City nominates park for historic register

Smith Park in Oak Harbor may soon be recognized on the Washington Heritage Register.

By Karina Andrew • July 28, 2023 1:30 am

Smith Park in Oak Harbor may soon be recognized on the Washington Heritage Register after city council members voted to submit a nomination prepared by the Garry Oak Society.

The register, administered by the state Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation, is the state’s official listing of historically significant sites and properties. If the nomination is accepted, Smith Park will become the city’s third property on the register, joining the Benjamin Loers Mansion and the Niel Barn and Water Tower.

Kyle Renninger of the Garry Oak Society shared with council members during a workshop meeting July 26 that Smith Park, located between SE Jensen Street and Midway Boulevard, has been a foundational park of the city of Oak Harbor since it was settled, and even long before.

Prior to white European settlement, Whidbey Island was cared for by Coast Salish people, and the Garry oak trees here stand as a “living monument” to their care, Renninger said.

The grove of Garry oak trees in Smith Park — the only such grove in the state of Washington — was “formed by the human hand through the land steward practices of those who came before,” Renninger said.

Oak Harbor was named for its Garry oak trees. The land that is now Smith Park was first owned by the Barringtons. Mrs. Barrington platted the original town and centered it around the park, which served as the town square and gathering place.

She eventually sold the lot to Lewis Smith, who gave it to the city to serve as a public park in the early 1900s. The park became the city’s first asset and was valued at around $10,000.

Renninger said being listed on the state register will promote ecotourism, help foster a sense of community pride and unlock grant funding for the park that could support events, interpretation and more. Inclusion in the register does not take decision-making authority over the property away from the city or impose any restrictions on the city in the future.

The city parks board voted unanimously to approve and recommend the nomination to the council. Council members unanimously approved a motion to submit the nomination in a 5-0 vote. Council members Tara Hizon and Eric Marshall were not present at the meeting.