2026.VPD.AG.6.25 x9 .issuu.Master File

Table of Contents & Welcome

Letter from Executive Director Timothy Stapleton (Closing page)

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Vashon Park District is to equitably provide public access to the District’s parks, facilities and recreational programs to all Island residents and visitors; to continuously improve our facilities and programs through inclusionary planning processes; and to responsibly acquire and maintain our assets according to appropriately defined standards and policies, so our park users will be provided with exceptional opportunities to improve the quality of their lives.

Americans with Disabilities Act: Vashon Park District does not discriminate against any individuals. Upon request, VPD publications, programs and activities will be made available in an alternate format to persons with disabilities.

Although this publication was prepared on the basis of the best information available at the time of publication, all information (including locations, dates, times, fees, etc.) is subject to change without notice.

VPD Board of Commissioners

Sarah George Chair

Josh Henderson Vice Chair

Bob McMahon

Abby Antonelis

Treasurer

Secretary

Hans Van Dusen At Large

Timothy Stapleton Executive Director tstapleton@vashonparks.org 206-463-9602 Ober Office

Cheryl Richmond Operations Coordinator | IT crichmond@vashonparks.org (206)-463-9602 Ober Office

VPD Staff

Timothy Stapleton Executive Director

Eric Wyatt Recreation Manager

Shawn Gateman Maintenance Director

Randy Turner Aquatics Manager

Linda Stemer Recreation Assistant

Cheryl Richmond Operations Coordinator / IT

Robin Miller Facility Access Coordinator

Robin Miller

Access | Facility Scheduling rmiller@vashonparks.org (206) 234-4167

Linda Stemer

Recreation Assistant lstemer@vashonparks.org (206) 463-9602 Ober Office

Vashon Park District ~ 17130 Vashon Highway SW, Vashon, WA 98070

Main Office: (206) 463-9602 | Fax: (206) 463-9614. Monday - Friday, 9 AM-4 PM. Community Pool - 9526 SW 204th | (206) 463-3787 during operating hours www.vashonparks.org

2026 calendar of events

DATE EVENT

Sat, March 07

Fri, March 13

Wed, April 01

Sat, April 04

Sat, April 25

Fri, May 01

Wed, May 06

Sun, May 10

Sat, May 23

Sun, June 07

Sun, June 14

Fri, June 19

Sat, June 27

Sat, June 27

Wed, July 01

Sat, July 04

Fri, July 17 -

Sun, July 19

Sat, July 25

Sun, July 26

Thu, July 30

Thu, August 06

Thu, August 13

Thu, August 20

Sat, August 22

Thu, August 27

Sat, September 16

Humanities WA guest speaker Maggie Meretens-How Women Won the Marathon and Changed Our View of Gender | 2 PM @ Vashon Library

Common Backyard Birds | 2 PM @ Vashon Library

Humanities WA guest speaker – Claudia Heron - Green Expectations, A Poetry Workshop/Ilusiones Verdes, Un Taller de Poesía | 6 PM @ Vashon Library

Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt | 11 AM @ Ober Park

Vashon Bike Club - Start @ Vashon Roasterie 10 AM | 13.82 miles | 1,450 ft.

StoryWalk by Vashon Library - May through June at Point Robinson’s trail to the lighthouse

Humanities WA guest speaker -Feliks Banel - All Over the Map: Stories Behind the Names of WA Places & Things | 6 PM @ Vashon Library

Kite Day / Lighthouse Tours | 12 PM @ Point Robinson Lighthouse

Vashon Bike Club - Start @ Vashon Ferry to Fauntleroy 9:25 AM - to Mirabelle by Orphee Bakery in Seattle | 17.96 miles | 344 ft.

Freelance Beaver Documentary | 12:30 PM @ Vashon Theatre (free showing)

Low Tide Celebration | 10 AM - 2 PM @ Point Robinson Lighthouse

Seattle Chamber Concert Truck | 6 PM @ Ober Park

Summer Classic Pickleball Tournament | 10 AM @ VHS Tennis Courts

Vashon Bike Club - Start @ Snap Dragon 10 AM | 14.93 miles | 1,692 ft.

Summer Scavenger Hunt (July - September) @ Point Robinson Lighthouse

Buskers in the Park (Saturdays, July - Aug) at Point Robinson Lighthouse

Vashon Strawberry Festival with Vashon Park District dunk tank

Vashon Bike Club - Start @ Vashon Foot Ferry @ 10:35 AM - to Seattle - to Bainbridge Island Blackbird Bakery | 20.72 miles | 1,750 ft.

