Fresh faces form new parks and rec board

North Whidbey Pool, Parks and Recreation District has found two new commissioners.

By Sam Fletcher • May 31, 2024 1:30 am

North Whidbey Pool, Parks and Recreation District has found two new commissioners.

The change comes after James Marrow, the former chair, and John Chargualaf, position 2, stepped down in early May for increased campaigning as restructuring the district heads to the ballot.

Brit Kraner, position 1, has ascended as the new chair at a recent meeting, when commissioners Bill Larsen and David Guy were appointed.

Larsen, Island County’s recovery program manager, retired from the military in 2012 and since has served on the Port of Coupeville commission, Oak Harbor city council and the Whidbey Community Foundation. In doing this, Larsen hopes to set an example for his 18-year-old son and 14-year-old daughters.

“I’ve taught my kids if you can serve your community, if there is a need and you have the capacity to do so, you should do so,” he said.

Through his previous efforts, Larsen has had great communication and collaboration with the parks and rec district, he said, and his main focus is the push for its restructuring to a metropolitan park district.

Metro districts can collect property taxes without having to ask voters to pass a levy on a regular basis. Guy, Island County’s property control analyst, feels his background with levies and taxes will be an asset to the board.

Guy moved to Oak Harbor for the Navy and has been here since his retirement. He recalls in 2017 when the John Vanderzicht Memorial Pool shut down due to lack of funds.

“I don’t ever want to see that happen again,” he said. “I’m hoping to get from point A to point B, get to that metro district.”

That said, Guy sees the bigger picture beyond the new district. He understands there are many people who cannot use the pool and do not want to pay taxes on it, he said. The ultimate goal is to increase inclusivity and bring the parks and rec services to every doorstep.

“Bringing Commissioner Guy and Commissioner Larsen onto the Board of NWPPRD is very exciting,” Kraner wrote in an email. “We have a lot of things up in the air and need to focus on planning for the future and the probable change to the new metropolitan district. Both commissioners have a long history of experience that make them invaluable. I look forward to working more with them and getting a lot accomplished over the next several months.”

The work is cut out for them, Larsen said.

“I’m looking forward to jumping in with both feet and getting into the work this year,” he said. “I think it’s going to be a really good year for the district.”