Submitted by Orcas Island Pars & Rec
The maintenance and improvement projects at Buck Park are now underway. With the wrap up of the spring sports season we are beginning the long list of field and facility improvements in the park. Although Orcas Island Park & Rec District will not see the increased funding from our successful February levy until May 2017, we are able to start the much-needed work this summer with an interagency loan for $180,000 from the Port of Orcas. The commissioners from both agencies completed the loan process for a low-interest loan to OIPRD on Sept. 1.
The loan is a win-win for both districts. The interest rate is lower than anything OIPRD could get commercially and provides a higher rate of return to the port than obtainable from Washington state investment pools. Early start of the maintenance and improvement projects will allow us to take advantage of volunteer time, donated materials and funds while avoiding delayed cost increases. Thanks to the port’s assistance we can jump ahead with improving the park for the community and making safety corrections that require timely action.
The 17 improvement projects are being scheduled and implemented in a consolidated plan that juggles summer camps and sports activities with access to the work areas. Our first project is the reestablishment of the sand volleyball courts. This task is made possible by the reuse of sand from another facility on the island and from generous donations by the volleyball players. We hope to have the new courts ready for play by mid-July.
Included in the project list are repair and repositioning of the bleachers, installation of outfield fences on the ballfields, replacement of the aging play area with pre-school friendly equipment and rebuilding of the baseball dugouts. We are also planning to improve the existing pickleball and backboard area with a multi-sport court and rebuild field one adding drainage and irrigation so the field can be used year-around. Repair and maintenance of the skatepark is also on the list and will start with a survey of the concrete conditions early summer.
Although we are planning the work around scheduled activities please be aware of on going projects while you are in the park. If you are dog walking please keep your pet on a leash, as equipment may be moving in the play areas. If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to volunteer please contact the Orcas Island Park and Recreation District at marciaw@oiprd.org or 376-7275.
