We, the undersigned, demand that the Bainbridge Island Parks & Recreation District (BIPRD) keep the Madison Tot Lot park at its present location. The current, wooded site is centrally located, accessible to others in Bainbridge Island, shaded, quiet, and above all safe for children. Although it could be improved, we are absolutely opposed to the proposed “land swap” arrangement under consideration by BIPRD, which would eliminate the park and create a new, smaller one at the heavily trafficked northeast corner of Madison Avenue and Wyatt Way.

The Madison Tot Lot park – like all other publicly-owned open space in the heart of downtown – is part of the common wealth of Bainbridge Island! The proposed BIPRD action would create unacceptable hardship for Bainbridge Island Residents. The two locations are not of equal value as public parks, and both the City of Bainbridge and BIPRD must not give away public value to private interests.