By MARGARET MACKEY
For The Beachcomber
Despite downturns in our local and national economies, the Sunrise Ridge board of directors is considering future uses of the 17-acre Sunrise Ridge property.
A prime piece of real estate dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations, it presently hosts the Vashon Maury Community Food Bank, Granny’s Attic, the Vashon Health Center, Voice of Vashon and a baseball field for young players. Sunrise Ridge has been maintained for more than 35 years by a dedicated board, which is now asking community-minded citizens to become involved in deciding what to do next with this jewel of a property.
The charge to the directors is that this land be preserved for the “health and well-being of Vashon Islanders.” Exactly what that means depends on how the Sunrise Ridge Board decides to develop (or not develop) the property in the years to come. In addition to the enterprises currently using the land, Sunrise Ridge could be the center for various Island health providers, become a park for community use, house a retirement center or be devoted to uses not yet considered .
I was moved by Rebecca Wittman’s column in the Jan. 14 issue of The Beach-comber, when she quoted her beloved father’s saying, “Community service is the rent you pay for the public land you walk on.” A lot of us are presently trying to figure out how we can pay our “rent” and support the larger group while also taking some hits at the home base.
As we begin a new year, many Vashon retirees are still in shock at receipt of their December retirement plan statements, while the younger workers are fearing job-loss or difficult possibilities as they send out resumés. The market is at a stunning low. And just look at those latest property tax statements! We feel our way along as the monetary shocks continue — some of them immediate, others long-term. Does everything have to cost money?
The answer is no — there are some things one can do for the larger community that don’t cost in dollars. We are needed in many other ways, and a commitment of your time is a valuable and wonderful asset to share with our Island home.
The Sunrise Ridge board is actively seeking advice and ideas about how to move ahead with this property. The input of Islanders is essential, and ongoing committee support is necessary if we are to benefit from this unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enhance our Island.
Do you have knowledge regarding development, nonprofit management, fundraising, record-keeping or community outreach? Have you been a patient at the clinic? Do you ever shop at or contribute to Granny’s Attic? Have you contributed food to our food bank or been a recipient? Have you played on the baseball field? When you drive by on the Island highway, do you ever notice what a choice piece of property lies to the west at 210th?
You are welcome to become a part of this planning. There is much to decide upon and to support as we move ahead. This is a community service that invites your guidance and your time. Become a member of one of our committees. We need you.
— Margaret Mackey serves on the Sunrise Ridge board of directors.
