Thank you, Vashon voters. Forty-three percent of registered voters cast their ballots on this off election, almost twice as many as the King County turnout.

The Vashon Park District levy has passed by the smallest margin ever for our island. Whether you voted yes or no on your ballot, this community was engaged in conversation of what makes a good vibrant park district. Listening to opposing viewpoints respectfully is the only way change can happen.

While we both approached the levy from different sides, we both wanted the best for our park district, a park district more responsive to the needs of all Vashon residents. To that end, we both got what we wanted from this election. The community engaged one another, neighbors and friends, in conversation

about the past and future of the park district before casting their votes. And that is what democracy is about, being an engaged informed voter.

The day after the election, when the levy was 14 votes shy of passing, we both met with Elaine Ott to discuss the possibility of a summer camp for young teens this summer. We believe Elaine is now committed to having programs be part of her 2016 budget proposal.

Now it is our responsibility, the big “we,” to come forward with program ideas, which should be of interest to a wide variety of people. Now is the time for us to work together on common goals to achieve programs and better facilities for everyone. It is time for each of the different groups to see the big picture of parks for all. Let’s not take our parks for granted, but see them as our resources and work on ways they can be accessible to everyone.

— Kristin Pesman and Hilary Emmer