influence of inflation in the long run. When you adjust for inflation, the rise in housing prices becomes less drastic. Without adjusting for inflation, “prices have risen by 268%.” But when you adjust for inflation, the “real prices have increased by 83.6%.” Therefore, “the increase is significantly lower than most people are talking about today.” This should come as welcome news to discouraged first-time home buyers.
Gardner then compares mortgage payments. Although, without adjusting for inflation, “mortgage payments have increased by 74.3%,” the inflation-adjusted “real payments are 10.7% lower!”. Of course, there are other monthly payments associated with homeownership like property taxes. They do not change with market fluctuations. But this still indicates “that prices have been able to rise so significantly because mortgage rates have dropped.” Additionally, home prices adjusted for inflation really haven’t skyrocketed, though many seem to think so. Again, this is great news for buyers.
There are some caveats, though. Gardner clarifies that “there are some markets across the country where the picture isn’t quite as rosy. In these places, prices have risen significantly more than the national average.” The Seattle metropolitan subunit, which extends around our local area, is one of these places. This is largely from the increasing affluence in relation to the tech boom.
Not a Housing Bubble
Gardner says the bottom line is “there are quantifiable reasons to believe that we are not in a national housing bubble today. But some markets will experience a significant slowdown in price growth given where prices are today in concert with the spectre of rising mortgage rates.” Ultimately, it’s still a strong seller’s market with an overall low supply and high demand. We expect to continue to see issues with affordability as prices and mortgage rates continue to climb.
Which Bainbridge Island Neighborhood Suits You?
Bainbridge Island’s stunning views and small-town charm attract tourists and buyers alike. It’s also just a quick 35-minute ferry ride away from Seattle. If you are thinking of moving here, it’s best to get an idea of what distinguishes one part of the island from another. Across the island, you’ll find wonderful parks, beaches, hiking trails, and top-tier schools, but there are many different neighborhoods and types of homes. From downtown condos to family-owned farms, wooded retreats to waterfront estates, Bainbridge has an eclectic mix. Here’s an overview of the northern, central, and southern parts of the island.
1. North Bainbridge Island
Above Fay Bainbridge Park. Photo by Leo Phillips.
The Agate Point area is near Agate Pass Bridge, which connects Bainbridge to the rest of the Kitsap Peninsula. There are many homes in the woods and there are others that have water views. It’s also close to the Bloedel Reserve. A 150-acre island gem, the Bloedel Reserve was named one of North America’s Top 10 Botanical Gardens in 2020.
Another notable neighborhood is Port Madison. Homes typically have waterfront views and a New England feel. They’re also conveniently close to the Port Madison Yacht Club, and Fay Bainbridge Park, which has over 1,400 feet of shoreline. This area is also home to the newer Hidden Cove Estates, which has acres of open space and a waterfront park.
If you’re looking for a home with a view of the Olympic Mountains that’s also a waterfront property, consider Manzanita Bay. It has sandy beaches and it is near Meadowmeer Golf & Country Club and 90-acre Battle Point Park.
For a more rural take on island life, Rolling Bay is a quaint community with many homes on acreage. It’s a historic farming area and it’s near the central part of the island. So, you can easily get away from it all yet still be just a ten-minute drive from downtown Winslow.
2. Central Bainbridge Island
Winslow Way and Eagle Harbor. Photo by Leo Phillips.
Central Bainbridge is where to go if you prefer a more urban lifestyle since it’s the economic center of the island, and where the ferry to Seattle is located. Manitou Beach and Murden Cove are perfect places to find a waterfront property with a view of the Seattle skyline.
Wing Point is another popular neighborhood with a variety of homes. Many houses are near Wing Point Golf & Country Club, and some have views of Eagle Harbor.
The cultural center of Bainbridge Island is downtown Winslow. It has interesting boutiques, award-winning restaurants, art galleries, and museums. Thanks to the highly engaged Bainbridge Island Downtown Association, there is never a dull moment. There are many local events including outdoor summer concerts, a great farmers market, and much more. Many properties are within walking distance of Winslow Way, including single-family homes and contemporary condos.
3. South Bainbridge Island
Lynwood Center. Photo by Leo Phillips.
