Legislative Issues

Pritchard Park

Pritchard Park Funding Passes Senate

22 January 2004

U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee is pleased to announce that the U.S. Senate approved $2 million to acquire land for Pritchard Park on Bainbridge Island. The park funding is in the Omnibus appropriations bill, which was passed the House of Representatives in late December, and the bill is now on its way to the President’s desk.U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell were instrumental in obtaining funding for the park in the Senate version of the bill.

Said Inslee, “I applaud the efforts of Senator Murray and Senator Cantwell in securing Senate approval for this project. After working with the community on this effort for several years, it is heartening to know that these funds will go a long way toward creating a unique treasure for the region. This park will help ensure that our history and natural resources are preserved for public use.”

The 50-acre tract, formerly known as the Wyckoff property, is located on the south side of Eagle Harbor and is owned by a trust. Proceeds from the sale of the tract will be used to continue the ongoing environmental cleanup activities on the site. The park is to be named Pritchard Park, after the former Republican leader from Bainbridge Island, Joel Pritchard. A memorial to the forced internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II, for which private funds are being raised, is also planned for the site.

The total cost to acquire the 50 acre property is estimated to be $8.0 million. To date, the city, county and state have pledged $2.5 million to buy the land. In addition, local supporters have launched a $2.0 million private fundraising effort. The federal funds in the fiscal year 2004 appropriations bill mark a significant step forward to complete the project. Local partners include the City of Bainbridge Island, Kitsap County and State of Washington, the Trust for Public Land, the Bainbridge Island Land Conservancy, and other private parties.