Shakespeare in the Park - Seattle’s GreenStage production of “The Winters Tale.” Ober Park | 5 PM

Concerts in the Park | 7 PM @ Ober Park (Act TBD)

Concerts in the Park | 7 PM @ Ober Park (John Roberts Y Pan Blanco)

Concerts in the Park | 7 PM @ Ober Park (Bowie Rex)

Concerts in the Park | 7 PM @ Ober Park (Act TBD)

Vashon Bike Club - Start @ Port Angeles to Sequim (Must have transportation) @ 8:15 AM - | 33.02 miles | 1,303 ft.

Concerts in the Park | 7 PM @ Ober Park (Act TBD)

Humanities WA guest speaker -Harriet Baskas - Really Old Food, A Love Story | 6 PM @ Vashon Library

The Great Eggstravaganza EGG HUNT

Date Description

Sat, September 19 Attack the Track Skate Park Event @ BARC Skate Park 12 - 4 PM

Sat, September 26

Vashon Bike Club - Start @ Burton Coffee Stand to Point Robinson Lighthouse @ 10 AM | 14.94 miles | 1,436 ft.

Sat, October 31 Halloween Boo Bash | 5- 7 PM @ Ober Park

Fri, November 13 Vashon Birds of Prey | 2 PM @ Vashon Library

Sun, November 15

Humanities WA Guest Speaker – Michael Artime - The Strange Link Between Shark Attacks and Voting Behavior | 2 PM @ Vashon Library

Fri, December 04 Arthur Christmas - Holiday Movie at Vashon Theatre - 4 PM

Sun, December 06 Open House @ Point Robinson Lighthouse 12 - 4 PM

TRACKING URBAN WILDLIFE

“Arthur Christmas ... is the surprise gift of the season: a sharp, savvy holiday comedy ”

Trey Graham - NPR

FRIDAY, DEC 4TH 4:00 PM

VASHON BIKE CLUB

Vashon Park District’s new Bike Club invites riders to explore the island and other PNW destinations through a once monthly series of scenic social rides, running April through September. Each ride features a thoughtfully planned route—ranging from relaxed local loops to longer destination adventures— highlighting quiet back roads, waterfront views, ferry-accessible excursions, and favorite spots for coffee, baked goods, or a well-earned meal. Rides vary in distance and elevation, offering options for different comfort levels, with a strong emphasis on camaraderie, beautiful scenery, and time to connect and refuel at the end of each outing. Whether you’re easing into the biking season or training for a bigger ride, like the Passport to Pain, the Vashon Bike Club is a great way for adults to ride together, discover new routes, and explore our beautiful landscape.

Legend: Easiest = Most difficult =

Mileage shown is round trip. Elevation gain for rides is in parentheses (e.g., 1,000 ft.). To see route details and FAQ sheet, please visit our website at vashonparks.org Adults only | Helmets & waiver required.

APRIL 25 Start Time: 10 a.m.

Vashon - The Roasterie

8

Start the biking season with a 13.82-mile ride (1,450 ft.) starting at Valley Center Park & Ride. The route follows scenic backroads including Old Mill Valley Road, Shawnee Road, and the Burton Loop, passing local farms before finishing with coffee and conversation at The Roasterie.

Visit our website at vashonparks.org

MAY 23 Start time: 9:25 a.m.

Fauntleroy - Mirabelle by Orphee

Vashon to Fauntleroy Ferry

18-mile ride (344 ft.) begins on the 9:25 a.m. Vashon–Fauntleroy ferry and ends in Pioneer Square at Mirabelle by Orphée for French pastries and coffee. The route loops around Alki, follows the new Seattle waterfront bike lanes, and passes Seattle Aquarium and Olympic Sculpture Park.

JUNE 27 Start time: 10 a.m.

Vashon - Snapdragon

14.9-mile (1,692 ft.) ride begins at Vashon Snapdragon and loops around the west side of Vashon. With the elevation gain, it’s a good training ride for the Seattle to Portland (STP). A Burma Road option offers extra challenge before returning to Uptown for coffee and brunch at Snapdragon.

JULY 25 Start time: 10:35 a.m.

Bainbridge Island - Blackbird Bakery

Vashon Foot Ferry > Seattle > Bainbridge

20.72 mile ride (1,750 ft.) around Bainbridge Island. We will take the 10:35am Vashon Foot Ferry to Pier 50 and then catch the ferry to Bainbridge from there. From the ferry dock we will ride north up the east side of Bainbridge Island along Sunrise Drive NE to Point Monroe and Fay Bainbridge Park. Heading to the west side and south past Frog Rock, we ride through the Manzanita area and around Battle Point Park before meandering back into town to Blackbird Bakery for pastries or lunch before heading to the ferries home.