This area has excellent sun exposure and many homes in these neighborhoods have water and/or mountain views. This includes homes in Crystal Springs and Point White. Rockaway Beach and Port Blakely are also popular neighborhoods and there are many low bank waterfront homes there. Additionally, Port Blakely has newer homes built in the early 2000s.
Lynwood Center provides islanders on the south side with their own little downtown, and it’s home to the historic Lynwood Theatre. The surrounding area has grown in recent years with new developments and the renovation of Pleasant Beach Village. You’ll find a variety of shops and restaurants and it is unlike any other area, thanks to its Tudor-style architecture and unique history.
Near the southern tip of the island lies Fort Ward State Park, a 137-acre marine park with over 4,000 feet of shoreline on Rich Passage. The large Fort Ward neighborhood connects to part of Pleasant Beach Drive, which is often referred to as the Gold Coast of Bainbridge since it has many gorgeous, low bank waterfront homes on expansive lots.
After learning more about our island’s neighborhoods, you might be drawn to many of them for different reasons. Can you really go wrong when it comes to living on Bainbridge Island? We don’t think so. Each neighborhood is beautiful in its own way. It’s simply a matter of finding which one fits your wants and needs – and then finding the perfect home to match.
For more information about our area, check out our Newcomer’s Guide to Bainbridge Island. In it, you’ll find videos, articles, and helpful links to learn about our neighborhoods, schools, outdoor activities, housing prices by city, local home buying resources, and much more.
Community Spotlight: Bainbridge Island Saddle Club
The volunteers of Bainbridge Island Saddle Club (BISC) make equestrianism accessible to locals. Powered by the efforts of community members, BISC provides a family-family environment for beginners and experienced riders to come together.
Take it from one of Windermere‘s Brokers Ashley Mathews. “Bainbridge Island Saddle Club is such a hidden gem in this community. Riders come from barns all over Kitsap to compete in the safe and fun schooling shows. Many participate in Pony Club and even learn archery while on horseback. I have had some of the best times riding in Saddle Club shows and enjoy peaceful walks with friends on the trails. We are so lucky!”
Ashley Mathews riding Nektonia in Manzanita Park.
Bainbridge Island Saddle Club’s Mission
Bainbridge Island Saddle Club is a non-profit whose mission is to promote good horsemanship and foster new equestrians. They frequently host a variety of educational activities such as schooling shows and clinics for children and adults.
The schooling show series includes hunter-jump and dressage. Their offerings run from spring to fall. Then the community comes together with an annual awards banquet to celebrate and honor the members’ achievements. Additionally, families from all over Kitsap County participate in their educational clinics to gain experience with their horses.
“It’s a great local horse club for beginners to experienced riders. Volunteers do everything from setting up for the shows, flipping hamburgers and tallying scores. They own acreage, a nice arena, and a snack shack and do monthly horse shows from spring until October. It is located next to Manzanita Park, which has 200 acres with groomed trails,” says Maureen Buckley, Managing Broker.
Maureen Buckley riding Houston at a Dressage Show.
Get Involved
Bainbridge Island Saddle Club is funded through membership fees, event fees, and community members’ donations of time, money, and expertise. An annual membership at BISC comes with multiple benefits such as discounted rates for shows and clinics, invitations to special events, and the chance to win points toward year-end awards and prizes.
Unfortunately, the effects of the pandemic pushed back many facility improvements. Thankfully, last year Bainbridge Island Saddle Club joined One Call For All’s non-profit network. One Call For All supports over 100 non-profits on Bainbridge Island through their annual Red Envelope Campaign. The campaign decreases the direct mail solicitation and cuts down on every non-profits fundraising costs. If you’d like to support Bainbridge Island Saddle Club, you can make a donation online.
4 Tips for Buying a House in Our Strong Seller’s Market
Many buyers are scrambling to secure their dream homes, especially since we have such a strong seller’s market here on Bainbridge Island. Multiple offer situations have become very common. Additionally, our agents know of many situations in which buyers are waiving inspections or are outbid by price or by all-cash offers. Not to worry, our local experts are here to help. Here are four tips and insights.
1. Make Sure You Can View Homes Right Away
“Be ready to view homes ASAP so you don’t miss out on getting a showing appointment,” says Broker Diane Sugden.
