Parks and Rec District Plans Gain Steam

By Ken Brown

The Orcas Island Parks and Recreation District (OIPRD) met for its first public meeting of the new year on Jan. 12. The five volunteer commissioners are nearing the point of handing over their collective role as Executive Director.

Within the next few months funding will begin a working job description will be
created and a director’s search will be underway. A new full time director will begin work out of his or her new office in The Funhouse/Commons in July.

OIPRD Interim Administrative Assistant Leslie Schmitz raised the concern that the public may see the Funhouse/Commons presence as an unsanctioned bail-out of a private non-for profit. OIPRD Commissioner Bob Eagan pointed out that the situation presents “an economy of scale and saving money is a top priority. In these economic times it makes good sense to pool resources. The challenge now is to inform the public.”

Under new and unfinished business, Paul Kamen asked about progress on the Eastsound Water Users Association as it relates to Buck Park’s transfer. Both Scott Lancaster and Commissioner Eagan will update the status soon. OIPRD will assume  responsibility  of maintenance, scheduling and fee collection for Buck Park.

Schmitz also recommended the OIPRD board engage in a leadership building retreat. It was generally agreed that this effort would be beneficial after the new Executive Director is in place.

Krista Bouchey reported on news from the Funhouse/Commons. She inquired
whether OIPRD wanted to take over the “Triple Ripple,” a running event
held in the Fall. The board indicated it is likely. She also spoke about boys and girls basketball. There are roughly 20 middle-schoolers, coached by Ian Harlow and approximately 15 4th-6th graders,coached by Bob Connell and Joel Mietzner. The OIPRD commissioners also discussed football, rugby and baseball. It was suggested that all things athletic be taken on by Parks and
Recreation.

A bill for $2,400 from the county for the online vote for two OIPRD commissioners’ posts was discussed. District Commissioner Martha Farish said that she was under the impression that fees were waived until they were fully funded in May.