Parks & Rec Considers Program Requests

By Ken Brown
Community Journalist

The Orcas Island Parks and Recreation District (OIPRD) met for their regularly scheduled meeting on August 9 from 5 to 7 pm. They continue to struggle to satisfy the needs of the public when citizens make requests for resources and assistance when they have no uniform policy in place. One issue that arose at the meeting related to private use of public resources. No policy is yet in place but committee work will be done to address this concern.

Commission Chair Bob Eagan suggested that community members may want to participate at a committee level so they could offer input and suggestions. Members of the community would be able to contribute to what kind of decisions will be made by OIPRD. Commissioner Martha Farish was clear and precise when she stated “There needs to be a timeline that allows us as commissioners to receive a written request with enough time to properly review each program request in a streamlined fashion. A step-by-step approach that provides consistency, continuity and fairness seems to be the best way to address this issue.”

OIPRD cleared up the distinction between programs run by Parks and Recreation and those run by the Funhouse Commons. Orcas Islanders can look forward to the continuation of Teen Night and After School programming led by the Funhouse Commons. Eventually OIPRD will take on these responsibilities. Funhouse Commons representatives Pete Moe and Krista Bouchey spoke about the distinctions between what has historically been run by the Funhouse and how a gradual shift of responsibility will move to OIPRD. Bouchey added that they will continue to provide quality programming for all ages.

OIPRD and the Funhouse Commons have just introduced a streamlined registration process called ActiveNet. This online resource facilitates convenient ways to learn about programs offered, to sign up, and to pay online with no additional fees at the public’s expense.

Orcas Islanders have noticed and commented on how nice the improvements are at Buck Park, said Commissioners Farish and Lister, who said the public would continue to see improvements and stewardship from OIPRD. Bob Eagan was singled out for thanks because of his hard work and efforts on behalf of the OIPRD.