Many homes are only on the market for a matter of days. They come and go quickly, so there is little time to debate. Make sure you are prepared to adjust your schedule as needed before you start looking at listings. Make a list of all of the neighborhoods/areas you are open to, as well as any must-haves and deal-breakers for you. This will save you time and help you view the right homes quickly with a focused approach.
2. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Local Experts
“Work with local experts! From your lender to your realtor to your closing escrow team. Professional history and work ethic are critical in crafting a strong offer where the seller can take comfort knowing their home will close on time, with no surprises,” says Susan Grosten, Managing Broker.
Undoubtedly, a real estate agent who knows the local market, the community, and the right vendors will be a tremendous help. They also have an established track record and are skilled negotiators. It’s not uncommon for experienced local agents to have worked with the agent representing the seller, which can be to your advantage. From lenders to home inspectors, home repair crews to community resources, local agents’ connections can help you in many ways.
3. Get Pre-Approved Locally
“Get yourself pre-approved with a LOCAL lender. This will serve you well as the listing broker will want to assure their sellers that the buyer can close. Most agents prefer to work with a local lender who has a proven track record and is easily accessible,” advises Broker Diane Sugden.
Getting pre-approved with a local lender will help the sellers feel great about your offer. Taking this step can make a difference, especially since they’ll want to close as quickly as possible.
4. Do Your Due Diligence
Make sure to really analyze different aspects of a property that you’re looking to buy. It shows you’re really ready to buy and can help distinguish you in a multiple offer situation. “In one instance, the sellers chose my clients because of the due diligence they did before placing their offer on the house. This pre-inspection gave my clients information on the condition and functionality of the home. Additionally, it gave the sellers confidence that my clients were serious, did their due diligence, and presented a solid offer,” says Broker Jenn Herrmann. Sellers do not want to waste any time. Anything you can do to prove that you won’t pull your offer at the last minute will give them peace of mind.
To learn more about our current market, watch our video below with stats from this year’s first quarter. For more in-depth information, read our First Quarter Market Review.
What To Consider When Buying Land To Build A House
If you haven’t found the home of your dreams, you may be thinking about building it instead. Buying land and building your ideal home gives you the ability to customize as much as you want – or as much as your budget will allow. It is an exciting yet complex process so our real estate agents have provided five tips to help you get started.
1. Build an Excellent Team
“Interview and find your builder even before you start your land search. Your realtor can assist with finding land parcels, the known details, title issues, and general issues with the city,” says Broker Julie Miller.
“Along with your real estate broker, you will want to construct your team of experts: design/architect, developer/contractor,” explains Broker Andy Moore. “These individuals must be very experienced and familiar with the community’s regulatory elements that you plan to build. These folks, along with other experts, will be invaluable in achieving your new home objectives.”
When it comes to a successful build, having a highly-skilled, efficient team is crucial. Most likely, you’ll be working with a group of professionals for several months. Therefore, you want to make sure that you have team members you trust who offer local expertise.
2. Analyze the Location
Location, Location, Location! It’s important to keep zoning and potentially related issues in mind. This is where your team of professionals comes in handy. Jurisdictions may have land that’s zoned for residential or commercial use or both. You’ll need to find out if the land you’re looking to purchase is zoned for your specific interests and needs.
Additionally, Mother Nature is a powerful force. It’s essential to keep in mind what sort of hazards may come up and how the land you’re looking to buy would be impacted by a natural disaster. From wildfires to floods, earthquakes to mudslides, take every possibility seriously.
3. Do Your Utilities Research
“For raw land, start researching power immediately. An official design and accurate cost estimate from Puget Sound Energy can take up to a year or more to achieve,” explains Jason Galbreath, Broker.
Unless you plan on living entirely off the grid, you’ll need to figure out how your house will get water, electricity, gas, waste, and cable. Contact water, power, waste, and other companies to understand the costs of connecting the land to utilities.
4. Understand What Waterfront Living Entails
If you’re specifically looking to build a waterfront property, you’ll want to consider many things in addition to the ones listed above. Keep in mind Puget Sound’s ecology, erosion potential, and the possible need for soft shore protection. Be sure to consult local experts when considering a specific parcel of land. Discuss potential issues and considerations throughout the process to avoid problems down the road.
