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Fun Fall Activities in North Kitsap
The leaves are turning and fall is here! Celebrate the season with some fun, local fall activities. Here’s a list to get you started.
Pumpkin Patches
Suyematsu Farms on Bainbridge Island
Photo by Suyematsu Farms.
A Bainbridge Island favorite for u-pick, Suyematsu Farms is back at it this year with their wonderful pumpkin patch. They grow many different types of squashes, gourds, and pumpkins. Celebrate autumn by taking festive photos and finding beautiful, delicious fall decor. Check their Instagram or their Facebook page to find out about special happenings.
Opened Saturday, September 25th
Hours: Weekdays 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM and Weekends 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fat Turnip Farms in Kingston
Photo by Bittina Erickson.
Fat Turnip Farms has a great farm stand with certified organic produce and they have a u-pick pumpkin patch. Their setup offers fun photo ops with friends or little ones, and they periodically offer events. Check their Facebook page for details.
Opened Friday, September 17th
Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Scandia Patch in Poulsbo
Photo by Scandia Patch.
This farm sits on 5 acres in Scandia and has been a local favorite since 1966. They have great produce, pumpkins, herbs, and flowers. Enjoy their beautiful fields and visit their animals. For current offerings, visit their Facebook page.
Open: Ongoing
Hours: Times vary; check their Facebook page for the latest information.
Fall Activities
Bainbridge Gardens’ 27th Annual Pumpkin Walk
Photos by Bittina Erickson.
This year is the 27th year the Bainbridge Gardens has hosted this free, delightful Halloween activity. The Bainbridge Gardens’ historic nature trail is lined with hundreds of hand-painted and carved pumpkins as well as themed vignettes. Pumpkin submissions are being requested to add to the pathway, and it’s an integral part of the experience. Live music and food trucks will be making guest appearances. Visit their website for more details.
Starts October 1st and ends October 31st
Hours: Mondays – Saturdays 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM and Sundays 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Battle Point Park’s Haunted Hayride on Bainbridge Island
The drive-thru version of this event is back again this year. For $25 per car, you can take a Halloween-themed drive to see fun displays and performances. The attractions are ongoing and cars are asked to continually drive slowly at 5mph to keep the flow of traffic moving. Additionally, you can enter the pumpkin carving contest (PDF) to have your jack-o-lantern displayed during the event. Prizes will be awarded to the top three pumpkins.
Starts Tuesday, October 19th and ends Thursday, October 21st
Hours: Drive-thru times are available from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and you can register here (one registration needed per vehicle)
Valley Nursery’s Fall Kickoff & Glass Pumpkin Patch in Poulsbo
Enjoy two fall activities at Valley Nursery in Poulsbo. First, check out their large selection of pumpkins at their Fall Kickoff, happening the first weekend in October. It includes raffle prizes and delicious food for purchase from Smoked Asian Food Truck, Viking Ice Cream, and Cookie Creations. The following week, they’re having their annual, one-day Glass Pumpkin Patch, sponsored by Tacoma Glass Blowing Studio. Come for the festivities and for lunch! The Barbacoa Food Truck will be there as well as Cookie Creations. Stay up to date on Valley Nursery’s happenings by visiting their Instagram.
Fall Kickoff is on Saturday, Oct. 2nd and Sunday, Oct. 3rd
Glass Pumpkin Patch is on Saturday, October 9th 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
First Signs of Fall
As a little bonus, watch our snapshot video showing the first signs of fall. We loved getting glimpses of fall’s colors at Poulsbo’s Fish Park.
New Agent Spotlight: Chris Miller
Although Managing Broker Chris Miller has extensive real estate experience, he’s new to our Windermere office but not to real estate on the island. So, we wanted to highlight him in our Q&A series. We’re delighted to have him. His expertise, fascinating background, and positivity are greatly appreciated.
What drew you to real estate?
I was drawn to real estate by the opportunity it gave me to run my own business and the freedom it gave me to give back to and be active in my community. It also afforded me the time to be the springboard diving coach on Bainbridge Island for almost 30 years.
What unique professional experiences or skills do you possess that enhance your abilities as a realtor?
My communication and organizational skills have been honed through successful production of events in a previous music career and concurrent athletic coaching career. When presented with a challenge, I relish researching for true and accurate information from original, reliable, and proven sources.
What personality traits do you think are important in this profession?
I believe this profession calls for the sincere personality traits of honesty, reliability, attention to the details, and of course, good etiquette.
Which areas do you serve and what do you love about the area?
I primarily serve the Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap areas. These are the places I know and understand. I love that Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap are the “midway” between Metropolitan Seattle and the wilderness areas of the Olympic Peninsula. It makes for a more relaxed pace of life and people seem more “grounded”. I love Puget Sound and the mountains.
How long have you lived here and what brought you here?
