— from Paul Kamin —
Since its inception in 2011 the Orcas Island Park and Rec District has been a remarkable success and a great value. Thanks to the leadership of the District staff and commissioners Buck Park now is receiving the stewardship it deserves.
Necessary repairs to the skate park have been made. The resurfaced tennis courts have sparked a significant revitalization of the sport on Orcas. In its first 5 years the District has assumed responsibility for a large portion of the island’s youth programming including youth soccer, t-ball, basketball, tennis and wrestling.
OIPRD staff, commissioners, and volunteers have built an organization we can be proud of. They have built partnerships that have strengthened numerous other local youth organizations. They have delivered on their commitment to the Orcas Island community after we approved the 2011 levy to support the formation of the District. Where would we be without OIPRD?
The next important step for OIPRD will be the upcoming Feb 9 special election. The District’s original levy is expiring, and it is time for the community to again vote on funding for the District. The new levy will run through 2022. I encourage you to vote YES.
The Park and Rec District’s “Infrastructure Investment” plan for the coming years is both necessary and impressive. They plan on playground upgrades, more skate park repairs, improvements to the grass playing fields, a new sand volleyball court, a new “multi-use court” and more. (Details at orcasparkandrec.org) The District is also helping develop a new, improved dog park.
Buck Park was a fabulous gift to the residents of Orcas, as was the Skate Park. We can show our appreciation for these gifts, by continuing to support the Orcas Park and Rec District and their stewardship of these facilities and the programs they make possible. Approval of the levy requires a 60% super majority.
Please VOTE before Feb 9th and VOTE YES to continue to support Orcas Park and Rec District.
Thanks for this summary, Paul. I agree completely. Parks and Rec is our community’s critical public resource for much-needed, high-quality youth programming. Our youth deserve safe and well-maintained facilities. My vote will definitely be YES!
Please vote yes to support the hard work of this excellent P&R District. It means something to each of us, not just those who use the parks; e.g., the new dog park has their support.
These amenities bring in $$$ by enticing families, enabling sport for all ages, and bringing up the value of your house..
Well written Paul. Please remember that the Orcas Park & Rec program dates back to 1996 when Didier Gincig worked tirelessly for years to fundraise and create the foundation of the fabulous programs we have today. As a member of the advisory committee (pre-commissioners) way back when, we could only dream of solid funding. The current levy provided the little boost that OIPRD needed. I have followed the new board closely…they are the best we could possibly hope for…dedicated, inspired, passionate and most importantly, fiscally responsible. The renewal of this levy, including its very modest increase, is vital to the growth of Orcas Park & Rec.
Please join my family and I in voting yes.