5. Check for Unrecorded Rights
“Make sure to ask the sellers if there are any unrecorded ‘rights’ to use the property,” states Broker Kelly Muldrow. Knowing the land’s complete history is a crucial step. In fact, Kelly recounted a cautionary tale from his own experience when representing buyers. “A couple of weeks before closing, an elderly relative produced a letter from the family stating she had a life estate allowing her to park her RV there and camp on the property for as long as she lived. The buyers had to hold off on clearing the property and building their dream home until she passed away.”
When it comes to buying land to build a house, it’s never as simple as it may seem. However, with thorough research, careful planning, and an excellent team of local professionals, you can turn your dream home into a reality.
Learn More about Bainbridge Island
If you’re thinking of building your dream home on Bainbridge Island, check out our Newcomer’s Guide. It’s full of helpful resources to get you better acquainted with our area. In it, you’ll find information about our neighborhoods, schools, entertainment options, outdoor activities, local home buying resources, and more.
First Quarter Market Review for Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge’s real estate market is picking up after the winter slowdown. We’ve compiled key highlights from our first quarter to keep you in the know about our local island market.
Our Strong Seller’s Market
Bainbridge Island has a very competitive market right now, and we just had a strong first quarter. With Bainbridge’s quaint island feel and its proximity to Seattle, it’s very appealing to people moving away from bigger cities as COVID-19 changes the way we work. There are still many eager buyers outnumbering sellers as inventory remains low and demand remains high. Our Brokers can help navigate this competitive market. We’ve seen many situations where buyers are outbid either by price or by an all-cash offer. Having a local expert as your guide can help you achieve success.
In the last five quarters outlined in the graph below, you can see that a similar growth trend in volume is repeated when comparing 2020’s first quarter to 2021’s first quarter. We saw quite a spike this past quarter from January to March. Get ready for the market to continue to heat up as we move from spring to summer.
With our lower supply, we’re seeing even higher prices. And, many buyers are willing to meet the demands of Bainbridge’s pricing. As you can see below, the listing and sale prices both continue to rise as sellers benefit from our inventory shortage. We’re beginning to see an affordability ceiling in which some people looking to buy on Bainbridge Island aren’t able to do so.
Affordability Issues and Market Insights
Matthew Gardner, Windermere’s Chief Economist, continues to track this affordability ceiling in his most recent Housing and Economic Update: “If the pace of home price growth continues, many households will start to be priced out” of what people can actually afford. As Gardner points out, we need more supply, and we need home prices to drop to alleviate this market strain.
Unfortunately, that might not happen fast enough for many hopeful homebuyers to make their dream a reality. Gardner reminds us that the cost of materials, recent storms, and the current housing market prices have all added to the cost of building new homes. This, in turn, will add to the listing price.
Additionally, Gardner points out that mortgage rates have risen after “a jump in bond yields has led rates to spike” as the country re-opens and economic activity increases. The resulting potential inflation causes the 10-year treasury interest rates to rise in hopes of attracting more buyers. However, it is still far below standard rates and shouldn’t be a concern for buyers right now.
Ultimately, it’s still a strong Seller’s Market with an overall low supply and high demand. We expect to continue to see issues with affordability as prices continue to climb.
Community Spotlight: Bainbridge Youth Services
Since 1970, Bainbridge Youth Services (BYS) has focused on young adults’ social and emotional wellbeing. As a proud community partner, we strongly support the vital work that their staff and volunteers do. From their youth outreach events to the services they provide, they are impacting many lives.
History of Bainbridge Youth Services
In 1962, youth counseling was only available in Bremerton, making it difficult for young adults on Bainbridge Island to find mental health services. Bainbridge residents created Bainbridge Youth Services to provide a safe space for the community’s youth. BYS was monumental in supporting young adults on their mental health journey. Taking inspiration from Bremerton’s Child Guidance Center, BYS started a confidential counseling program, and their programs and events grew over time. Their offerings include Summer Work Internships in partnership with the Rotary Club of Bainbridge and the Peer Tutoring Program.
Our Windermere Bainbridge Island colleagues greatly appreciate these important programs. “I’ve worked with BYS in the past through Raising Resilience, and I’ve supported BYS’s programs and events. I see tremendous value in their on-site, free counseling services and their student empowerment events. Students have shared very moving testimonials at fundraising breakfasts,” says Broker Julie Miller, M.Ed.
