The Bainbridge Island Metro Park and Recreation District has been working on new trail maps and signage in an effort to make all trail users, both experienced and inexperienced, comfortable using our wonderful trails. The project began with Gazzam where the map has been posted at the kiosks at Deerpath and Marshall Rd parking areas. The maps show way points along the trail and as you walk the trail you can check your location, making it simple for folks less familiar with the trail to find their way around the entire trail system.

We will begin removing the old signs which we received mixed reviews about. The new signs should look familiar to trail enthusiasts because they are the same kind of signage we have all seen in our National Parks and Forest Service trail systems. They are relatively inexpensive, easily maintained, and very flexible in their application of communicating way-finding information.

The Grand Forest West has just finished being installed as well. We are installing the signs on Hilltop Trail and into the Grand Forest East with the Grand Forest East maps on order, to be installed by May 1. The next trail system to get a map and signs will be the Hidden Cove trails where we receive many comments regarding way-finding issues.

For copies of the Gazzam and GFW maps you can receive a hard copy from the office at Strawberry Hill Park or online at biparks.org. Just go to the Park and Facilities tab, click on trails, go to Gazzam or the Grand Forest and you can see and print the map for yourself. As we add maps they will become available on the website.

The other way to receive the map is by using your smart phone. We have QR codes on the maps at the site and will be installing QR codes on the signs as well soon. It is our intention to make your visit on our trails as pleasant as possible and we hope these new maps and signs enhance all users experience while on the trail.

Thanks,

Dan Hamlin
BIMPRD Park Services Superintendent

Hi all,

Work is continuing on the Ft Ward Ridge trail. This trail is going to be a very nice addition to the Ft Ward trail system. Once complete it will connect to the Ft Ward Blakely trail and provide scenic views of the water from high up on the ridge.

You can join the fun by meeting at the upper parkign lot at Ft Ward Park at 10am this Saturday March 23rd. Erik Sherwin will lead the group down to the work site. We hope to have this trail complete
within a few months.

The Park District will provide an assortment of tools. Please bring a snack, gloves, appropriate clothing, and help us with this project.

For questions contact Erik Sherwin at 206-245-7382 or erik@biparks.org.

Hi all,

We are beginning construction of a new trail at Ft Ward Park tommorrow, Jan 26. If you would like to join us we will be meeting at 10am in the upper Ft Ward Park parking lot. The work party will be held from 10am to 1pm. Bring a snack, gloves and your favorite trail tool. Work will consist of moving ferns and trimming debris from the new trail corridor.

It is important to arrive by 10am in order to follow the group into the woods where the construction will begin. For questions contact Erik Sherwin.

GO! Bainbridge, a program of Sustainable Bainbridge, is starting a series of winter walks, nicknamed Poncho Walks. They will run on the first Sunday of each month, November thru March with a goal of helping people stay physically active all year – rain or shine!

On Sunday, November 4, we will leave from the Bainbridge Island Library at 1:30pm. With the guidance of veteran walker and Strider member, Jean Otto, we will follow sidewalks and paths through Winslow. A highlight of the walk will be the visit to Middle Field Farm off of Weaver Road. Larry Nakata will meet us and talk about the history of the farm and its current uses providing local produce to their family’s Town and Country Market.

The walk is about 4 miles in length and will end with hot beverages at the library and a display of maps showing current and proposed trails. Chair of the Non-Motorized Transportation Committee, John Grinter, will be available to answer questions.

As there is always a chance of rain, wearing sturdy shoes and bringing a poncho or other waterproof clothing is advised.

The TAC monthly trail work party is coming up this Saturday, Oct 27th. We are meeting at the Barn on the new Hilltop property to work on the final stages of the new Hilltop trail. Work is progressing nicely and we have to brush through the last section to connect the meadow to the Grand Forest East.

You can access the barn from the south Grand Forest East parking area. There will be signs from the parking area on Mandus Olson leading you to the barn. Walk across the meadow and we will be working on the East side of the meadow.

The work party will be from 10 am to 1 pm. Please bring a snack, gloves, and your favorite trail tool. If you have questions contact Erik Sherwin at 206-245-7382.

There is a work party coming up to work on the city’s new trail next to the Bethany Luthern church on Sportsman Club.

http://www.bainbridgereview.com/news/172477161.html

Hi all,

Please join us in continuing work on the Hilltop trail connection. We are going to work within the Grand Forest West improving the trail that will connect to the new Hilltop trail when it is completed. We need to upgrade portions of the upper loop to meet the multi-use standard of the new trail connection.

Bring your favorite snack, gloves, and favorite trail tool to the barn at Hilltop. Signs will be in place to get you from the parking area at the end of Mandus Olson off of New Brooklyn where the Grand Forest East parking area is.

The work party is scheduled for Sept 22nd from 10am to 1pm at Hilltop.

For questions contact Erik at 206-245-7382.

Thanks, Dan

Come join us as we begin the biggest trail project since the Forest to Sky trail. We are beginning work on the Hilltop trail, a much anticipated project that will connect the two major portions of the Grand Forest.

WHEN: July 28, from 10am to 1pm.

DIRECTIONS: Come up Mandus Olson Rd from New Brooklyn to the head of the Grand Forest East. Signs will lead you from the parking area at the GFE to the Barn at Hilltop. More signs will lead to the work party from the Barn.

Bring your favorite trail tool, gloves, and appropriate clothing (there are nettles at the site).

Erik Sherwin will be leading the work party. For more information or questions call 206-245-7382 or email at erik-at-biparks.org.

Hello,

National Trails Day was June 2nd and we will be Recognizing the day here at the Park District on June 23rd.

Please come join the Trails Advisory Committee at Ft Ward June 23rd from 10am to 2pm to assist with the re route of a trail at the top of the Park. We will be meeting at the upper parking area off of Ft Ward Hill Rd at 10 am.

Remember to bring a snack, water, and your favorite trail tool.

For questions contact Dan Hamlin at 206-245-7385 or dan@biparks.org.

Yes it’s Mother’s Day…

Need some help getting the Bethany Lutheran trail ready for gravel. Need to install a culvert pipe so that a dumptruck can come in an lay the gravel.

Meet at Bethany Lutheran parking lot, or corner of Sportsman Club Rd and Finch at 9. Two hours Max. Shovel, rakes and lopper are all good tools to bring.

Even an hour would be great.

Goal is to have this trail open by end of the month.