See who’s already joined the Rally for the Lopez Rec — and add your name and story to show your support for keeping school sports, after-school care, summer programs, and community recreation alive on Lopez.
“We are Steve and Mary Miller. We are 82 and 78. We’ve lived here full time since 2010. We are among the fortunate few who have our kids and grands all here, (save three who are off to college and work this year). I have watched our school decline in enrichment opportunities for over 20 years. For instance, coaches who were formally paid are now volunteers or non-existent, Our population has increased but our school enrollment keeps dropping. At what point do we actually lose Lopez school district and get rolled into San Juan?
Working adults are drawn here for our quality of life, but without enrichment for our children, parents won’t be able to justify living here. Voting in this program is the way to keep our island vibrant. From preschool activities to senior citizen yoga our community will prosper our most valuable assets, our unique island population; children, parents, single service providers, and senior citizens.”
– Steve & Mary Miller
“I support Lopez Rec because I’ve been volunteering on Lopez for over 20 years, and I want to make sure we build recreation opportunities that serve everyone while creating a cohesive hub so we stop reinventing the wheel every time we try to fill a gap or start something new.”
-Bridie Spreine
“For me, this is not some extravagant taxpayer funded boondoggle. These programs provide essential, healthy activities for our children to engage in and help working parents where they need it most. Lopez Rec will be as local as it gets. By voting in savvy, community driven commissioners, we get a voice in what programs come on board, and how they will develop going forward.”
-Vaughan Williams
“I’m registering to vote so I can help pass Lopez Rec.”
-Rowdy Spreine
Larissa Mansfield supports Lopez Rec
“There’s nothing more important than athletics. It teaches so many things. It keeps kids busy, they learn teamwork. Kids that do sports are more organized, have better time management, are more motivated and they have better grades. If we lose them it would be detrimental to our community.” -Karrie Warner
“We want after-school programs, summer camps, and school sports to continue. Our children have participated in many of these programs and have learned and enjoyed themselves immensely. And as working parents, we also need these programs that give us the confidence and security to leave our children so we can go to work with complete confidence that they will be cared for and educated. They make us stronger and healthier as a family! Thank you for your help.”
-Velazquez Cerda Family
Dogs like to connect with community too!
-Pippin & Scout
“Voting YES for a Parks and Rec isn’t just about fun activities – it’s about sustaining the essential services that make Lopez Island livable. From after-school and summer programs that make it possible for us working families to live and work here, to programs that support health and connection, a Parks and Rec will keep our community functional and vibrant.”
–Brian Rick
Cheryl Harlan supports
Lopez Rec!
“Let’s keep Lopez moving, connected, and healthy!”
-Megan McLean
“We need to support Lopez families and kids to keep Lopez a multigenerational community. A Rec District is a great way to help do that by supporting our sports and recreation programs.”
-John Helding
“I am hopeful that the new Rally for the Rec. can help maintain sports on Lopez Island. As someone who went through Lopez High School I can’t tell you how valuable sports were to my physical, mental, & emotional well being”
-Roni Becker, Lopez High School, Class of “76”
“A 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!
-Samantha Olson, Chair of the PACK
“Community support really brought us to the next level and gave us more opportunities” -Erin & Linnet
“School sports, summer recreational opportunities, classes, teams – all these build community and teach kids to support and count on each other. My family has grown up on Lopez and I want future generations to have healthy positive opportunities that Parks and Rec can offer.”
-Josie Beecher
We support Lopez Rec: working together with existing organizations to enhance our community and personal connections. For Lopez by Lopez! -Lopez Island Community Tennis Association
“My parents, partner, and I are all voting YES on Rally for the Rec so our one-year-old can grow up with strong school athletics, quality after-school programs, and affordable summer camps. Most importantly, we’re voting to secure these essential programs that keep Lopez welcoming and livable for families with young children—we want them to last for generations.” -Megan Crandell
Lisa Geddes supports Lopez Rec
“Now, more than ever we need a Parks and Rec.”
-Lolo Meissner
“Sports help create a community for students where they are more connected and supported in their mental and physical health.” -Ana-Sophia Rempel and Kaileah Poole (ASB President and Vice President, golf and soccer players)
“Voting YES for parks and Rec will bring much needed support for our island by serving and providing programming for our whole community, that includes our most at risk and valued members, creating a healthier happier Lopez Island”.
