Bainbridge Island has some of the most beautiful and accessible parks and trails in all of Washington. The island holds more parks and public lands per capital than any other western state.
Year-round, Bainbridge residents enjoy large, wild parkland, forested hiking trails, neighborhood micro parks, natural beaches and paved walking paths.And the island’s trail network between the parks is constantly improving and expanding, thanks in part to the efforts made by the island’s Non-motorized Transportation Advisory Committee, a group devoted to encouraging and advocating for funding for non-motorized transportation options on the island. Battle Point Park is a 90-acre hub of activity with its enormous, volunteer-constructed playground structure, walking paths, soccer fields and duck ponds. It’s the natural host of several annual community events such as the bluegrass festival, Wagfest, the summer concerts series and Shakespeare in the Park.
Waterfront Park (or “the grocery store park” as a young friend called it) is conveniently located in Winslow, behind Town & Country Market. It has a popular playground area for the younger set in the upper area and extends to Eagle Harbor’s water’s edge where rowing teams haul out. In late summer evenings, this park even hosts a movie in the park series.
Maybe you prefer a long, peaceful walk in the woods. Check out the Grand Forest’s recently expanded trail system. Bainbridge Island’s Land Trust is always hard at work to protect and grow the island public lands.
South-enders enjoy hiking the hilly trails passing by Fort Ward’s historical military artifacts in this 137-acre park with a gorgeous, 4300′ waterfront view of Rich Passage. There’s also a boat ramp on the lower level of the park so getting out on the water is easy.
Named one of the ten greatest botanic gardens in the United States by USA Today in 2010 and one of the 20 best public gardens in the USA, don’t miss Bloedel Reserve. This 150-acre park is a former private estate home, now an award-winning public garden open for walks through its tranquil woods, moss garden and serene Japanese garden, as well as concerts, lectures and special family events.
Many island parks don’t just have outdoor activities. Every quarter, the Bainbridge Island Parks and Recreation Department has a new round of fun and interesting classes and workshops for children and adults. Most classes take place in community classrooms located in park buildings. The Department offers special events and even group field trip activities in the region, such as kayaking, rafting or snowshoeing overnight trips. They’ve even lined up international outings!
