By KRISTIN PESMAN
For The Beachcomber

Someone asked me the other day, “Why parks?” The only answer I could think of was: How could you even ask that question?

For me, parks are a basic need in any community worth living in. I acknowledge that in the past few years the Vashon Park District commissioners have taken us to the brink of the financial cliff with mismanagement of the VES Fields project. I have been to the meetings where disrespect has run high.

But we have two separate issues: our parks and programs and the commissioners. The current ballot for renewing the park levy is for the parks and programs. In the November elections, we will have a choice when three of the five commissioner seats are up for grabs. Seven months of uncertainty for the park district staff and the park users — the wait until they can put the levy on the ballot again — is not worth the nickel difference that the opposing view proposes.

The Friends of the Parks are looking to a solid future, and voters will deal with the past in the November elections. Islanders should let the new management at the park district continue with the work they have started at creating a financially sound institution with the goal of serving all park users.

Our park district provides places for people to connect, public access to natural resources, a positive impact on our economy and activities for young and old. Parks are part of the soul of our community. Play dates, weddings, basketball, public meetings, drama, softball, lacrosse, soccer, lighthouse tours, beach walks, disc golf, horse shows and skateboarding are all activities that provide human connections to other people, animals and nature. Those connections are essential to our well-being. Our parks provide us with places and opportunities to help make these connections happen.

Public parks give access to all. Beaches, a pool and playgrounds of all types are available to all of our

citizens through the park district. We have privately run resources on the island, but not everyone can afford membership. How many other places in this region have such great access to beautiful beaches like we have here?

Our parks give equal opportunities to all and have a positive economic impact on Vashon. Tourists come from off-island to stay in our beautiful lighthouse quarters. Our farmers market, which takes place at a park property, provides income to many of our farmers, artists and food venders. The park district and the programs it facilitates provide teenagers summer jobs. The sailing program, lifeguarding at the pool and summer sports camps all provide great employment or volunteer training for our youth to gain valuable life skills.

Our parks say something about what matters to us on this island. If we do not pass the levy, these places and programs will be at risk. Renewing the park levy at the current rate will ensure a bright future. By passing the levy now, our hardworking park staff can plan for the future by creating new programs, improving the parks we have and serving many of our recreational needs.

We all can find something to do in our parks. We need our parks for a happy, healthy island. The first step in helping to make this happen is to vote by April 28 in the coming election. In order for this election to be valid, at least 2,083 island voters need to cast a vote, and for the parks to continue to bring you the activities and facilities you have come to use and enjoy, 60 percent of those votes need to be a yes.

So when you get your ballot in the coming weeks, open it, mark it yes and send it in right away. The future of the Vashon Park District is in your hands. Thank you for voting yes for parks.

— Kristin Pesman is a former Vashon Park District commissioner who is heading the Friends of the Parks, a volunteer group supporting the levy.