Published in the Bainbridge Island Review, May 20, 2021:
The war of the words is over.
The battle over Grand Forest North between mountain bikers and naturalists has ended in a do-over — thanks to a $1 million anonymous donation.
Nature lovers who wanted to leave Grand Forest North in its pristine natural setting and mountain bike enthusiasts who wanted to build trails there had been fighting a war of words for a few months.
“She was aware of the conversation and wanted to help,” said Dan Hamlin, parks services division director of the Bainbridge Island Metro Parks and Recreation District.
To help with a solution, she donated $1 million to buy a 10-acre parcel adjacent to Strawberry Hill Park to the west. The only other stipulations made by the anonymous donor is that the nearby dog park be expanded, and it remain a park forever.