Submitted by San Juan County Parks

Every six years, the County’s Parks, Trails, and Natural Areas Plan is updated to ensure that the plan responds to community needs and priorities and provides clear direction for the identification, development, and management of parks, trails, and natural areas. A County-approved plan makes the County eligible for the state grants that fund many of our parks, trails, and natural areas projects.
It also fulfills the Growth Management Act’s requirement for a non-motorized transportation plan.

This month, residents have the opportunity to weigh in at open houses on San Juan, Shaw, Lopez, and Orcas. At these open houses, you can hear about the Plan update; provide input on community needs and priorities; and chat one-on-one with the project team. You can learn more about County services and facilities related to parks and trails; provide feedback on park maintenance on your island; offer feedback on priorities for uses of conserved land; share your priorities for marine facilities and water access; and help prioritize funding for specific programs and services.

The first open house will be held on Tuesday, March 15, from 4-6 pm in the San Juan Island Grange. There will be a presentation at 4:10 pm and then time to visit the stations and share input.

The next open houses will be held at the Shaw Community Center (March 16 from 1-3 pm), Woodmen Hall on Lopez (March 29 from 4-6 pm), and the Orcas Fire Hall (March 30 from 4-6 pm). No RSVP required.