AUGUST 22 Start time: 8:15 a.m. (Transportation required)

Olympic Discovery Trail Hook & Line Pub via Southworth Ferry

The August’ ride is our longest pedal: 33-miles (1,303 ft.) out-and-back on the scenic Olympic Discovery Trail between Port Angeles and Sequim. Starting at 10:30 a.m., riders follow waterfront views and farmland to the Dungeness River Nature Center bridge before returning to Port Angeles for food and drinks at Hook & Line Pub.

SEPTEMBER 26 Start time: 10 a.m.

Burton Coffee Stand

The final ride is a 14.9-mile (1,436 ft.) loop from Burton to Point Robinson Lighthouse and back, with 900 ft. of elevation. The route follows Quartermaster Harbor onto Maury Island, climbs Point Robinson Road, and passes Flora Hills Farm before finishing with coffee at the Burton Coffee Stand.

EVENTS

We are excited to continue our summer play series at Ober Park—this year featuring Shakespeare in the Park, with performances by Seattle’s GreenStage Shakespeare Company, and also, the Young Shakespeare Workshop.

Sunday, July 26Sunday, August 02 - Antony

SHAKESPEARE in the PARK

THE YOUNG SHAKESPEARE WORKSHOP PRESENTS:

ANTONY CLEOPATRA

SUNDAY, AUGUST 02

5:00 PM | OBER PARK 17130 VASHON HWY SW

& Cleopatra

and Cleopatra

Seattle GreenStage

As Seattle’s longest-running Shakespeare company, GreenStage presents free, family-friendly outdoor performances in beautiful park settings throughout the region. With no tickets required, their high-quality productions reach over 10,000 people each summer, making Shakespeare accessible to all through the power of intimate, outdoor theatre that brings communities together.

The Young Shakespeare Workshop

Young Shakespeare Workshop is a nationally recognized non-profit that creates a passionate community around performing Shakespeare through tuition-free programs. Serving youth from across Seattle and King County with academic year residencies and summer programs, YSW fulfills its mission to help all young people fall in love with words and discover the transformative power of the human voice.

Summer Schedule (June 23 - September 1)

IMPORTANT POOL SCHEDULE NOTICE

Afternoon pool availability may change due to camps and group rentals. The schedule printed in this guide may not reflect daily adjustments.

Before planning your visit, always check the current pool schedule on the Vashon Park District website at www.vashonparks.org/vashon pool or call (206) 463-3787.

vashonparks.org/vashon-pool

Aquatics ~ Group Learn to Swim Lessons

Register on-line @vashonparks.org or in-person at the pool starting April 15th.

Level 2 (Beginner)

Age 6-10

Level 1 (Novice)

Age 5-8

Little or no water experience.

Ready to learn swim strokes. They can currently float, bob, and complete at least 5 swim strokes off a glide.

Level 3 (Adv-Beginner )

Age 7-12

Ready for greater swim skills. They can currently swim the width (13 yds) of the pool on both the front and back. Can float and tread water, and is not afraid of the deep water. Can put face in the water. Has had lessons.

Summer Swim Lessons (8-classes, M-TH) Fee: $105

Deadline to register is the Wednesday before the session start date. Preregistration priority is given to students already in previous session.

4:15 PM - 5:00 PM

Novice - Level 1

Beginner - Level 2

Adv-Beginner -

5:00 PM - 5:45 PM

Novice - Level 1

Beginner - Level 2

3

Session I

II July 13- July 23 July 27 - Aug 6

-

Visit our website at vashonparks.org

The Bubble

When the chill rolls in off Puget Sound and gray clouds settle over the island, the pool at Vashon Park District doesn’t hibernate—it transforms.

Each fall, crews raise the seasonal pool “bubble,” a climate-controlled dome that seals in warmth. Inside, the air is balmy and the water stays at a toasty 83 degrees, offering a welcome refuge from the cold. Lap and drop-in swimmers keep moving while the wind whips outside.

The bubble isn’t just engineering—it’s proof island life doesn’t slow down when temperatures drop.

