Optimism for Recreation in Birch Bay

A total of $215,000 for Birch Bay recreation support projects is included in the master plan approved by the Northwest Park & Rec District at a meeting Tuesday evening, May 12. The breakdown:

Upgrade the gym at Bay Horizon Park, $35,000
Sports fields, $140,000
Children's play structures, $40,000

Of course there is no certainty. This is simply a plan, and information that expensive wetland restoration would be required for the area at Bay Horizon where ball fields were expected puts a damper on that hope. (Ted Morse, district president, said he is looking for alternative sites.) Nonetheless, this is good news. See the whole plan at www.nwprd2.org

Commissioners of the district have been frugal. Most of the levy money that came to the rejuvenated district with approval of a levy has been saved. Treasurer Dorothy Robertson has some $275,000 on hand, About $300,000 more will come from this year's property taxes. (The impressive 50-page plan, a necessity in seeking state and federal grants, was created for only $20,000, a bargain considering the number of community meetings conducted by the consultants.)

As expected, the commissioners voted to forego another levy request this year. In light of current economic climate, this is a “prudent decision," said Commissioner Terry Johnson (pictured here) in making the motion. All five commissioners voted yes.

Another achievement by the district is a portfolio of classes that will be available. Those at the meeting were shown a mock-up for a Summer Activities Guide, a catalog of 27 opportunities for children and adults taught by qualified local experts this summer. The catalog will be included in the Northern Light this Thursday, the 28th.

Most of the work in qualifying teachers and assembling the information was done by Linda Roorda, the district's secretary, who is paid for only 20 hours a week. Putting this package together for the first time is a tremendous achievement.

AK