Didier Gincig, who has headed the popular Orcas Island Recreation program for 13 of its 16 years of existence, has announced that he will be leaving the program this year.

“I love Orcas Rec, and I love working with children and their families,” he said, “but after 13 years of service, the time has come for me to move on and try my hand at other things.”

Bob Phalan, a long-time Orcas Rec Advisory Board Member, described Gincig as a driving force behind the development of the sports, art, music, educational, and outdoor opportunities now available for children on Orcas Island.

“Without Didier,” Phalan said, “we wouldn’t have half the Rec. programs that we do. We will miss him.”

Gincig said he would stay on until his replacement can be found. Parks Department Director Dona Wuthnow said that would be no sooner than the middle of this summer.

Gincig is not sure what he’ll do next, but he says it will be “something service-oriented to the community and the world at large. I will definitely be staying on Orcas.”

He says he’s enjoyed the flexibility, creativity, and children of Orcas Rec.

“I’ve also liked being involved with the community. And watching a program go from the idea stage to manifesting. I want to thank the community for their tremendous support in so many ways,” Gincig said.

The Orcas Island Recreation Program offers a variety of programs for children of all ages and is supported and partially funded by San Juan County Parks. However, the bulk of its operation is financed by participation fees and private donations and grants. Private donations have enabled Orcas Recreation to provide scholarships which ensure that no child is excluded from its programs because of financial necessity.

More information on the Orcas Island Recreation Program is available at www.orcasrec.org.