The City of Oak Harbor issued the following statement in the news section of its website on Thu., Mar. 21, 2024
The City of Oak Harbor Parks and Recreation Department received notice on Thursday, March 7, that its request for a Recreation Center Feasibility Study was funded through the Washington State Legislature Supplemental Capital Budget. The request was sponsored by Representative Clyde Shavers with the support of Representative Dave Paul.
The City will receive $200,000 starting in July 1, 2024 to conduct the feasibility study. Community members, most notably, the Mr. Oak Harbor Royalty Committee, have been requesting the City pursue the development of a community recreation facility. After a funding agreement is signed, likely in late summer, the City will pursue hiring a qualified consultant/firm to conduct the study.
The Oak Harbor Recreation Center Feasibility Study will assess possible locations, amenities, services, facility size, staffing requirements, and cost estimates and will include a cost-benefit analysis. The study is expected to take several months to complete. There will be time for public input during the information-gathering timeline.
“There are many areas on Whidbey Island where families don’t have access to recreational facilities, especially in the non-summer months,” said Brian Smith, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Oak Harbor. “Everyone should be able to access and receive the health benefits, both mental and physical, of spending time recreating, socializing, and being active. This support for our community by Representatives Clyde Shavers and Dave Paul is a big first step in helping provide places to improve the well-being of our residents.”
The Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council will receive presentations on the progress of the feasibility study, which are open to the public.