I moved here with nothing but my backpack in 1988 after hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. I stumbled on Bainbridge Island while taking a side track visit to the Hoh Rainforest. Back then Bainbridge Island reminded me very much of my hometown in the suburbs of NY near the New Jersey border, so I settled here under the notion of, “Go west young man, and seek thy fortune”.
How are you involved in the community?
Community involvement has been a big part of my life even as a child growing up. I have been on the Bainbridge Island Grand Old 4th of July production committee since 1992, been the springboard diving coach on the island from 1991 to 2019, I am a Chamber of Commerce Board of Director for a third time, been on the Kitsap County Association of Realtors board for two terms in the past, been a past president of the retired BI Lions Club, created the first electronic recycling event on Bainbridge Island in 2007 with my Business Partner Bill Barrow, and through him, I’ve been an avid supporter of the BI Kiwanis Club and their scholarship programs over the years.
What made you decide to work with Windermere?
I decided to take my business practice and license to Windermere Real Estate Bainbridge Island because it reminds me very much of the very first office I worked at here on Bainbridge Island. Deschamps Realty is long gone now but taught me the importance of being a community-minded business. Being led by a Managing Broker who is integrated into the community and encourages the office to respect and support the community is a great catalyst. The supportive culture of hardworking brokers and staff with the highest standards of professional practices and ethical principles is paramount. It is a joy to come to work every morning at the crack of dawn and be surrounded by colleagues and staff who exercise mutual support. Go Team!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
You may recognize me from my real estate partnership with Bill Barrow over the past 20+ years. He afforded me many opportunities and I loved working with him. We worked well together. He was not only my partner but one of my best friends. Bill passed away on August 7, 2021, and I miss him very much.
We’re very fortunate to have Chris on our team. If you’d like to learn more about him, check out his very interesting bio; you’d be hard-pressed to find one that’s more unique.
Enjoy Bainbridge’s Water Sports, Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Surrounded by amazing water-based activities, Bainbridge Island has no shortage of fun ways to enjoy island life. With convenient places to moor boats of all sizes and options for chartering tours, kayak rentals, scuba diving lessons, and Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), there is something here for everyone. Below you’ll find a great list to get you started.
Water Adventures
Photo by Leo Phillips.
Exotic Aquatics
A great shop for water enthusiasts, Exotic Aquatics offers kayak and paddleboard rentals, and scuba classes and certification. For kayak and SUP, they offer rentals, guided tours, and purchases. For scuba diving, their offerings include classes, tours, and rentals. Additionally, they are a PADI 5-Star Training Facility. Their current kayak tour options include excursions to Blake Island and a full-moon paddle.
Kayak and SUP Rentals: $23.50+ | Scuba Classes $79.95+
Sail Bainbridge
From two-hour excursions to multi-day overnight trips, Sail Bainbridge has been chartering tours for six years and offers private bookings for one to six people. These trips are a wonderful way to explore Bainbridge and beyond. Whether you’re new to the area or you have visitors to entertain, Sail Bainbridge is a fun way to experience our beautiful corner of the Pacific Northwest. Climb aboard the 44’ Pearson Countess Yacht named TRUE, and let their team do the rest.
2-hour sail for 6: $395 | All-day sail for 6: $985
Waterfront Park and City Dock
Launch your next adventure from Waterfront Park, one of the most popular spots for recreation on Bainbridge. There is a boat launch and a trailer parking lot as well as a hand-launch for smaller vessels like kayaks and paddleboards. The 900-foot city dock is directly south of the park. The dock provides first-come-first-serve moorage for boats up to 70 feet. Open year-round, they also provide electricity and pump-out services.
Launch and Trailer Parking $8/day or $80/year | Moorage $0.50/foot for 24 hours
Marinas and Yacht Clubs
Photo by Leo Phillips.
Eagle Harbor Marina
Located directly across from the Winslow Ferry Dock, the Eagle Harbor Marina is a convenient home base for your boat and you can easily explore the north or south parts of the Sound. They offer laundry and shower facilities, state-of-the-art pump out at each slip, free WiFi, and have a clubhouse you can rent for small events.
Boat accommodations 25’ to 200’ | 12-month contract | No Liveaboards
Eagle Harbor Yacht Club
Established in 1978, the EHYC describes its club as “informal, casual, and above all, fun.” They plan group cruises and excursions, social outings, and have reciprocal privileges at over 40 other clubs in the Northwest. Their home location is Winslow Wharf Marina.
Membership $75+ | Located at Winslow Wharf
The Harbour Marina
The Harbour Marina is located just below Harbour Public House, an island favorite. You can enjoy free moorage while you dine! This marina offers a variety of options from hourly or daily rates to monthly rates. Contact them if you wish to arrange a more permanent stay. They have showers, laundry, cable TV, power, and water. Also, they have a pump-out station. The Harbour Marina also connects to the waterfront trail, which stretches from the ferry to just beyond the pub.