Lifeguard Blended Learning Course

Online & Classroom

Total Class Time = 30 Hours | Times & dates to be determined

Fee: $305 (includes Red Cross fee & materials fee)

Become an American Red Cross (ARC) certified Lifeguard through Blended Learning. Blended learning combines online learning with in-person skills sessions conducted by a Red Cross-certified instructor. In order to attend the in-person skill sessions, students must pass the assessment at the end of the on-line session and submit a copy of their on-line completion certification to their instructor. The primary purpose of the lifeguard training program is to provide training and educate participants in skills and information on how to prevent, recognize and respond to emergencies and to provide care for sudden illnesses in aquatic environments until advanced medical personnel arrives and takes over. Upon successful completion, the American Red Cross will issue certificates in Lifeguard Training/First Aid, and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer (both certifications are valid for two years).

Candidates must be able to swim 300 yards without stopping, tread water using only legs for 2 minutes, and complete a timed 20 yard swim w/10lb brick retrieval from 10’ depth of water in 1 minute 40 seconds. *Refunds will not be given to students who do not pass the required course prerequisite or the on-line portion of the assessment & course.

Note: No job guarantee comes with certification.

Vashon Park District is an American Red Cross Authorized Provider. For questions about offerings and future classes contact Randy Turner | rturner@vashonparks.org.

financial aid for classes & camps

We strongly believe that every child should be able to participate in our camps and lessons regardless of their means. Vashon Park District offers financial aid to those who need assistance affording our swim lessons, sailing, pickleball, and skate camps.

As a government agency, we are not allowed to give away taxpayer fundseven for this worthy cause- but we do have a scholarship fund that is sourced from private donations. To those who have donated to this fund, we are extremely grateful. If you would like to donate, please email info@vashonparks. org or contact our office at (206) 463-9602.

If you wish to apply for a scholarship, please complete the form from our website and return it to us as soon as possible. You can find the scholarship application in both English and Spanish at www.vashonparks.org/classes.

Vashon Park District & Quartermaster Yacht Club’s Jr. Sailing Camp

Per Session Fee: $475

Date: 6 sessions July 6- Aug 14

Location: Quartermaster Yacht Club 23428 Vashon Highway SW For Ages: 8 - 12 Beginner & 12-18 Junior

Partner Classes - Outdoor Recreation

The Bruce Haulman Junior Sailing Program is dedicated to teaching sailing skills to kids aged 8 - 18. Established around 1999 by local historian and educator Bruce Haulman, the program operates under the Vashon Park District and is hosted at the Quartermaster Yacht Club. It offers fourday sailing camps during the summer months, typically from early July through mid-August. These camps provide instruction on 14 to 15-foot sailboats equipped with main and jib sails.

A notable feature of the program is its emphasis on mentorship; teenagers start as apprentices around age 14, achieve instructor certification by 16, and gain experience in boat maintenance, teaching, and leadership. This dual focus on youth sailing education and instructor development has been a cornerstone of the program since its inception.

Kids learn to sail on the following QYC craft:

14.2 3 The Capri 14.2 is a small sailing dinghy known for being a stable, easy-to-sail boat that is great for beginners and casual sailors.

14

The Hunter 14 is a small recreational dinghy designed for easy handling and fun day sailing.

The Club 420 (C420) is a high-performance, double-handed sailing dinghy designed for youth and collegiate racing. It is one of the most popular training and racing boats in North America. JY 15 5 The JY 15 is a high-performance, double-handed sailing dinghy designed for both racing and recreational sailing.

Pickleball

Women’s Soccer

Coed Soccer

Family Soccer

Co-ed Basketball

Girls & Women’s

Basketball

Senior Tai Chi

Disc Golf

Skate Boarding

Ultimate Frisbee

Lacrosse

Spinal Mobility

Whether you’re itching to get outside or prefer to be indoors, Vashon Park District has free drop-in programs to keep you active throughout the year. No commitment, no excuses, no fee—just show up and have fun!

Check out our schedules at vashonparks.org and find your next favorite activity.

Got a genius idea for a new program? We’re all ears (and sneakers).

Send us your brilliant thoughts to info@vashonparks.org—who knows, your idea might just be the next big thing!

VashonParkDistrictisproudtobe recreationpartnerswithseveralorganizationstohelpensurebothkids andadultscanparticipateinawide varietyofsportsonthe island.

SOFTBALL

VPD’s Passport to Parks

Vashon Island boasts a rich park system, primarily overseen by the Vashon Park District (VPD). Additional parks and nature reserves are maintained by either the Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust or King County’s Department of Natural Resources. Together, these entities provide an exceptional outdoor recreation experience. Our parks provide opportunities to discover the island’s distinctive habitat and stunning scenery. With our Passport to Parks, you’ll have a comprehensive guide to the island’s activities, beaches, trails, and athletic fields. We invite you to revel in the beauty of our parks and natural surroundings.