Community Impact
2020 was a challenging year for many organizations across Kitsap County, but that didn’t stop BYS. In 2020, BYS shifted focus to virtual events in order to continue supporting youth on Bainbridge Island. “We have been so impressed by how the youth in Kitsap County are so resilient during the pandemic. BYS’s counseling services have given youth a safe place to explore their feelings around the pandemic, grieve over missing events, friendships, and in-person learning,” says Courtney Oliver, Executive Director of Bainbridge Youth Services. “Our youth have persevered through creative outlets like the creation of a Pandemic Bucket List and Pen Pal letters.”
In 2020, Bainbridge Youth Services provided 414 youth with counseling services and skill-building programs, served 161 students of all ages through Peer Tutoring, recognized 16 youth through the Compassionate Act Celebration, connected 118 students to Career Exploration Services, and worked with 342 parents in Parent Education programs.
On Feb. 5, 2021, over 600 community members’ decorated luminaria bags were on display in downtown Winslow for BYS’s “Hope Glows”, a free event to celebrate hope in action. Photo courtesy of BYS. View decorated luminarias.
How You Can Get Involved
Bainbridge Youth Services welcomes community members’ support. To get connected, visit their Get Involved page, where you can volunteer, share ideas, and nominate youth. “Consistently offering free counseling, employment help, tutoring and so much more has proven to literally save lives on Bainbridge Island,” says Broker Shannon Dierickx, who is a former BYS board member. “BYS believes in our youth and being a small part of this organization is one of my proudest endeavors.” Bainbridge Youth Services is part of the fabric of our strong community, and we thank all those involved for their continued efforts to support and empower future generations.
Community Spotlight: Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation
If great schools top the list of what draws new homebuyers to Bainbridge Island, great parks aren’t far behind. With more than 1,500 acres of public park land and a trails system that stretches 40 miles in all directions, exploring and enjoying Bainbridge parks goes to the very heart of island living.
Just ask Windermere Bainbridge Island Broker Jason Shutt. Serving on the board of the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation, Jason sees firsthand the payback that comes from the community’s investment in parks and trails.
“I grew up across the street from a large urban park and spent vacations going to national parks. So recreation is in my blood,” says Jason. He lives near Winslow town center with his wife Mairead and their three children. “I joined the Parks Foundation to ensure I live in a place that gives these same opportunities to others.”
An Island Rich in Parks
The island’s sprawling park system is managed by the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District, a municipal agency. But islanders consistently ask for amenities above and beyond what general tax funding affords. That’s where the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation comes in.
Closely aligned with, but independent from the Park District, the nonprofit Parks Foundation has raised more than $1,000,000 in private funds over the past five years. All funds raised have been for parks and trails projects, which benefit young and old alike. The Foundation led the development of Owen’s Playground, the island’s first accessible playground for kids of all abilities, at Rotary Park.
Photos of Owen’s Playground by Leo Phillips.
The new Pickleball Founders Courts at Battle Point Park opened last summer, built by Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District with support from the Parks Foundation. The six dedicated courts and plaza are pickleball’s first-ever permanent home on Bainbridge, honoring the game that was invented on Bainbridge Island in 1965.
Founders Courts. Photo by Leo Phillips.
Various Initiatives and Programs
The Foundation’s Community Grants program has supported countless smaller projects, from the high school sailing team’s fleet to diving boards and water stations at the Aquatic Center. Joe Richards, a Windermere Bainbridge Island Managing Broker and 22-year resident, has been involved with the Aquatic Center for over nine years and knows first-hand how beneficial it is. “The Masters swimming program, under the leadership of our world-class coach April Cheadle, has exceeded anything I could have hoped for. Thank you BI Parks for providing this person, this program, and this place for our community.”
The Foundation’s support also extends to environmental stewardship and restoration year-round, from Blakely Harbor Park to the Grand Forest, to smaller neighborhood parks islandwide. This is done through the Summer Trails Crew, Nonprofits Helping Parks, and other programs.
The Foundation’s current initiative, KidsUp! The Next Generation of Play at Battle Point Park is rebuilding the original KidsUp! as another inclusive, accessible playground. The centerpiece will be a giant, one-of-a-kind ferry boat play structure with climbable Orca whales. They will be “swimming” nearby to delight and educate kids about the natural environment of the Salish Sea.
