Planning & Reports
Six-Year Plan
Click here to read or download a copy of Island Rec’s six-year plan: Island Rec Six Year Plan
2010 End of Year Report
San Juan Island Park and Recreation District (locally known as Island Rec) was established in 1984 as a junior taxing district for San Juan Island. It is governed by an elected board of five commissioners. Serving during 2010 were Commissioners Bill Cumming, Alisa Schoultz, Scott Zehner, Amy Windrope and Jim Ricks. Windrope, who was elected in November of 2009, resigned in July and Tracy Roberson was appointed to the vacated position. After serving several terms Ricks resigned in November and Jeremy Talbott was appointed to his vacated position.
2010 was the first year of the 17 cent levy passed in November of 2009. Island Rec signed an interlocal agreement with the school district to support school sports with seven cents of this levy. The 2010 operating budget totaled $746,145 of which $230,299 was earmarked for school sports. Island Rec’s core budget totaled $515,846 of which $328,998 (64%) was generated by property taxes and $116,500 (23%) by program fees. Sponsorships, donations, grants and reserve funds contributed to the balance of the annual budget.
Island Rec’s two full time positions were filled by Sally Thomsen, who completed her 11th year as Recreation Director and Rebecca Clarke, who began her second year as Recreation Specialist. In February 2010 the part-time Administrative Assistant position changed from a job share position to a position for one person only. Returning to this position was Dodie Swift Taylor whom Island Rec employed several years prior. Dale Downs began his second year as Park Maintenance/Custodian. There were 23 seasonal employees working Camp Eagle Rock, Sailing Classes, Open Gym and Fair Building Programs. Complementing the work of staff were over 130 volunteers who contributed more than 2,300 hours providing park and recreation programs and services for San Juan Islanders.
Island Rec operates three parks, The Family Park and Skate Park at the Fair Grounds and Eddie & Friends Dog Park. A storage shed was installed at the Dog Park to house the lawn mower and supplies. Park staff took on the responsibility of grass cutting and weed whacking at the Dog Park. This was a job previously done by the Sheriff’s work crew, who were not available to Island Rec for this job during 2010.
Additionally Island Rec owns 55 acres of undeveloped land at the site of the former Lafarge Gravel Pit. This property is used daily by walkers, and off leash dog walkers. Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife has an interest in this property because the Island Marble Butterfly has been spotted there. With Board approval WDFW planted 10 small mustard plots in hopes of attracting the IMB. Their efforts in attracting the IMB had minimal results. In the fall WDFW replanted these same plots.
Island Rec made several major administrative advancements this year which include the commencement of an on-line registration system; acceptance of credit cards for payment; a Facebook fan page and a new web page design. All these changes have resulted in improved customer relations and increased agency efficiency.
Recreation program hours remained stable at 1,664 hours of program hours. There was a 9% increase in participation, with over 10,000 participants in Island Rec programs. Click here for for details of participation numbers and program hours.
Highlighting the recreation program this year was:
- The introduction of TREC, the after school teen recreation program. This was made possible by the interlocal agreement with the school district that gives Island Rec exclusive use of a room in the school tech building. Participation in this Wednesday afternoon program led by the Recreation Specialist has had a steady following.
- A new contract was established for a senior exercise program for people with limited mobility
- Music on the Lawn hit an all time high with an audience of nearly 2,200 people, over 600 more than in 2009.
- Touch a Truck was moved from the fairgrounds to the elementary school where attendance soared to 375 – 225 more than in 2009.
Partnerships are vital to Island Rec’s success and to serving the San Juan Island community effectively and efficiently. Island Rec continued its ongoing partnerships with San Juan Island School District, San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce, San Juan Island Sailing Foundation, San Juan Island Fitness Club, the Farmer’s Market, San Juan Island Prevention Coalition and San Juan Island Family Resource Center.
Island Rec provided over $10,300 in scholarships, a 50% decrease from 2009. Over 50 San Juan Island children benefited directly from these scholarships to participate in one or more Island Rec programs. Island Rec contributed $2,900 toward swimming lessons for 116 Island children.
San Juan Islanders and Island Rec benefited from the generosity of several key sponsors in 2010. Kings Market, Islanders Bank, Island Petroleum Services and Islanders Insurance all contributed $1,000 or more to Island Rec programs. Their sponsorship supported major island events and scholarships for San Juan Island children. Additionally dozens of other businesses and individuals contributed money, goods and services to Island Rec.
Island Rec’s Board has been recognizing individuals, business and organizations since 2008 with its Shining Star Awards. In 2010 the awards ceremony, which is combined with Island Rec’s annual volunteer appreciation, was moved to the final Music on the Lawn concert in August.
Survey Results
Conservation Technix is pleased to present the results of the survey of the general population of San Juan Island assessing residents’ recreational needs, preferences and priorities. In close collaboration with staff and Parks Commissioners, Conservation Technix developed the 28-question survey which was estimated to take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete.
The survey was posted online via Island Rec’s website on April 28, 2011. Information about the survey was provided in the Summer edition of the Island Rec program catalog that was mailed to all residences during the first week of May. Additionally, advertisements were purchased in the Journal of the San Juans. Program users, stakeholders and civic groups were notified about the survey in person and via email. Print versions of the survey were available at the San Juan Island library, the Mullis Center and the Island Rec office. The survey was closed on May 21st, and preliminary data were compiled in advance of a community open house meeting hosted by Island Rec on May 25, 2011.
A total of 280 completed surveys were recorded, which is a sufficient sample size to assess community opinions generally and to review findings by subgroups including gender and age. Since the survey was open to the general public, and respondents were not selected through statistical sampling methods, the results are not necessarily representative of all San Juan Island residents. Percentages in the report may not add up to 100% due to rounding.