The results from the Vashon Park District’s survey conducted last fall are in and the pool, recreational programs and more restrooms at park district properties ranked highest on the list of importance for islanders.

Vashon Park District Executive Director Elaine Ott-Rocheford said last week that 950 islanders took the survey — 9 percent of all residents — a number higher than expectations.

“Comments, for the most part, focused on sticking with existing facilities, not building new ones,” Ott-Rocheford said.

With that in mind, she said the pool ranked high and stood out as a top priority among the park district’s long list of deferred maintenance projects which total about $5 million, according to a hand-out provided at a recent park district board meeting. That number could drop to nearly $2 million once the district receives grants for the various projects.

The survey results will help to guide the park district’s long-term planning process that is currently underway and expected to be complete by the end of summer.

Also underway for the park district is the creation of a foundation. Islander Kelly Schmidt presented the idea of a Vashon Parks and Recreation Foundation earlier this year and announced last week the foundation has been created and is in the process of receiving 501(c)3 status. She is seeking board members to assist her in leading the new organization. The foundation will be a stand-alone non-profit working in conjunction with the park district and other island entities to promote and enhance parks and recreation services.

The deadline to apply for a board position is May 1. For more information and to apply, email Schmidt at vashonparksandrecfound@gmail.com