After living in the community for 17 years, Robert Wilson thinks it’s time he returned some of the services he received. He’s attended Park and Recreation board meetings for a number of years and believes he can be an asset, both to the district and the community.

“My background has included a lot of interpersonal training — how to bring consensus to groups both big and large,” Wilson said. He believes he can positively use those skills as a board member.

Wilson’s primary goals are to maintain the current park and recreation facilities and work to expand affordable programs for adults and youth alike.

He said the Aquarobics program at the pool is one of the only such programs offered at present. Wilson would like to see more fun-runs and fun-walks, not only to take advantage of Whidbey Island’s scenery, but also to unite the community.

Additionally, he would also like the board to be able to maintain the fiscal responsibility given to it by the taxpayers — an issue Wilson said he has heard discussed many times at board meetings.

He also recognized that the district bylaws had been amended to allow for the new tennis center proposed by the Whidbey Island Tennis Association, and that it could be a wonderful asset if completed and turned over to the parks district. But he said he is conscientious about doing it legally and in a fiscally responsible manner — especially since no funds have as yet been earmarked for its operations.

He said a tennis center, like the pool, could draw people to the community.

Since moving back to Oak Harbor in 1989, Wilson said his wife, a master swimmer, and son have been active patrons of the pool. A cyclist and runner himself, Wilson said he would love to see the development of more running and cycling areas. A lack of assets at present have prevented any new areas, but such development would be wonderful if the opportunity presents itself.