The following was submitted by Orcas Park and Recreation District.

A huge thank you goes out to all of the volunteers and coaches that made 2014 sports a big success for hundreds of island players.

The new winter schedule is out and can be downloaded from the website: www.oiprd.org, or pick up a copy at the park office. Our evening drop-in programs are on hold during the school break and will resume on Jan. 5 in the K8 school gym. We will have pickleball on Mondays, basketball on Tuesday and Saturday, volleyball on Wednesday and Sunday and teen futsal (indoor soccer) on Thursdays. All drop-in sports are from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. and have a gym fee of $2.

This winter Orcas Rec has three special events.

• The Snow Bus returns for two trips to Stevens Pass: Jan. 24 and Feb. 7. It is open to everyone. Ride in comfort to the pass and take on a day of skiing, snow boarding or cross county. The trip includes ferry fare, charter bus ride and group rate lift tickets. The cost is $80 a trip and you can sign up for one or both trips.

• Community Swim at the Orcas Athletic Center will continue for the first Sunday of January, February and March. Swim and play from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. A donation of $5 per family is requested to offset staffing costs. Thanks to OAC for helping make the swim possible.

• Join us for a trip to the Northwest Flower and Garden Show on Thursday, Feb. 12. The day trip includes transportation and show entry. Inspire your spring gardening and take a day to smell the flowers. The trip cost is $40.

Youth winter activities include free drop-in soccer in Buck Park thanks to soccer pro Peter Quies. He will be continuing to offer outdoor soccer though the winter – rain or shine. Youth basketball and Pee Wee gym games will begin the end of February, as soon as gym space becomes available. Indoors, we will have after school art, science, music, and chess clubs. Pokémon and Magic the Gathering also continue through the winter.

For a full listing, check out the website or stop by and pick up a schedule. We are conserving budget this winter by limiting our mailing and printed material so we can bring you more events and activities. Call 376-7275 or email marciaw@oiprd.org for more information or with questions. In case of inclement weather, activities will be cancelled and posted on our Facebook page at Orcas Park and Rec. We will cancel if school has been cancelled.

We hope you can come out and play on Orcas in the New Year.