Stewardship at Vashon Park District is a special kind of volunteering.
Park Stewards working with the District have been unusually successful in planning, funding, developing and maintaining the parks they've 'adopted.'
Here's how it works -- Most of our parks are developed according to a Master Plan created in open meetings by interested community members, Park Commissioners and staff. Generally, starting at this Master planning stage for a particular park, an exceptionally committed group of volunteers forms to work with the Park Commissioner assigned to the park in executing the Master Plan.
Stewardship groups act as advisors to the Vashon Park District, and make recommendations to the Board on projects and improvements to parks. They participate in the annual budget request and granting process to seek funds for approved park projects. (Within the guidelines of the Master Plan). Stewards also participate in long-range planning as needed to advise the Board of the community’s intent for each park. Stewards become involved in most aspects of developing and running a park from writing funding grants to collaborating on building designs and more.
Here are the currently active Stewardship Groups
working with Vashon Park District:
The Keepers at Pt. Robinson . This group has worked with the Park District in completing remarkable renovations of the Pt. Robinson Lighthouse and its keepers' quarters to the point that Pt. Robinson park is a nationally known Island gem and visitors come from all over the world to spend the night in one of our restored keepers' quarters on the shores of Puget Sound.
Keepers meet monthly. Contact Captain Joe Wubbold for details.
The Village Green Stewards helped the district purchase this grassy knoll in Vashon Town's center, and they continue to develop it. Village Green is currently one of the District's most active parks, hosting a popular Farmers' Market on summer weekends, occasional concerts and special events. And, it is always a welcome green space for picnics and relaxation in the middle of Vashon's commercial area.
Village Green Stewards meet
The Burton Acres Stewards work like invisible wood nymphs to keep the trails through this exquisite wooded park groomed and hikable. They've been doing this for many years exercising their deep commitment to the forest.
Burton Acres Stewards meet as needed to plan maintenance projects. Contact Jay Becker for more information.
The BARC Stewards are working to develop the Burton Adventure Recreation Center park into the Island's 'Alternative' park where the whole family can spend a day and everyone has something to do. BARC is currently home to the Vashon Indoor Skate Park, an edible and contemplative story garden called "Eden Reframed,"a BMX track, Disc Golf course and volleyball court. There are also picnic tables and grills for family feasts.
BARC Stewards meet at least quarterly. Meeting dates are announced on the B.A.R.C. page of this website.Click here for the latest minutes.
The Paradise Ridge Park Stewards have spent years working with the District to turn an old Nike missile site into a first-rate equestrian park with practice rings, a classic show emcee box and a brand new covered arena with state of the art flooring. The Park is also used for concerts and performances, fairs and summer camps.
Paradise Ridge Stewards meet at least quarterly. Contact Mary O'Brien for more information.
If you feel a special attachment to a particular park and would like to serve as a steward there, simply contact the Park District office at 206-463-9602 for information. Not all parks have stewardship groups, so you may be starting something big.