Bainbridge Island's trail network picked up another splendid half-mile in January – winding, wooded and with a stout, all-weather boardwalk for good measure – with the opening of the new Vincent Road to Gazzam Lake Trail.
The trail connects Gazzam Lake Preserve's northeast corner (off the lake-loop trail) with Vincent Road and a roadside trailhead just past the transfer station.
Look for "New Trail" signs that point the way on your hike this weekend!
Ribbon-cutting honors went to young Amelia Sheets, one of a cadre of neighbors who turned out for the January dedication event.
Indeed, like many trails, Vincent Road to Gazzam Lake was made possible by the enthusiasm and generosity of neighboring property owners. Two neighbors provided trail easements to create the route, as did the City of Bainbridge Island where the path skirts the transfer station boundary.
"The island has done a really good job the last 10 or 20 years, there's a lot of trails that didn't exist," says neighbor Mark Julian. Regular walkers at Gazzam Lake, he and wife Diane Julian provided an easement along their Vincent Road property.
"It's a really lovely trail," Diane Julian adds. "It's interesting, the curves, the bridge, the maples, the whole area is nice. It feels like a special trail."
The trail was completed by the Bainbridge Metro Parks trails team, with funding by the Parks & Trails Foundation. The boardwalk was built with environmentally sensitive pin-pile technology we funded back in 2018 – it's been used to build the boardwalks at Sakai and Hawley Cove parks, and along the Old Mill Trail.
Vincent Road to Gazzam Lake Trail puts us one step closer to completing a cross-island trail route from Winslow to Gazzam Lake. Next up: the Lost Valley Trail from the Head of the Bay to Fletcher Bay Road. More on that project as our Trails Connect Bainbridge Island campaign strides into the new year.
Trail dedication and hike
Thanks to the Park District for an excellent trail and boardwalk build
