Important Update:
Due to weather conditions, BIRC and the Aquatic Center will open at 12:00p today, December 2.
Comprehensive Planning
2026 Comprehensive Plan Update – Help Guide the Way Forward!
Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District belongs to the community. It is the result of our shared thoughtful stewardship today and careful direction-setting for the future. The Park District Comprehensive Plan update is an opportunity for residents to help guide decisions about parks, trails, recreation programs, and facilities.
We are committed to an open and inclusive planning process that allows everyone to learn, engage, and contribute ideas. Over the next year, we’ll work together to set long-term priorities and ensure that the Park District continues to meet the needs of a growing community.
Current Status:
Work on the 2026 Comprehensive Plan Update is moving forward. The Park Board continues to review public input closely as it works to establish long-range, responsive goals. One current focus is identifying meaningful ways to measure service levels in alignment with community expectations.
Next step:
Finalizing Goals and Objectives and setting priorities to guide future investments and improvements
How to Participate
Attend a Park District Board of Commissioners Meeting
The Park Board continues to review public input closely as it works to establish long-range, responsive goals. One current focus is identifying meaningful ways to measure service levels in alignment with community expectations.
Each month, Park Board meetings will now include dedicated time for public review and discussion of Comprehensive Plan Update materials. This process will continue through the winter as the Comprehensive Plan is finalized.
We invite you to stay engaged, you can review the Park Board Meeting Agendas to follow Comprehensive Plan Update topics.
October 16 Board Meeting
November 20 Board Meeting
December 4 Board Meeting
- Discussion of the draft Comprehensive Plan
The draft Comprehensive Plan includes several key elements currently under development:
- What we have: A new systematic approach to park and recreation assets across the island.
- What we’ve heard: Input from the community members and partner organizations identifying needs and opportunities
- What we need: Future investments informed by the community and analysis.
- How to get there: Meaningful service level goals along with implementation strategies, funding pathways, and priorities for the Park District
This material is preliminary and will continue to evolve as the plan develops.
View the Preliminary Draft Comprehensive Plan
December 18 Board Meeting
Draft Goals and Objectives
Review & Interact with Our Information Boards
Online: Visit our Interactive Information Board
Join the conversation! Tell us:
- What should the Park District prioritize in the next 20 years, and why?
- What new parks, trails, facilities or programs would best serve your community?
Send a Comment
Comments become an integral part of the public record. Verbal comments at board meetings (Board Meeting Documents), emails to staff (info@biparks.org or mattk@biparks.org), and input over our interactive activities are logged and reviewed by Park Board Commissioners, ahead of decision points.
Community Survey
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Community Survey, which closed on July 31 with over 1,200 responses!
These insights will help shape the future of parks and recreation on Bainbridge Island and serve as a key foundation for the Comprehensive Plan update currently underway.
The survey was conducted by RRC, a third-party expert. They’ve provided an input summary using industry best practice.
RRC provided a Methodology Explanation Report, identifying key data points representing the broader community.
These insights, along with all public input to date, will serve as a key foundation for the Comprehensive Plan Update. The report is part of the Demand and Needs Analysis, which will undergo public review before being presented to the Park Board this fall as a chapter in the updated Comprehensive Plan.
View Recorded Presentations
Listen to recorded presentations, or request project presentations to your group.
Map Your Experience
Why Does This Matter?
The updated Comprehensive Plan will:
- Ensure community voices are reflected in future decisions.
- Determine the needs of the Park District and its patrons.
- Guide investments in new and existing parks and programs.
- Set priorities for parks, trails, recreation programs, and facilities.
- Set performance measures for ongoing evaluation of service levels.
- Strengthen programs with local organizations and stakeholders.
Our Approach: A Three-Stage Engagement Process
Background
How does a dollar get spent?
Stay Connected!
Contact Matthew Keough at mattk@biparks.org to schedule a stakeholder discussion or request a presentation for your group.
Sign up to receive Comprehensive Plan meeting updates
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