Park & Rec Proposes Lease to Run Buck Park

 By Ken Brown

Representatives from The Orcas Island Parks and Recreation District (OIPRD) attended the March 22, 2012 Orcas Island School Board meeting.

Commissioners Martha Farish, Bob Eagan and Ian Lister came to discuss the timetable for the lease and transfer of Buck Park from the School District to the Parks and Recreation District. These two entities have been discussing and working together on the transfer since July 2011.

A growing level of frustration and concern has developed over this period of time because of an issue with San Juan County over its easement, concerns about the Mt. Baker Road project and misdirection of paperwork that has placed a hold on this transfer by the state of Washington, School Superintendent Barbara Kline explained. She has asked the state to focus only on the transfer of property and not the Mt. Baker Road easement issues.

OIPRD Chair Martha Farish said that, with the “Mt. Baker Road easement problems and delay on the part of the state to release the school district’s hold on Buck Park; we were in danger of running out of time” to prepare Buck Park fields and amenities for the coming season.

The OIPRD asked the School District to sign an interlocal lease, which would give OIPRD the legal right to maintain Buck Park. The interlocal agreement terminates if agreement happens on all the transfer documents that “are ready to go,” said Kline.

This will expedite the legal rights not only to maintain and repair Buck Park but to schedule activities and events as well. While the lease will be more costly than the alternative of a simpler transfer, Parks and Recreation District Chair Martha Farish said that time is of the essence. The OIPRD has already received park usage requests for as far away as Labor Day.

OIPRD is concerned that the grounds need to be prepared now and that the Skate Park is in need of repair.

The Board told Farish and the other OIPRD commissioners that Superintendent Kline has the authority to sign the lease. School Board member Chris Sutton added that it would be in the school’s best interest to no longer send maintenance staff to the park for mowing or other projects and repairs.

OIPRD’s counsel requires a memo of understanding, Farish said, which states that the School District will continue to be responsible for the maintenance of the well and irrigation lines. This includes pumps,meters and other well-related fixtures at Buck Park.

The School District is responsible for its agreement with Eastsound  Water Users Association as well. Parks and Recreation Commissioner Bob Eagan is looking for
authority to do some renovations and repair within the next few weeks. He would like to get bids for this work as soon as possible.

School District Board Member Scott Lancaster said OISD still responsible for water, until its agreement with Eastsound Water Users Association (EWUA)expires. He told Eagan, “You should receive a draft for water users agreement with EWUA — that’s outside of this lease and doesn’t include us; it’s all pretty straightforward.”

Lancaster said of the long delay in the transfer of Buck Park, “We’re sorry this is dragging on, but it’s not as simple, as we thought a year ago, when dealing with public properties.”

Superintendent Kline will again meet with Commissioner Farish to finalize the memo of understanding which will hopefully satisfy attorneys for both the Parks and Rec and the School Districts.