Orcas Park & Rec asks LTAC for $85,000 to run Eastsound Village Green and waterfront parks

Kim Eilenfeldt, executive director of Orcas Islands Park & Recreation District, asked LTAC for $85,000 to assume operational responsibility for Eastsound Village Green and Orcas Waterfront Park under a new interlocal agreement with San Juan County. She argued that both sites are tourism infrastructure that enable year‑round events and spur local spending at lodging, restaurants and retail.

Eilnenfeldt said farmers markets draw nearly 1,000 visitors on market days and estimated those markets produce roughly 250 overnight guests; Orca Center concerts draw roughly 500 attendees including an estimated 200 who overnight. She said LTAC funding would cover maintenance, sanitary services, waste/recycling/composting and event readiness and that Park & Rec intends to leverage the facilities to preserve community access while supporting visitor activity.

Committee members welcomed the district’s proposal to take over operations and noted county budget constraints; Park & Rec said the LTAC ask is part of a multi-year transition and that some ongoing LTAC requests may persist until a sustainable operating model is embedded in the district budget.