



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.
Sarah George Chair
Josh Henderson Vice Chair
Bob McMahon Treasurer
Keith Prior Secretary
Hans Van Dusen At Large
Elaine Ott-Rocheford Executive Director eott@vashonparks.org 206-463-9602 Ober Office
Cheryl Richmond Operations Coordinator | IT crichmond@vashonparks.org (206)-463-9602 Ober Office
Elaine Ott-Rocheford 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
April 11
April 19
May 10
May 11
May 13
Guest Speaker - Big Apples, Big Business @ Ober Park 3:30 PM
Eggstravaganza egg hunt @ Ober Park 11 AM
Documentary - Biggest Little Farm @ Vashon Theatre 1 PM
Kite Day / Start of lighthouse tours @ Point Robinson 10 AM - 4 PM
Guest Speaker Series - Fast Girls @ Library 1 PM
May 30-Sep 1
June 22
June 28
July 12
July 18-20
July 26
July 31
Aug 3
Aug 7
Aug 10
Aug 14
Aug 17
Aug 21
Aug 28
Sep 20
Oct 31
Dec 4
Dec 7
Scavenger hunt - Insects of Vashon @ Point Robinson Lighthouse (summer event)
Documentary - Plastic Earth @ Vashon Movie Theatre
1 PM
Low Tide Celebration Point Robinson 11 AM
Big Dill pickleball tournament @ VHS tennis courts 10 AM
Strawberry Festival
Guest Speaker Series - Fish Wars @ library 2 PM
Concert in the Park @ Ober 7 PM
Once About a Time Summer Play Series: Shakespeare in the Park - Much Ado about Nothing @ Ober Park 5 PM
Concert in the Park @ Ober 7 PM
Once About a Time Summer Play Series: Vashon Repla Mariposa @ Ober 5 PM
Concert in the Park @ Ober 7 PM
Once About a Time Summer Play Series: Vashon RepOscar’s Journey @ Ober 5 PM
Concert in the Park @ Ober 7 PM
Concert in the Park @ Ober 7 PM
Barc Skate Jam - Attack the Track @ BARC 12 PM
Boo Bash - Munster TV @ Ober 5:30 PM
ELF - Holiday Movie @ Vashon Movie Theatre 4:30 PM
Point Robinson Open House - 12 - 4 PM
SUNDAY, MAY 11, 10 - 4
@ POINT ROBINSON LIGHTHOUSE
Spend Mother’s Day picnicking and flying kites at the lighthouse • Lighthouse tours • Ships’ Store open • 150 Free kites for kids
Point Robinson Lighthouse 3705 SW Point Robinson Road Vashon, WA
Mother’s Day Marks the opening of lighthouse tours, led by Captain Joe Wubbold III, U.S. Coast Guard, (ret). Tours are 12 - 4 PM each Sunday from May 11 - September 14th.
SAt MAY 10 @ 1:00pm SAT June 22 @ 1:00pm
How Washington Became the Apple State For adults.
Friday, April 11, 3:30pm Vashon Park District, Ober Park Exercise Room, 17130 Vashon HWY SW, Vashon, WA 98070
Join Amanda L. Van Lanen, Professor of History at Lewis-Clark State College, to explore how Washington became the top apple producing state in the country. Many regions in the West attempted to grow apples, but in Washington, big apples became big business thanks to the work of scientists, investors, irrigators, railroad corporations, marketers and apple growers.
How does the history of Washington apples reflect larger changes happening in the American food system–changes that continue to affect our environment and the way we eat today?
Sponsored by Humanities Washington and the Vashon Park District.
Vashon Park District & Vashon Library have partnered to bring captivating Humanities Washington guest speakers to the island, offering engaging discussions on a variety of thought-provoking topics ranging from apples to fish to female Olympians.
Big Apples, Big Business
April 11 - Vashon Park District’s Ober Park @ 3:30 PM
Fast Girls
May 13 - Vashon Library Conference Room @ 1 PM
Fish Wars
July 26 - Vashon Library Conference Room @ 2 PM
We are excited to present our new summer play series at Ober Park, called Once About A Time. This inaugural season features three weekend shows in August - with performances from Seattle’s GreenStage Shakespeare Company and also Vashon Repertory Theatre.
