Local Projects

Rotary Field

The ball fields on Weaver Road have been used by youth sports programs since the 1950s. Rotary purchased the land in 1952, developed it as ball fields during the 1950s, installed restrooms and other improvements in 1962, and donated the property to the Bainbridge Park District in 1966.

Boat Launch

1971-72 Rotary Auction funds were used to construct the boat launching ramp at Fort Ward State Park. The Gerald Huntley Boat Launching Ramp (named in memory of a past Bainbridge Rotary president) was the first facility in the state built through cooperation between the state parks system and a local service club.

Bainbridge Island Commons

A substantial contribution of over $100,000 was made to assist in the building of this community facility. In addition, many members volunteered their labor and business equipment to complete this structure. Together, with other Bainbridge Island orgnizations, Rotary provided a much needed meeting place for island residents.

Helpline House

Rotary has helped fund a number of Helpline projects over the years. Helpline's storage barn, built in the late 1980s, replaced an old shed used to store supplies and equipment; Rotary Auction funds provided $20,000 toward construction costs.

Library

The first Rotary Auction in 1960 raised $5,000 to kick off the drive for construction of the public library building in Winslow. Rotary's second auction helped pay for furnishings for the new building. Dedicated in 1962, the library was built entirely from donated funds, without the need for tax revenues.

In the late 1970s, Rotary funds helped pay for an expansion that doubled the size of the library. Later Rotary contributions helped purchase library carpeting and shelving. Most recently, the Rotary Auctions of 1994-96 raised $150,000 toward the library's latest expansion, again doubling the building's size.

Police Bicycles

As a result of a recent financial grant from Bainbridge Rotary and an equipment and labor grant from Browning Component Inc. (a Bainbridge Island bicycle-development company), nine new custom-designed bicycles were recently presented to the Bainbridge Island Police Department.

The bicycles allow officers to patrol areas more efficiently while using less fuel, making less noise, and keeping fit.

Gateway Park

The Rotary Gateway Park, at Highway 305 and Seabold, was dedicated to the Bainbridge Island Park District on November 12, 2005. The park, a Bainbridge Island Rotary Club gift to the community, welcomes visitors arriving at Bainbridge Island from the Kitsap Peninsula. Throughout 2005, Rotary Club members donated many hours clearing the land, grading it, working with design teams and architects, and planting the shrubs and plants that make the park a welcoming feature on the island.

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