Rally for the Rec – A community driven campaign to bring a Parks and Rec department to Lopez.

Calling All Lopezians

Are you Ready to Rally?

Join us in a community campaign to bring a Parks and Rec District to Lopez Island.

The call has never been more urgent.

Let’s get straight to it: Lopez Island needs a Parks and Rec District.

For years, our recreational activities have thrived thanks to short-term funding and the dedication of hardworking volunteers. But as grants dry up and our community leaders age, this model is no longer sustainable.

A Parks and Rec District will secure the long-term viability of essential programs, create new sustainable opportunities, and enhance the quality of life for all residents on Lopez Island.

Just look at the success on San Juan and Orcas Islands—these districts have supported school sports, after-school programs and summer camps, community activities, and more.

It’s time for Lopez to enjoy the same resources and stability!

We are Almost There!

We’ve already presented our initiative to the County Council and have had a second meeting to clarify details. Now we look ahead to the November General Election and begin to collect signatures to place Lopez Rec on the ballot! Because of all your amazing support, we are confident our initiative will gain final county approval. Then we will simply need to get the word out and VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!

Vote YES!

To form
the District

Vote YES!

on the
Levy Rate

Vote YES!

For 5
Comissioners

We Envision a Parks and Rec District With:

Long-term, Sustainable Activities

Community Opportunities for Arts

Whole Island Outdoor
Recreation

Enhanced Quality of Life on Lopez Island

Asia Citro

Parent

Access & Opportunity

I really feel like Parks and Rec can bring a lot to Lopez. While we are lucky enough to have several organizations pitching in to provide us some of these services, having the financial support of a Parks and Rec Department would help them out a ton. Especially with the schools facing so many budget cuts, getting support for sports from a Parks and Rec Department would be a real lifesaver. My family is looking forward to voting yes on a Parks and Rec Department for Lopez!

Samantha Olson

Chair of The Pack

Access & Opportunity

Parks and rec would help with our goal of providing access and opportunity to our youth programs. Being a resource to help continue to lift up and support our athletes. It did wonders for Orcas and San Juan youth sports!

Fred Woods

SJI School District
Superintendent

Invaluable to our Community

The partnership the San Juan Island School District has with SJI Park and Recreation is invaluable. Their commitment to team with the school district allows us to fully fund our athletic programs. Everyone in this district is extremely appreciative of the dedication to maintaining this effective relationship. The value of a strong parks and recreation program in Friday Harbor extends beyond just this cooperative arrangement. The multitude of offerings provided by them each year supports engaging, fun, and meaningful activities of choice to our island children. Even more, there are several opportunities for adults as well. San Juan Island Parks of Recreation department is an essential component of all that makes Friday Harbor a vibrant community.

Who We Are

About Lopez Island Parks and Rec District Formation Committee

We are a diverse group of Lopezians, school parents who wish to ensure the sustainability of school athletics, representatives from existing non-profits, and community members of various ages who believe that a Parks and Rec Districts would not only enhance the quality of life on Lopez, it would guarantee the sustainability of many of our beloved programs that are struggling to continue over time.

What's at Stake?

We Are at a Tipping Point

As many of you already know, the Lopez Island School has, since the McCleary decision, been struggling to meet the basic educational needs of our Island. Baseball, middle school soccer, culinary classes and more, have fallen victim to necessary budget cuts. But they are not the only organizations struggling to keep recreation strong. Many of the smaller organizations struggle to sustain programs due to short-term grants, lack of donations, and aging volunteers. Having a Parks and Recs would ensure we can continue the treasured programs that several organizations have put on for so many years and create new community-led recreational activities.