The future of Orcas Rec is unclear – but a group of Orcas Islanders is taking matters into their own hands.

In addition to relying on community donations, the Orcas Rec program is supported by funding from the county – money that was nearly entirely eliminated during the council’s recent budget cuts.

To provide for a sustainable recreation program for Orcas children, representatives from Orcas School, the Funhouse, and Orcas Rec have joined forces to put a Parks and Recreation District on the ballot. A petition has been circulating since last week; 650 signatures are needed by July 27.

“A parks and recreation district would carry the same vision that Orcas Rec has,” Orcas Rec Advisory Committee member Kevin O’Brien said. “A strong parks and rec district is a sign of a healthy community.”

Orcas Island Recreation program offers a wide range of after-school programs, sports camps, and workshops (for kids and adults) in everything from soccer, sailing, arts and crafts, music, and farming. Now in its 16th year, it has become a vital component of the Orcas community.

If voters approve the initiative in November, it would only establish a parks and recreation district for Orcas – not raise taxes. A levy would need to be approved by voters at a later date.

The district would be governed by five commissioners, who will get on November’s ballot during a special filing period. Once elected, the commissioners would create a budget and work with the community on a levy that would then go before the voters.

San Juan Island has a well-established parks and rec district, and O’Brien feels it is time for Orcas to have one too.

“The support here for children is incredible,” he said. “We know the community supports kids, but we need to get Orcas Rec sustainable for the long-term.”

There are copies of the petition at Eastsound Sporting Goods and the farmers market; locals are also circulating petitions. To get a copy, call 376-4858.

O’Brien, who grew up on Orcas, returned to the island with his wife and three children several years ago. He says there weren’t the same opportunities on Orcas that there are now when he was a kid – and he is passionate about keeping Orcas Rec thriving.

“We want this taxing district to carry the torch of Orcas Rec,” he said.

To follow the petition’s progress, check out the blog at http://orcasrec.wordpress.com/2009/07/08/introducing-orcas-rec.