By Ken Brown
The Orcas Island Parks and Recreation District (OIPRD) Commissioners continues to to finalize programs and facilities for a busy summer season.
Details for the transfer of Buck Park from Orcas School District to OIPRD regarding maintenance such as mowing the lawn, trash pick up, the rental of sani-cans on the property as well as fencing were outlined by Commissioner Bob Eagan. He anticipated costs for ongoing upkeep as well as projects in the near future.
OIPRD Chair Martha Farish commended Eagan for his work on behalf of the District concerning overall maintenance specifications for the upcoming season and beyond.
Merrick Parnell is the new head coach for the Orcas LaCrosse Team for 5th-8th grades. The Orcas Christian School has donated the use of its field for the team.
Parnell spoke of his motivation to mentor youngsters,
and he asked for assistance with equipment purchases.
Farish suggested that he be committee chair for LaCrosse, charged with organizing the program with a liaison from OIPRD.
The OIPRD is scheduling two Tennis Clinics this summer to be held with the sponsorship of the United States Tennis Association: a tennis clinics for children ages 10 and under the week of July 18; and a skill-building clinic called “Fit To Play,” targeted for ages 12 through adult the week beginning July 23.
There will be two to three public sessions and then a private session for the Tennis Club. This is a concentrated activity for all ages. Donna Laslo and Rita Bailey are interested in coordinating.
There will also be an opportunity for teenagers to attend “Train the Trainer” tennis sessions in June in the hopes that they will go on to work with the 10-and-under group.
Krista Bouchey, representing The Funhouse Commons spoke of the upcoming newsletter concerning summer programs. She inquired as to whether the interactive website program called ActiveNet will be ready for public use, and it was suggested that June is a realistic target for “going live.”
The OIPRD’s commitment to transparency and accessibility was discussed as the commissioners discussed the noon time frame for public meetings and the need for better notification of the OIPRD meetings.
The search for the Executive Director for OIPRD has been publicized. Any interested party should go to OIPRD.ORG for the complete job description.
I would like to see OIPRD enforce a head protection rule @ skate park..Too many skaters without protection, usually young ones after school. I would be willing to volunteer an hour a week to help enforce. Anyone else????
I agree with Bruce on his head protection suggestion. I would be willing to join a rotation to ensure compliance.