Each week, we’ll publicly answer one or more questions submitted by community members.
We’ve heard this question quite a few times in recent weeks:
“Why are so much of the Rally for the Rec funds going to administration? Is this just another way to scam people out of money?”
So, for our first Rally Rundown, let’s start there.
We get it. In a world where people are feeling squeezed by rising housing costs, groceries, utilities, and yes, taxes — it’s healthy to ask questions about how public money is spent. On Lopez, we’ve grown accustomed to the hard work of big hearted volunteers keeping costs lean. So when you see that a significant portion of the preliminary Parks & Rec District budget is allocated to “staffing and operations,” it’s totally fair to ask: Is that really necessary?
The short answer is Yes — but here’s why.
“Staffing” Isn’t Overhead. It’s How the Work Gets Done.
In the case of the Lopez Rec District, here’s what will be included:
This isn’t “padding the budget.” These are the people who will make the Rec District run — efficiently, transparently, and with local accountability.
When a Parks & Rec district is part of a city or county government, it can lean on shared services — legal teams, accountants, liability insurance, and software infrastructure. But because the Lopez Rec District would be an independent entity, we will have to budget for these services ourselves.
These “operations” costs are largely fixed by industry-standard. We’ve done our homework. We’ve spoken with other regional and island Rec Districts to understand their real numbers which is why we’ve budgeted for:
They aren’t extras. They’re what’s required to run a public agency well — and to do so responsibly from day one. And not only will they give the Lopez Rec the sort of professional stability we seek, but they will also support existing organizations, bringing greater community efficiency and affordability.
We’re not asking Lopez residents to fund bloated bureaucracy. We’re asking you to fund a reliable, locally controlled, and professionally run system that will:
The average homeowners will contribute about $10–$20/month. And in return, we’ll get a Parks and Recreation system that’s built to last, with the staff and structure it needs to grow over time.
We’re your neighbors — parents, coaches, volunteers, seniors, and local workers.
In the fall of 2023, we came together to solve a very real problem: the Lopez Island School was facing deep funding challenges, and vital programs like sports and after-school care were at risk. So we formed the Lopez Rec committee — not as outsiders, but as people who care deeply about this place.
Over the past several months, we’ve had real conversations with our community, researched similar districts, and shaped a budget rooted in the needs of our island. We’ve built this plan with transparency, intention, and a shared desire to do better, not just for now, but for the long haul.
That said, it’s important to remember: the current budget was created as a starting point. Once the district is formed, it will be elected Parks & Rec commissioners — chosen by Lopez voters — who will ultimately decide how levy funds are allocated. They’ll carry this work forward, with community input and accountability at the center of every decision.
That’s why your vote matters. And that’s why we’re Rallying for the Rec.
We’re not trying to recreate the wheel. We’re trying to build one that will keep turning even when volunteers retire, grants expire, and patchwork systems wear thin.
Let’s build something real, something reliable, something rooted in Lopezian culture.
Vote YES for the Lopez Parks & Rec District.
Let’s make this vision sustainable — together.
If you have other questions you’d like us to address during upcoming Rally Rundowns, we’re here for it! Click here to submit your questions.
Rally for the Rec © 2024 Lopez Island Parks and Rec District Formation Committee | Website and Branding by Stephanie Cariker
