— from Marcia West, Director, Orcas Island Park and Recreation District —
2013 is wrapped up and put on the shelf and OIPRD would like to say thank you, thank you to everyone for a great first full year of funded operation! There has been much to learn and much to setup, and we could not have completed the programs without the help of all of our amazing volunteers.
In our first full year we logged over 1,500 volunteer hours with coaches, team helpers, and instructors. Thanks to your time and efforts, players have enjoyed a wide range of sports, hobbies, games, and arts. We also shout out a big thank you to the School District, the Public Library, the Port District, and the Museum for working with us to setup programs and office keeping.
In 2013 your tax dollars supported programs, facilities, and operations. We have provided facilities for a range of community activities from music to ultimate frisbee. Over the year an average of 140 youth were involved in Park & Rec sponsored sports each week and an average of 65 adults played drop-in sports each week.
We invested over $40,000 in Buck Park maintenance and repairs, which included repairing the well system for the park, irrigation improvements, field maintenance, and drainage improvements. The work also included ongoing repairs and maintenance to the skatepark and tennis courts. We still have a number of improvements for the park, but 2013 made a major dent in the to-do list.
We need your program suggestions and comments as we strive to offer the sports and programming that meet your needs. Please share any ideas you might have. We would like to help make your activities happen.
This winter and spring we are teaming with San Juan Island Rec to offer two charter trips for adults and families: February 8, to the Northwest Flower and Garden Show and on April 27, to the Mariners Family Day for the game against the Texas Rangers. Both of these events include all transportation and entry fees. This is a great way to enjoy a worry free trip and not deal with traffic, ferry lines, or parking. Call 360-376-PARK (7275) or email to sign up.
Spring sports are just around the corner. We are looking for volunteers who can help with youth baseball and spring soccer. Call, email, or stop by the park office in the Funhouse to signup. The current mid-winter activities are listed on the website and on flyers found throughout town.
Hope you can come out and play in 2014. Pickleball or Volkswalking anyone?