-Sheila Woodington & Laura Danforth of ALIGN: Advocates of Lopez Island and Gathering for Neurodiversity.
“Two of our children attend the After-School Program regularly, and we could not do without it! As working parents, the after-school program provides us with the flexibility we need to manage our schedules while ensuring our children are in a safe and enriching environment. With a Parks and Recs, these programs will continue so that our youngest child will have the same opportunities, and we don’t have to worry about balancing work and childcare. Our family will vote yes!”
-Laura Schaff and Roman Capps
“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!”
-Asia Citro, Parent
“Every community has foundational elements it needs to thrive. A Parks & Rec is one of those. On Lopez, we have been fortunate for years to rely on the generosity of volunteers and local businesses to offer time and money to make recreational activities, youth sports, arts and crafting classes and more happen here. But for these to truly last and be sustainable, we need the foundational element of a Parks & Rec. Lopezians of all ages from tiny tots to seniors will benefit and programs can last and thrive!” – Karly Leyde
“Our kids spent many summers participating in so many recreation opportunities on Lopez. We think all kids (and adults) should have these opportunities in the summer and year round. Health, fitness and fun!”
-Sally & John Dixon
“We’re behind you 100%” -The Patrick Family
“Sports create a sense of belonging, something every classroom benefits from.”
-Kristen Maker
“The services that Park and Rec plan to offer for the youth in our community are critical and shares in our vision for creating safe spaces in our community for teenagers. We also look forward to opportunities to work together to better serve our youth community.”
–Niko Brougher Director of 3Vs Lopez
Linnet Roberts supports
Lopez Rec
“I support Parks and Recreation for the Lopez community because this would help out the kids who do sports. This would help the kids be able to do sports all year round and support them in advancing in having a future career as well.”
-The Robles Family
Jessica Roberson supports Lopez Rec!
“Lopez Rec is great. I super support it. Everyone should support it.”
-Katherine Bryant-Ingman & Joe Ingman
“I am voting YES for Lopez Rec. School sports are critical to my two daughter’s well being. I believe that if the school can’t provide sports for the kids, then those kids will leave Lopez School. Enrollment is critical for our school’s survival.”
-Amy Schmidt
I support Lopez Rec because these are essential services for a community to thrive!
-Rebecca Hope
“Living on Lopez can feel really small sometimes, like there isn’t much to do. Sports give us something to look forward to, a reason to get out, and a way to connect with people. If we had Parks and Rec, we wouldn’t just save sports — we’d have more options and experiences to make life here feel bigger.” -Oliver
“Community sports were so healthy for my 2 daughters while growing up in the northwest. I want this for my 3 grandchildren here on Lopez. I want for me so I can watch and support them and their friends.”
-Kathleen Pallansch
“I love the fact that Lopez Rec will fund activities for Lopez seniors to toddlers and do it using local tax revenues. I know my dollars will stay on Lopez and maintain the dynamic, multi-generational island that we value.”
-Christine Kerlin
“My family supports “Lopez Rec”. We need programs like After-School on Lopez. It’s been a big help for our family giving us time to work, to take care of the younger siblings, and to get dinner on the table in time.” -Megan Jackson
“Local parks and recreation departments play a vital role in ensuring equitable access to a wide range of opportunities—from organized and intramural sports to access to nature and outdoor spaces. Rural communities like ours often face challenges in offering these resources due to limited funding. A publicly supported, tax-subsidized recreation department can help close this gap—ensuring that all members of the Lopez community, regardless of income or background, can benefit from the many services such departments provide.”
-Michael Rosekrans
I want to see Rally for the Rec succeed because I know how important a healthy school is to ensuring an equitable, just, and thriving community for future generations of Lopezians. It’s not just for youth or hobby athletes but for all of us who want to see our businesses, families, and friendships continue to experience the blessing of living somewhere as beautiful and special as Lopez. -Than Peterson
“I think the Rec would give Lopez the same opportunities other places have to grow and compete as an athlete.”
–Rafa
Rally for the Rec © 2024 Lopez Island Parks and Rec District Formation Committee | Website and Branding by Stephanie Cariker
