Editor,

There have been a variety of articles and opinion pieces in the Whidbey News-Times sharing a singular view of the actions by the North Whidbey Parks and Recreation District board, and it is important for the public to understand what has now been lost by the board’s action to dissolve the North Whidbey Aquatic Club.

There has not (always) a reporter present at the board meetings to see the lack of professionalism displayed and the complete absence in understanding the role of governance and transparency required of a publicly elected board.

As stated in the recent article, two of the members of the board understand the value of offering a full array of aquatic programs in support of the mission of the John Vanderzicht Memorial Pool, recognizing that the pool without aquatic programs such as swim lessons, lap swim, water aerobics and a competitive swim and master’s program deprive the community of a meaningful way to benefit from this resource.

The current financial circumstances of the district cannot be attributed to NWAC, but a series of past poor leadership decisions and the absence of defining a strategic and thoughtful plan to ensure the future of our park district to include its facilities, programs and resources.

The NWAC parents had, in fact, sought to engage the board over the past year in solutions to sustain not only our team but to contribute to the long-term financial viability of the district.

Just recently, the executive director prepared a well-defined financially neutral model that would have sustained our community’s youth and masters program in the community, which was immediately voted down by the board in a “special meeting” devoid of the opportunity for public comment, the exact manner in which the decision to dissolve NWAC occurred.

The heart of public governance is open dialogue and a genuine interest to serve with integrity and honesty, which has been completely absent in this process.

As many parents know, we do not have an abundance of youth programs in North Whidbey available year round that allow all children to participate and build their sense of belonging within their community while learning the qualities of hard work and perseverance.

This community has lost a program of great value to our youth, the cost of which has yet to be realized.

Billy and Carolyn Pape

Oak Harbor