Karina Andrew reports:
The city of Oak Harbor will soon be seeking community input on proposed capital improvements to Windjammer Park.
One improvement on the table is the construction of a replacement windmill, an idea that has received public support in the past.
Other potential projects include the addition of an off-leash dog park, installation of a large playground, replacement of existing little league baseball diamonds with a lawn and shoreline enhancements, among others.
They Said It
Councilmember Tara Hizon and Mayor Pro Tem Beth Munns both acknowledged the value of feedback community members gave to the city when Windjammer Park was first designed, beginning in 2016.
“The public essentially designed the park and told us what they wanted, and so much good feedback came from this,” Hizon said. “I have every confidence that a second round of community feedback will just continue to improve the park and make it everything that we want it to be.”
Hizon suggested that the construction of additional restroom facilities be included for consideration along with the other projects. “We need additional restrooms,” she said. “Accessibility is so important in a space that big with opportunities for lots of big events and large gatherings.”
Councilmember Bryan Stucky urged staff to commit to making good on the feedback they receive in the survey. He said the city has not always done this in the past, apparently referring to the controversial “Angel de la Creatividad” sculpture, a gift the council voted to accept despite negative public survey responses.
“We put the survey out, we’ve got to be ready to abide by what the people say, or have a really good reason why we’re not,” he said.
