Long in the planning, Bainbridge Island’s new Farm Trail made a colorful autumn debut against a backdrop of pumpkin patches and grape rows in October.

The half-mile trail runs along the west boundary of the Day Road agricultural district, from Day Road E. to Lovgreen Road. Along the way, trail walkers can enjoy views of rolling, arable fields and some of the island’s most bucolic landscapes.

Completion of the Farm Trail – a three-way partnership of the Parks & Trails Foundation, the City of Bainbridge Island, and Bainbridge Metro Parks – fulfills a longtime plan to connect the Bainbridge Island community more directly with the publicly owned farmland.

“The idea was always that we have a walking trail, so people can see what happens on a farm,” recalls Andy Maron, Parks & Trails Foundation board member, who 20 years ago chaired the City Open Space Commission that helped unify and preserve the 60-acre farm district.

Bainbridge Metro Parks built the trail under an agreement with the City. The Parks & Trails Foundation acquired easements to extend the trails and funded native plant restoration.

Key contributions came from neighboring Grace Church and the Island School. Both provided easements to access the Farm Trail from their properties, adding to other designated trailheads around farm network: at Day Road E., Lovgreen Road, Charles Place (with several parking spots), and Vista Place.  The trail network now roughly circles the farm district on three sides.

The dedication event featured a ribbon-cutting by City and Park District officials with the Parks & Trails Foundation. Students from Island School installed native plants at the trailside and completed a “treasure hunt” of natural features along the path.

Thank you to City of Bainbridge Island for additional images.