For decades, the wooded parcel now known as 8 Acre Woods was a quiet mystery — dense, undeveloped, and largely unknown even to longtime neighbors. Though some residents had walked its informal trails, others had never stepped inside, unsure if the land was public or private. 

It’s now Bainbridge Island’s newest natural park. The Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation facilitated this generous land gift by the conservation-minded property owner, transforming the parcel into a new neighborhood park for all to enjoy. 

Located in the Skiff Point neighborhood near Rolling Bay, 8 Acre Woods fills a critical gap in local park access. With the nearest parks a mile or more away, this new space offers a natural retreat for nearby residents.

“It’s not every day a park falls into our lap,” said Lydia Roush, Park Services Division Director for Bainbridge Metro Parks. “Instead of selling to a developer, the donor saw the value in creating a community park in perpetuity. We’re forever grateful.” 

The park was warmly welcomed at a December 2024 dedication, where neighbors arrived from all directions — some rediscovering familiar woods, others exploring them for the first time.

“This is a very nice gift in this season,” said Mary Meier, Executive Director of the Parks & Trails Foundation. “The neighborhood is already so taken with this property, and it’s wonderful to see it so warmly embraced as a park.” 

With trailheads on three sides — Mountain View Road, Ocean Drive, and Manitou Park Drive — the park is already becoming a favorite among walkers, including groups like the Island Striders, who plan to add it to their regular routes. 

The Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District manages the site as a passive park. Enhancements will focus on trail improvements and removing invasive ivy.