Many Whidbey Islanders value green spaces greater than gold.

Perhaps that is because they are a similar financial asset. Many have likened them to the lungs of urban areas, filtering pollutants, reducing heat and mitigating impacts of development. Parks foster community, provide sanctuary for wildlife, reduce stress, promote physical activity, preserve natural beauty and more.

Island County officials, before updating the parks and recreation element of the comprehensive plan, are seeking public input for the vision of these spaces for years to come. In the next two months, staff will host additional open houses to hear community voices.

Element 7 of the parks and recreation plan will provide goals for the management of recreation areas and help create inventory of habitat, said Catherine Kelley, paths and trails project manager. The open house meetings seek to identify a vision for county parks, assessing long-term sustainability and risks.

Funding can be a bit tricky, she said. Updating the comprehensive plan opens the door to certain grant funding, but the county is also seeking suggestions for alternative sources.

“Everyone can have an impact on the most important resource our community has to offer,” she said, “and help create a better vision for Island County, because it will provide opportunities for boating and biking and horseback riding and hunting and beachcombing and a variety of other activities.”

The county has received quite a bit of feedback so far, she said. Some items that keep recurring include greater trail systems, better accessibility and more amenities, such as restrooms.

The comprehensive plan is due to the state in June.

The next open house will be at the Oak Harbor library on Nov. 6 from 5-7 p.m. Three Whidbey events and one on Camano will follow in December, with virtual attendance options, on Dec. 2 at Freeland Hall at 5:30 p.m., Dec. 9 at the Coupeville Library at 5:30 p.m. and Dec. 10 at the Oak Harbor Library at 5 p.m.

Those who cannot attend the meetings in person or online can call or email the project leads and provide input at 360-678-7965, catherinek@islandcountywa.gov or j.sylvester@islandcountywa.gov. For more information, visit islandcountyway.gov/216/parks-trails.

A majestic creature sits on a trail at Rhododendron Park in Coupeville on Wednesday, one of the places in the center of the discussion of Element 7 of the county parks and recreation plan. (Photo by Sam Fletcher)

A majestic creature nibbles on a stick at Rhododendron Park in Coupeville on Wednesday, one of the places in the center of the discussion of Element 7 of the county parks and recreation plan. (Photo by Sam Fletcher)

Rhododendron Park in Coupeville is one of the places in the center of the discussion of Element 7 of the county parks and recreation plan. (Photo by Sam Fletcher)