Shawn Gateman Maintenance Director (206) 550-4507

sgateman@vashonparks.org

The new 20th Anniversary Edition is available at our Ober Park Office and select island retailers. Thank you to Anne Spiers, John H. Gerstle, & Susan Sullivan for making this great guide book an island treasure and a great gift. Proceeds help fund our youth scholarships.

Please let us know how we are doing and how the parks are presenting! Shawn and his crew of park maintenance professionals take great pride in their work. Use the following Passport to Parks to guide you throughout VPD’s park system!

VPD’s Passport to Parks

Burton Adventure Rec Center (B.A.R.C.) 10500 SW 228th St.

Ober Park 17130 Vashon Highway SW

Inspiration Point 26400 Vashon HWY SW Left: Village Green Frmrs Mkt 17505 Vashon HWY SW Far left: Wingehaven Park 1290 Cunliffe Rd. SW

Vashon Park District Facilities & Commons

Vashon Park District manages organized public use of its facilities and those of the Vashon School District through the “Commons Agreement.” The following page contains the general use policies and rental fee schedule. Contact Robin Miller to schedule your exclusive use of these community resources! Visit our website to see a full menu of rentable spaces, the space availability calendar and to submit your rental request.

FACILITY RENTAL POLICY

OBER PARK EXERCISE ROOM

Available Monday - Friday 7 AM - 9 PM Weekends 9 AM - 5 PM

PRIVATE INSTRUCTORS: RENTAL SPACE AVAILABLE

Our Ober Exercise room is an ideal space for instructors to rent for their classes. Current private offerings include Indomitable Spirit Taekwondo, and Core Centric Melt classes. Rental of an indoor space is on a per-hour basis and allows exclusive use of the space during the rental period. Start your class today!

VASHON COMMONS

HOURS OF OPERATION FOR FIELDS AND COMMONS FACILITIES

Monday - Friday 5 PM - 9 PM

Saturday & Sunday 9 AM - 5 PM

For practice sessions at Vashon Island School District’s athletic fields or indoor facilities, fees are based on an hourly rate per team, regardless of how many teams are using the facility simultaneously. Games requiring exclusive use of the official play area during an event will be charged on a per-hour basis. Additionally, there is a $221 fee for “Field Drag and Line” maintenance per sport season, with the user group responsible for purchasing paint.

• Full payment is due at time of booking, and a rental agreement must be submitted to secure a room or party reservation.

• "Ongoing Rentals" will pay in full at time of room reservations .

• All cancellations or changes made to bookings will be charged an administrative fee of $32. Changes made more than 30 days prior to the rental will receive a full refund less the administrative fee. No credits are given.

• Cancellations or changes made less than 30 days from the rental reservation date will not receive a refund and no credits are given.

EQUESTRIAN INSTRUCTOR/ ORGANIZER FEE

Robin Miller Facility Scheduling Coordinator rmiller@vashonparks.org

206-234-4167

In lieu of hourly fees, an instructor or event organizer utilizing Paradise Ridge facilities may pay $116 for a consecutive four-month period of reservations. This fee assumes non exclusive use. If exclusive use is required, the reservation is subject to the hourly fee.

RATES

1.) Non-Profit: To qualify for non-profit rates, organizations must be recognized as a 501(c)(3) corporation or registered as a non-profit by the State of Washington, with governance by a local board of directors. Examples include sports groups, arts organizations, and social service agencies. Proof of status is required at the time of booking.

2.) Private: Events such as family reunions, weddings, or government meetings are eligible for private rates.

3.) Commercial: Company picnics, for-profit classes, camps, business gatherings, or events involving merchandise sales for profit fall under commercial rates.

SPORTS GROUPS PER PLAYER FEE

Instead of hourly charges, non-profit youth sports clubs can pay a flat fee of $23.15 per player for each regular sports season. This fee covers up to two practices per week (each lasting up to two hours) and all games scheduled within normal operating hours. Please visit our website for full details.

Agren Memorial

Burton Acres

BARC

Fern Cove

Fisher Pond

Inspiration Point

Jensen Point

Lisabeula

North End Boat Ramp (Kayak Only) Ober Park

Paradise Ridge

PT Robinson Lighthouse

VES Fields

VillageGreen

Wingehaven

Tramp Harbor Dock Please obey park rules And use a bag.

