Moritani Preserve

In October 2017, the Moritani Preserve became the island’s newest park. This passive use preserve provides the community with approximately 8.5 acres of woodlands and fields in the center of Winslow. Formerly owned by the Moritani family and once associated with the island’s Japanese-American berry farming, this land was purchased by the Fletcher Bay Foundation to save it from development and preserve its integrity.

After conducting a thorough clean-up of the Moritani site, including the removal of dilapidated buildings, debris, and invasive vegetation, the Fletcher Bay Foundation donated the property to the Park District as open space and a natural preserve. It is the donor’s intent that this land be a place where the community can go to experience nature and be renewed.

To ensure the donor’s intent will be preserved, the transfer of the property to the Park District came with restrictive covenants. These stipulate that the Moritani Preserve will be used exclusively as a passive public park and natural open space. It is available for walking, jogging, sitting, nature viewing, and other similar passive recreational uses and activities. Formal gatherings and events are not permitted.

This beautiful park was acquired for the island without the expenditure of any public funds. It is a remarkable gift to the community, and heartfelt thanks are extended to the principals of the Fletcher Bay Foundation for their generosity.