It’s about time Orcas Island had a park and rec district, and we’re glad a group of islanders are collecting signatures to get it on the November ballot.

To provide for a sustainable recreation program for Orcas children, representatives from Orcas School, the Funhouse, and Orcas Rec have joined forces to get a Parks and Recreation District on the ballot and approved.

The district would be governed by five commissioners, who, once elected, would create a budget and work with the community on a levy that would then go before the voters.

San Juan Island has had a thriving parks and rec district for years – one that doesn’t rely on county money, the way that Orcas has had to. A parks and rec junior taxing district is a sign of a responsible, healthy community that provides vital programs for children – and adults.

Under Washington law there are two types of park districts: regular “park and recreation” districts and “metropolitan” park districts. The Orcas group is proposing the first definition, which means it has to renew its levy periodically. In this case, every six years. Basically, the commission has to go back to voters and say, “renew the levy or we shut down.” A metropolitan park district functions much like a fire district, which sets a fixed levy amount and only goes before voters for a lid lift, which would raise the levy amount.

We think a metropolitan district is the best option for Orcas. It would allow for long-term financial planning, and save us all money by not putting it on the ballot every few years.

We fully support an Orcas Island Parks and Rec District, even if it’s not initially designated as a metropolitan district. But, if approved, we hope the commission considers switching to that designation. Bainbridge Island made the transition a few years ago with much success.

Don’t let the label “metropolitan” scare you. If the concept of a park district is palatable to voters, they’ll support it – whatever its legal definition may be.

The petition to get a parks and rec district on the ballot has been circulating for two weeks; 650 signatures are needed by July 27. We urge community members to sign the petition.

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

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