Marina Blatt reports from the Oak Harbor City Council meeting of Tue., Oct. 21, 2025 for the Whidbey News-Times. Read the whole story.
Summary by Perplexity.ai
Oak Harbor City Council unanimously approved a contract with Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker, LLC for a $133,118 feasibility study to plan a long-awaited recreation center. The consultant’s proposal builds on a city survey showing demand for more indoor recreation, event spaces, and pickleball courts. Funded by a state grant within the 2025–2026 Biennium Budget, the study will include five phases: discovery, analysis, community engagement, visioning, and final reporting. Councilmembers Eric Marshall and Jim Woessner highlighted the project’s economic and community benefits, emphasizing strong public involvement in shaping the facility’s future design and eventual construction plan.
They Said It
Councilmember Eric Marshall opined that the community has needed a facility like this for many years.
“I’m really excited about this,” Marshall said. “I really appreciate Rep. (Clyde) Shavers and Rep. (Dave) Paul for providing us with the opportunity to fund the feasibility study. This has the potential to be a huge economic benefit to our community.”
Councilmember Jim Woessner reflected that he has anticipated this project for 64 years, and he expressed confidence in the consultant’s track record. While acknowledging the high level of public interest likely to surround the effort, he underscored the importance of public outreach.
“Public engagement has always been a concern for me,” Woessner said. “I hope the consultant does try to get as much public engagement as possible.”
On the Ballot in November 2025
CITY OF OAK HARBOR Councilmember, Position 4
Barbara ArmesCouncilmember, Position 5
James P. Marrow, the incumbent
Brit Kraner
Marrow was appointed to replace Shane Hoffmire until the results of the election are certified in November.Councilmember, Position 6
Andy Plumlee
Sandi Peterson
Incumbent Jim Woessner did not file for another term.Councilmember, Position 7
Bryan StuckyCandidates are listed in the order in which they will appear on the ballot.