Boat accommodations 48’ and under | Monthly and Daily Rates | Liveaboards Welcome
Port Madison Yacht Club
Port Madison Yacht Club is located on the north end of the Island in Hidden Cove. The facilities include a modest clubhouse, extensive docks, deep-water buoys, lovely natural grounds, and storage for members’ dinghies and tender boats. To join, membership must be approved by a current club member. Multiple sailing races are sponsored each year, and youth sailing camps are also offered.
Limited Availability | Membership $150+ | Residency Requirement for Moorage
Winslow Wharf Marina
Winslow Wharf Marina is described as a water-based version of a condominium called a dockominium. All slips are privately owned and owner-occupied or used for long-term moorage at monthly rates. They also offer reciprocal moorage for Eagle Harbor Yacht Club members. Short-term moorage is available when owners are gone for extended periods of time. Power is metered, water is provided, and there is a laundromat on site. Free pump-out is available at the City Dock.
Privately Owned Slips | Guest Moorage from $1.65/foot | Liveaboards Welcome
Yacht Sales
Olympic View Yachts
A yacht Broker with an office on Bainbridge Island, Olympic View Yachts offers yachts for sale and locations at three other local marinas. They also offer advice on different sized vessels and can assist with listing your boat for sale. They are a helpful resource, especially if you have questions about equipping a vessel for safe travel in the Pacific Northwest, or yachting in general.
More Island Information
For more local information, 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’s Boys & Girls Club
The Boys and Girls Club of Bainbridge Island has persevered through the pandemic and has enriched the minds of countless youth. Since 2001, our Windermere Bainbridge Island office has proudly supported the Club by donating $250 per month, or $60,000 to date. Read on to learn more about the important work that this wonderful nonprofit does right here in our community.
Boys & Girls Club During the Pandemic
Our local Boys & Girls Club provides academic, engaging, and supportive out-of-school care for Bainbridge Island youth from kindergarten through 8th grade. This organization has also been an integral part of our community’s response to COVID-19. They, along with other local organizations, provided discounted rates and extended out-of-school programming.
Not even the pandemic could stop children from safely having fun and learning at the Boys & Girls Club of Bainbridge Island. The Club implemented remote learning programs to support children during stressful times. And, peer connection, adult mentorship, and engaging activities are still part of the curriculum. As part of their new virtual initiatives, they started offering Free Youth Force Job Readiness workshops.
This past year and a half, our Boys & Girls Club transformed from an after-school care center to a full-time, safe, and reliable place for kids to learn. Additionally, they’ve provided free childcare for frontline workers’ children. They continue to innovate by working with the Bainbridge Island School District and adapting their programs to meet the changing environment.
School Year Programs
Bainbridge’s Boys & Girls Club provides fun programs throughout the school year. There’s a program for K – 4th grade and a separate middle school program for 5th – 8th grade. Club members enjoy healthy snacks and choose from three to four program options. Kids can choose anything from cooking to sports, Minecraft to drone club. There is also a PowerHour to complete homework. 5th – 8th graders participate in PowerHour every day as well as a variety of program offerings from filmmaking to learning how to play the ukulele.
Get Involved
If you have a child or children who would like to get involved with our local Boys & Girls Club, the cost varies based on the program. You can find out more on their school year programs page. They also offer full-day camps during school breaks (winter, mid-winter, and summer). To see what the Club has been up to lately, check out their Facebook page.
Whether you have young children or not, it’s easy to see the long-lasting benefits of a nonprofit organization like this. The Club’s programs give students opportunities to try new things, gain confidence, make new friends, and learn in a safe, supportive environment. Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. The Boys and Girls Club’s mission is to continue to uplift youth and help them reach their goals. If you would like to contribute to our local Club, you can easily donate online.
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.
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.
New Agent Spotlight: Ashley Mathews
We’re excited to highlight our new Broker, Ashley Mathews. Highly involved in our community, Ashley is passionate about helping people. She has a background in marketing and a range of industry experiences. Read on to find out more!
What unique professional skills do you possess that enhance your abilities as a realtor?
I started working at my mom’s travel agency at around 12 years old, which taught me organization in a transactional industry. After stints as a realtor in the fast-paced New York City market, I moved on to the marketing side of the business. I am a marketer at heart and bring the combination of my marketing expertise to my transactional knowledge of real estate, which benefits my clients.
What drew you to real estate?
Real estate has been the backdrop to my life for as long as I can remember. I love the ever-changing landscape, market conditions, and being able to impact someone’s life in such a monumental way.
How long have you lived here and what brought you here?
I have lived on Bainbridge Island for 12 years. I moved here from New York City after meeting a man from Bainbridge Island. He is now my husband of ten years.
