Editor,

On the Nov. 6 ballot, residents of North Whidbey have the opportunity to revitalize recreation programs in our community. The North Whidbey Pool, Park, and Recreation District is asking for an assessment of 20 cents per $1000 to make that happen.

Passing this levy will restore the services of the Clover Valley Park ball fields and dog park as well as a full-scale reopening of the John Vanderzicht Memorial Pool. But it will also do much more. It will provide for updates all of the district’s facilities. It will allow for replacement of equipment for its programs. It will enable expansion of the district’s offerings to include things like community events and classes for exercise and personal growth. It will improve the quality of life on North Whidbey.

The levy is not the only effort to make this transformation, but it is a critical one. The relationship with the North Whidbey Community Pool and Recreation Foundation will be a driving force for grants and fundraising to ensure the sustainability and improvement of the district. Partnerships with local governments, service organizations, and businesses will allow growth of programs beyond the district’s current resources and help to strengthen our local economy.

The commissioners of the North Whidbey Pool, Park, and Recreation District are holding an open house 1-4 p.m. Saturday Oct. 13 to share information about the levy in the viewing room of the John Vanderzicht Memorial Pool at 85 SE Jerome Street in Oak Harbor. All are invited to come find out more about what the levy will provide.

The aim is to have something for everyone in our community. The goal for 2019 is to be “more than just a pool.” But to make it all happen, we need residents to vote yes for Pool Park and Rec on Nov. 6.

Wendy Shingleton

Co-chair, Change for Pool Park & Rec Committee