“The more you learn about the Parks Foundation, the more you have to be impressed with its impact. Serving on the Foundation board has certainly opened my eyes,” Jason says. “I’m glad to share it with my clients, colleagues in the real estate community, and anyone else who asks. We have world-class parks here, and the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation is a big reason why.”
The Leader in Trails
When it comes to Bainbridge’s trails, you can quickly see Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation’s impact. The Foundation works with the Park District, the City of Bainbridge Island, and other stakeholders to plan and fund new trails connecting parks and neighborhoods. Soon you’ll be able to hike from Winslow all the way to Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve – an unprecedented cross-island route. It’s sure to be a real draw for visitors. And, it’s already drawing people to the island. Online guides like TripAdvisor are full of testimonials from around the country, including hikers wowed by our trails.
Current and Future Benefits
The Foundation is about to launch a major Trails Campaign. This will fund the development of 10 miles of new trails over the next five years. With museums, restaurants, and other cultural spaces largely closed down and/or limited due to the pandemic, many of us have turned to the outdoors for connection and health. No matter where you live on Bainbridge Island, there’s a park or trail near you. The Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation has probably done something to make it better.
“COVID has really brought the importance of our Bainbridge parks into focus,” says Jason, who co-chaired the Sakai Park bond campaign, to create the 23-acre park five years ago. “The lockdown and social distancing have kept us all pretty close to home for the past year. But we have our parks and trails as an outlet to stay active and healthy and grounded. Our community is extremely fortunate, and it shows what a great investment our parks have been and continue to be.”
You can find out more about the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation on their website, and you can support a park project that’s important to you.
Learn More about Bainbridge Island
If you’d like to learn more about our wonderful island community, check out our Newcomer’s Guide to Bainbridge Island. In it, you’ll find videos, articles, and helpful links to learn about our neighborhoods, schools, outdoor activities, local home buying resources, and much more.
Eco-Friendly Ideas to Improve Your Home and the Planet
Want to make your home more eco-friendly but aren’t sure where to start? Here are five great ways to reduce your energy costs, waste, and your home’s carbon footprint.
Reduce Your Use of One-Use Plastic Items
While plastic is incredibly useful in many forms, we often aren’t aware of the prevalence and impact of one-use plastic items. Each year, 500 billion disposable cups are consumed and only about 23% of all plastic bottles get recycled. You can easily purchase reusable water bottles and drink containers to do your part. Additionally, 32% of plastic packaging produced annually ends up in our oceans. That’s equal to pouring a garbage truck full of plastic into the ocean every minute. Another way to reduce your use of plastic: say no to straws or purchase reusable straws. Swap your standard plastic sandwich bags and trash bags for compostable BioBags. They’re just as handy and help the environment.
Start Composting
Unfortunately, our food doesn’t just decompose in landfills. When decomposing food is packed under layers of trash, it produces methane gas. Methane is at least 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide. You can avoid the hassle and the odor by simply putting a bin inside your freezer. Throw produce scraps into it and when it’s full, take it out to your compost bin or to a corner of your yard. Composting is also great for your garden, producing nutrient-rich soil. For additional information, here’s a helpful composting guide.
Switch to LED Light Bulbs
Another easy way to make your home more eco-friendly is to make the switch to LED light bulbs. You’ll save on your electricity bill and you’ll have a more energy-efficient home. LED light bulbs come in different color temperatures so you can choose between warm and cool lights to brighten your home. While incandescent light bulbs only convert 10% of energy into light and the rest is wasted as heat, LED light bulbs convert 95% energy into light.
Install a Smart Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a bit of an investment, but it pays off in the long run. By learning our temperature preferences, smart thermostats cut down on fossil fuel energy sources. The thermostat can lower your house’s demand for electricity produced by power plants, reducing carbon emissions.
Invest in Solar Panels
Solar panels have become increasingly popular since they reduce utility bills and really help our planet. Over 25 years, a standard solar panel installation can be equated to 135 tons of carbon dioxide emissions avoided, 440,000 miles not driven, and 2.3 acres of trees planted. In addition, houses with solar panels can sell for up to 4.1% more than those without solar panels.
