It’s a beloved community park that will be revamped in the coming years under new ownership.

After several years of negotiations, last week the Orcas Island School District voted to transfer Buck Park to the Orcas Island Parks and Rec District. The paperwork was filed on July 23.

“It is very exciting to be done with the process, and we reached a really good collaborative agreement with the school,” said OIPRD Director Marcia West. “It’s been a lot of work.”

Parks and Rec and the school board have been discussing the transfer since July 2011. Since OIPRD’s inception two years ago it has been leasing the park.

“I believe that both parties are glad to have it completed and are able to focus on the future,” said School Superintendent Eric Webb.  “Everyone involved in this process only wants what is best for the children of Orcas Island and has worked diligently to ensure that.  I am looking forward to working with Marcia and OIPRD in the future.”

Money did not change hands in the transfer. The only cost to OIPRD was $10 in taxes.

The next step is creating a long-term master plan that West says will include “lots of community input.” She welcomes input at marciaw@oiprd.org.

“The park’s growth will meet the school’s needs as well as park and rec’s needs,” she said.

The park, located just a couple of miles outside of Eastsound off of Mt. Baker Road, is a favorite spot for locals.

It’s also home to the world-class Orcas Island Skateboard park, ball fields and tennis courts.

“We will be taking a hard look at all the health and safety issues – especially in the playground– and we will make sure everything is up to safety standards,” West said.

The park was created in 1992 after the Buck family donated land. It was initially owned by the Buck Park Association, but after that disbanded, it was turned over to the school, which has overseen the park for the past 20 years.

In 2011, Orcas Island voters approved funding for the Orcas Island Park and Recreation District. It became clear that OIPRD was the best entity to oversee the park. It has spent around $40,000 annually to maintain the land.

West will be looking into grants and fundraising to pay for large improvement projects. She already has a lead on funding for a public restroom to replace the porta-potties.

“That is high on the priority list,” she said.