Island Rec prepares for a full summer of sports and recreation programs

May 20, 2025 1:30 am

By Declan O’Malley, Journal contributor

The San Juan Island Park & Recreation District (Island Rec) is gearing up for another exciting summer of sports and recreational programming that will have islanders enjoying old favorites while experiencing some new offerings.

For years, the department has provided a healthy outlet for enjoying sports and recreation.

“Island Rec’s sports and fitness programs play a vital role in our community by promoting stress reduction, enhancing mental well-being, and fostering opportunities for social connection. During the summer months, these activities encourage outdoor engagement and physical activity, allowing participants to enjoy the beauty of the island. Programs such as soccer, sailing, and pickleball provide inclusive, multigenerational opportunities for community building,” said Jen Henry, the recreation coordinator and the events and communications representative with Island Rec.

New to the Rec Department this summer are an Introduction to Golf program, Island Hop and Hikes, Inter-Island Bike Rides with expanded programming to Lopez Island, along with a Sailing Camp & Overnight Trip.

The department is also bringing back its most popular offerings, such as co-ed soccer, which featured 150 players last year, a pickleball tournament with 80 players in 2024, a Shaw Island ride and the Brad Pillow 8.8K, which attracts around 150 participants each year.

Additional offerings this summer include the 100 Mile May Challenge, where participants can walk, run or convert fitness activities into miles and track their progress with any app. The goal is to complete 100 miles by the end of May. Another offering, Morning Flow with Mariana, provides participants the chance to start their day with a gentle full-body yoga flow that stretches, strengthens and centers both the mind and body. This class is held at Studio JAMM, with July and August dates to be announced soon.

Younger sailors ages 11-plus can participate in Double-Handed Sailing in High-Performance Boats from July 28 to Aug. 1 at Jackson Beach, where they will learn teamwork, navigation and racing tactics in high-performance boats. For an even more immersive experience, the Sailing Camp & Overnight Trip from Aug. 11-15 will allow sailors to further develop their skills with a weeklong class, culminating in an overnight trip.