What personality traits do you think are important in this profession?
I think it’s important to be a good listener, have the ability to roll with the punches, have a good sense of humor, and possess dedication and integrity.
What area do you serve and what do you love about it?
I serve Bainbridge Island and have a great deal of first-hand knowledge of Bainbridge’s unique neighborhoods, having lived in downtown Winslow, Fletcher Bay, the Sand Spit, and Pleasant Beach. I love its beauty and the fact that it can be whatever one desires. Sometimes I enjoy its quiet serenity. Other times, I want to enjoy one of our award-winning restaurants. There is something here for everyone.
What made you decide to work with Windermere?
My passion for service has always made me a fan of the Windermere Foundation and its work. The Windermere Brokers on Bainbridge Island have such a great reputation and I wanted to be on their team. Blue is also my favorite color.
How are you involved in the community?
I serve as a board member for the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, and I serve as Planning Commissioner for the City of Bainbridge Island. Additionally, I serve as the Chair of the Board Development Committee for Treehouse For Kids and sit on its Board of Directors Executive Committee. For over a decade, I’ve been involved in Bainbridge Island’s vibrant equestrian community and am a member of the Bainbridge Island Saddle Club. I love the arts and have performed with the Bainbridge Chorale and on the Bainbridge Performing Arts stage in “Chicago” and “Cats”. I am also a lifetime member of the NAACP.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I have a 19-year-old daughter who inspires me every day as she navigates our new normal as a college freshman, as well as a beautiful and not so smart Doberman named Grace and a beautiful and very smart horse named Nektonia. I love to meet new Islanders so if you see me come say hi. Human connection is so important these days.
We’re so glad that Ashley Mathews has joined us. We know her local expertise and her integrity make her an excellent choice for buyers and sellers. You can connect with her on Facebook or through her website.
Start the New Year Off Right With These Fun Activities
Each new year brings hope and the chance to start fresh. Here are some activities to help you feel rejuvenated and more connected to this incredible place we call home.
New Year, New View
We all get caught up in our daily lives and sometimes we take this gorgeous area for granted. Grab your coat and visit a trail you haven’t been to in months or ever. There are many great trails here on Bainbridge like Grand Forest, which is made up of 240 acres with approximately eight miles of trails. Kitsap Peninsula offers many wonderful places to enjoy. Another peaceful spot is Point No Point Park and Lighthouse in Hansville. There’s a short nature trail, a beautiful beach, and the oldest lighthouse on Puget Sound. While you’re taking it all in, try to remember what it felt like to experience this place for the first time. Or, if you grew up here, remember the joy of sharing this place with a visitor. Tapping into that can help you see your surroundings with fresh eyes.
Unplug For One Day
If your routine involves a lot of time in front of a computer or on your phone, take a day to fully unplug. Turn off all of your electronics. Yes, even your phone. It can be challenging yet rewarding. Play a board game with your family, write good ol’ fashioned letters or thank you cards, bake cookies for a neighbor. You may be surprised how often you automatically reach for your phone. In just one day, you can see where you really are on the usage spectrum. And, you may decide you want to limit your screen time as a new year’s resolution. Even if you are fine with how much time you spend in front of screens, a day off from electronics can help you appreciate them more.
Share Your Love of Books, New and Old
Whether you’re a voracious reader or have fond childhood memories of reading some of the classics, start the new year off by sharing your love of books. Donate a few of your books to your nearest Little Free Library so that others can enjoy them. If there isn’t a Little Free Library near you, start your own! Either way, it’s a great way to connect with neighbors, friends, and family over beloved books.
After you add to or start your own Little Free Library, you’ll have the perfect excuse to visit your local bookstore. After all, you’ll have gaps on your bookshelf that you’ll need to fill. You can find an array of excellent books at Eagle Harbor Book Co. here on Bainbridge Island and Poulsbo’s Liberty Bay Books.
If you never seem to have the time to sit down with a good book, try downloading a free app called Libby. You can borrow audiobooks by connecting the app to your Kitsap Regional Library card. It’s user-friendly and offers tons of bestsellers and classics for free.
Create a Gratitude Jar
Want a simple yet meaningful activity that gets the whole family involved? Get a large jar and decorate it with the word “gratitude” on it or purchase a gratitude jar like this one. Every week, your family members can put little notes in it, describing what you’re thankful for and memorable moments. To establish this new habit, pick a day that you’ll each add one note to the jar, like on Sundays after dinner. That way, it quickly becomes part of your routine. Also, make sure your gratitude jar is in a prominent place so anyone can jot down a note whenever they want. At the end of the year, you’ll get to go through all of these little notes together. It’s an easy way to regularly practice gratitude and an enjoyable way to reflect on the year’s highlights.
We wish you a happy, healthy 2021!
