Sam Fletcher reports on Island County’s Comprehensive Plan update for the Whidbey News-Times.
Many Whidbey Islanders value green spaces greater than gold.
Perhaps that is because they are a similar financial asset. Many have likened them to the lungs of urban areas, filtering pollutants, reducing heat and mitigating impacts of development. Parks foster community, provide sanctuary for wildlife, reduce stress, promote physical activity, preserve natural beauty and more.
Island County officials, before updating the parks and recreation element of the comprehensive plan, are seeking public input for the vision of these spaces for years to come. In the next two months, staff will host additional open houses to hear community voices….
The next open house will be at the Oak Harbor library on Nov. 6 from 5-7 p.m. Three Whidbey events and one on Camano will follow in December, with virtual attendance options, on Dec. 2 at Freeland Hall at 5:30 p.m., Dec. 9 at the Coupeville Library at 5:30 p.m. and Dec. 10 at the Oak Harbor Library at 5 p.m.
Those who cannot attend the meetings in person or online can call or email the project leads and provide input at 360-678-7965, catherinek@islandcountywa.gov or j.sylvester@islandcountywa.gov. For more information, visit islandcountyway.gov/216/parks-trails.
