Click here for my story about the plan to cut the chain blocking the unofficial link between Hildebrand Lane and the Ericksen Avenue neighborhood.

There’ll be a ceremonial chain cutting on Oct. 22 in conjunction with a Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce Oktoberfest.

The event’s German-theme is fitting, said Eric Fredricks, one of the property’s new owners. He likened the chain, and the entire Ericksen-Hildebrand debate, as a source of division for islanders. A sort of Bainbridge Berlin Wall, he said.

Fredricks may cajole one of his German-speaking business partners into yodeling at the event. One can only hope.

Along side the Oktoberfest will be a pumpkin carving event put on by the Ericksen Neighbors group, which has worked to preserve and improve the green space separating Hildebrand from Ericksen.

When I dropped by the green space on Friday to take a photo, I happened upon a group of teens who hang out there regularly.

“We love this spot,” said 14-year-old Jesse Rosenthal.

The Ericksen Neighbors have added a gazebo, benches, a table and help maintain and clean the grounds. Fredricks is supportive of their work and has been sending over his grounds crew to help out. The improvements seem to be catching on, with use of the unofficial park growing in recent months.