The fields at Buck Park are in bad shape.

And this is worrisome because of the sports played by our kids on those fields. Students have had several serious injuries just in the last few months.

We think the Orcas Park and Rec District needs to make Buck Park one of its top priorities as it finalizes its scope and puts together a levy proposal for the November ballot.

The community has already shown an interest in maintaining the park, with locals recently mobilizing to help improve its grounds. The school, which currently owns the land, has made it clear that funds for its upkeep have been tight. We think the school would be happy to pass the management over to someone else. Volunteers can’t legally improve the fields as long as the park belongs to the school.

If the rec district wants its funding initiative to pass in the fall, it needs to present a clear, concise plan that supports well-loved programs and entities, like Buck Park and the Orcas Recreation Program, which has secured pledges only through November of this year.

Park and Rec commissioners also need to find out if parks could be a potential revenue source for the district, helping to fund their own upkeep. What is the county already contributing to Orcas Island parks? At a recent meeting, commissioner Martha Farish said Village Green use fees, roughly $7,500 each year, go to county coffers. She said Waterfront Park could generate revenue through weddings and other events.

The Park and Rec District is on the right track. The commissioners have more information to gather, but we think Buck Park should be at the top of their list for funding and management. We’re looking forward to the day when programs like Orcas Rec are not in danger of slipping away, and Buck Park can be used without spraining an ankle.