Lopez School is the very heart of our island community, and we know that without sports, students will leave, which will further damage the school’s finances. Passing the Parks and Recreation levy will provide the budgeted $180,000 and is the only way to save school sports, which is how Friday Harbor saved their sports program. While a P&R District has the ability to do much more than sports, there remain questions regarding partnerships, the types of programs, administrative costs, etc. These deserve more necessary community conversation that can and will happen. But, if the district formation or the levy fails this November, we will lose our beloved sports program, which will do irreparable harm to the future of our school and our community.

Please vote YES for “Lopez Rec”!

Tom and Tammy Cowan

Lopez Island

Last week, I watched my 6-year-old’s eyes light up as she scored her first goal in soccer practice. Her little brother, just 2-and-a-half, clapped and giggled, imagining the day he’d join her on the field. Moments like these remind me why our small island needs and must support the new Parks and Rec levy.

As a mother and business owner, I feel the pinch of rising costs every day. But I’ve come to believe that investing in Lopez is the best choice we can make. This levy is about more than sports or summer camps; it will create shared spaces where our children learn teamwork, responsibility and strong community values. And it’ll establish programs that serve Lopezians of all ages.

Our children are the future leaders, entrepreneurs and caregivers of this island. When we nurture their skills alongside their sense of belonging and desire to connect with each other and this community, we all win.

Supporting this levy is an investment in shared hopes and strong roots. Let’s build a community where our kids grow up knowing we care — where every goal they score is a step toward a brighter future for us all. Please vote yes for “Lopez Rec.”

Kristi DePaul

Lopez Island