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The Maintenance and Operations Levy is a vital investment in our community's taxpayer-owned facilities. This levy will support essential expenses, including:

• Utilities, water, and pool chemicals
• Staffing costs
• Maintenance and improvements to district buildings and land
• Equipment purchases for new and existing programs

By approving this levy, we can ensure our facilities remain safe, efficient, and well-maintained, while also expanding services to more residents in the future. 

We are committed to serving our community. If you can’t find the activities you want at the right time, please submit a comment form or e-mail the Board of Commissioners so we can try to resolve the issue.   

No. The City of Oak Harbor owns and maintains all of the city parks.  The District receives NO funding from the City of Oak Harbor.

When the pool closed in 2017, volunteers approached the City with a request to assume control, but due to funding constraints, the City could not. Councilman Woessner spoke to this decision at the March 19, 2024 city council meeting (Councilman Woessner's full comment starts at 2:49:40).  "That's what we look at as a city, quite frankly, we had 800,000 reasons for the city not to take on this additional task, the list you gave us, the $800,000 you spent on improvements over the last couple of years, because that 800,000 would have needed to be absorbed by the 22,000 citizens of Oak Harbor not the 41,000 people of North Whidbey Parks and Recreation District."  

We also offers recreation programs like youth basketball program and summer day camp. We are committed to expanding their recreation programs and being more than just a pool. But there are other reasons:

Community Benefits

1. Economic Growth: A pool levy investment can boost local economic growth by attracting new residents, businesses, and visitors who value quality of life amenities.
2. Property Values: A modern pool facility can increase property values, making your community a more desirable place to live.
3. Community Hub: Pools serve as community hubs, hosting events, programs, and activities that foster social connections and community engagement.

Health and Wellness

1. Water Therapy: Pools provide a safe and accessible space for water therapy, benefiting people with disabilities, injuries, or chronic conditions.
2. Recreation for All Ages: Pools offer programs and activities for seniors, youth, and families, promoting intergenerational connections and healthy lifestyles.
3. Drowning Prevention: Swimming lessons and water safety programs save lives and reduce the risk of drowning.

Youth Development

1. Swim Lessons: Swimming lessons teach life-saving skills, water safety, and confidence.
2. After-School Programs: Pools provide a safe and engaging space for after-school programs, promoting youth development and academic success.
3. Team Sports: Competitive swim teams and aquatic programs foster teamwork, discipline, and character development.

By voting for a pool levy, you're investing in the well-being, vitality, and prosperity of your community, even if you don't swim.