Vashon Ski Bus Lead Volunteer: Char Phillips

The Vashon Island Ski Bus has been a community fixture for decades, providing residents—particularly youth—with affordable transportation to the Summit at Snoqualmie. The Vashon Park District thrives because of its dedicated volunteers, and few exemplify this spirit more than Char Phillips.

Char’s connection to the slopes runs deep. In her early years, she taught skiing and operated chairlifts at Alpental, and she has been a driving force behind the Vashon Ski Bus since 1984. The program has long served as a rite of passage for the island’s middle and high school students, with Char playing a central role in that legacy.

A true cornerstone of Vashon’s youth and athletic programs, Char is a tireless advocate for community recreation. She lends her extensive expertise to the Park District as a lead chaperone for the Youth Ski Bus, all while serving as the dedicated Athletics Secretary for Vashon Island High School.

Char’s commitment to islanders is legendary. A 2021 “Making a Difference” award recipient, her impact spans from delivering meals during the pandemic to leading the Vashon Guide Dog for the Blind program for over 25 years. Whether she is on the slopes or the sidelines, Char’s passion remains focused on empowering Vashon’s youth.

“WorkingwiththekidsonVashon Islandhastrulybeen oneofthemost reqwarding experiences inlife. Ithas beena greatjoy tobring them tothe mountains tohave memories thatwillstay withtheminto adulthood.”

Point Robinson Lighthouse Keepers’ Quarters

Quarters A is a three bedroom, two-bath house which has been renovated to accommodate up to six overnight guests. There are two queen beds and two twin beds. The house has a full kitchen, dining room and living room with a picture window looking out at Puget Sound and Mount Rainier.

Quarters B is a two bedroom, one-bath house beautifully restored to resemble its 1919 historical condition complete with a sitting parlor. There is one queen-sized bed and two twin beds. This house is adjacent to the caretaker's residence, each with private entrances.

Two rollaway beds are available to rent in each house.

CAMPING

Looking for an Island Adventure? Pedaling or Paddling? Camp With Us!

Point Robinson and Lisabeula Parks each offer two campsites for visitors arriving by bicycle or kayak. Overnight vehicle parking is not permitted. Point Robinson is located on the east side of Maury Island, while Lisabeula faces west over Colvos Passage. Both parks offer scenic natural settings with beach access, forested areas, and fresh island air. These are primitive campsites, meaning no water is available, and campfires are not allowed. We ask that you follow the Leave No Trace principles during your stay.

Campsites must be reserved in advance through Vashon Park District. For more information or to make a reservation, please call (206) 465-3170, M-F. 9 AM - 4 PM. Visit our website at vashonparks.org

VASHON SKI BUS

Saturday trips to the Summit at Snoqualmie

Jan 9 - Feb 13

Ages 9 & Up

Catch the bus at either VHS or Lincoln Park. Full season or single ride trips available.

A Message From the Executive Director On Vashon,

our parks serve as more than green open spaces or fields for sport – they are an inseparable part of the culture of environmental appreciation and healthy, active living on the island. Whether you watch the sun dip below the horizon casting a sublime palette of oranges and purples across the sky at Lisabeula, tap your foot along to the first notes played on a Thursday night during our Concerts in the Park series, or watch your children make new friends and connect with old ones at Ober Park, these tiny, precious moments define why our team does the work that we do.

As you flip through the 2026 Activity Guide, you will see thoughtful, accessible programming delivered to you by the dedication of gracious members of the community, strong Park District non-profit partnerships, and a team of long-term island residents that care deeply about community.

Your elected Board of Commissioners and our staff believe that financial constraints should not stand in the way of participating in your Parks programming. We will continue to

offer scholarships for participation in programs produced by the Park District and continue to offer free dropin programs, including a new volleyball program in 2026. If you, a family member, or a neighbor are concerned about cost being a barrier to your participation – please reach out to us.

I want to thank our staff who keep the fields mowed and our parks open, the Board of Commissioners who guide the vision and fiscal health of the Park District, our island volunteers who coach, organize, and advocate for all parks, and all of you that support island parks by being outside and enjoying them!

Please leaf through these pages and find your sense of adventure! Take part in a sport or activity you have never played, sign your child up for one of the camps, or visit a park that you’ve never explored. These parks are your parks, and we are honored to be their stewards.

See you out there,

Tim Stapleton Executive Director Vashon Park District

17130 Vashon Highway SW

Vashon, WA 98070

206-463-9602

vashonparks.org