August 3 - Much Ado About Nothing
August 10 - La Mariposa
August 17 - Oscar’s Journey
love, jealousy, betrayal, redemption
https://vashonparks.org/
Level 1 (Novice)
Age 5-8
Little or no water experience.
Register on-line @vashonparks.org or in-person at the pool starting April 15th.
Level 2 (Beginner) Age 6-10
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.
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 - Level 3
5:15 PM - 6:00 PM
Novice - Level 1
Beginner - Level 2
Adv-Beginner - Level 3
Session I Session II
July 14 - July 25 July 28 - Aug 8
Course #
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Course #
2025.SW1.2
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ScholarshipAssistanceAvailable!
Course #
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2025.SW2.3
2025.SW3.3
Course #
2025.SW1.4
2025.SW2.4
2025.SW3.4
Engaging in swim lessons has been linked to enhanced cognitive abilities, including improved language and math skills. Learning to swim is highly recommended for people living on islands.
short for “aquatic fitness,” is a form of exercise performed in water. It typically involves aerobic activities, resistance training, and stretching exercises designed to improve cardiovascular health, muscular strength, and flexibility. Aquafit classes are conducted in shallow water and often incorporate various equipment such as flotation devices, water dumbbells, or noodles to add resistance or support. The buoyancy of water reduces the impact on joints, making aquafit ideal for individuals with joint pain, arthritis, or recovering from injuries.
Get Aquafit with us!
Online & Classroom
Total Class Time = 30 Hours | Times & dates to be determined
Fee: $290 (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.
Vashon Park District & Quartermaster Yacht Club’s Jr. Sailing Camp
Per Session Fee: $435
Date: 6 sessions July 7- Aug 14
Location: Quartermaster Yacht Club 23428 Vashon Highway SW For Ages: 8 - 12 Beginner & 12-18 Junior
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
14
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.
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. 5 JY 15s
The JY 15 is a high-performance, double-handed sailing dinghy designed for both racing and recreational sailing.
We strongly believe that every child should be able to participate in our camps and lessons regardless of means. Vashon Park District offers financial aid to those in need of assistance in 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 that have donated to this fund, we are extremely grateful. If you would like to donate, please send an e-mail to 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.
firmemente que todos los niños deben poder participar en nuestros campamentos y clases, independientemente de sus recursos. El Distrito de Parques de Vashon ofrece ayuda financiera a quienes la necesiten para costear nuestras clases de natación, vela, pickleball y campamentos de patinaje.
Como agencia gubernamental, no se nos permite regalar fondos de los contribuyentes -incluso para esta noble causa- pero sí tenemos un fondo de becas que proviene de donaciones privadas. A aquellos que han donado a este fondo, les estamos extremadamente agradecidos. Si desea donar, envíe un correo electrónico a info@vashonparks. org o comuníquese con nuestra oficina al (206) 463-9602.
Machine Translated by Google
Solicitud confidencial de beca del distrito de Vashon Park
Fecha de solicitud:
Nombre del programa:
El nombre del solicitante:
Fechas:
Edad: _ Fecha de nacimiento: _____________
Nombre de los padres:_________________________________________
(Solo si el solicitante es menor de 18 años)
DIRECCIÓN:
Dirección de correo electrónico: _
Se
aprueban becas del 50% si el ingreso calificado coincide con la “comida a precio reducido” en el USDA Child Pautas de ingresos del programa de nutrición. La evidencia de necesidad incluye una tarjeta EBT, una tarjeta ORCA Lift, Apple Health Tarjeta o certificado para tarifa reducida de almuerzo a través del Distrito Escolar de Vashon Island.
Costo del programa: $_________ Pagas 50%: $_________ Beca 50%: $_________
Las becas del 75 % se aprueban si los ingresos calificados coinciden con la “comida gratis” en las pautas de ingresos del programa de nutrición infantil del USDA. La evidencia de necesidad es un certificado de almuerzo gratis a través del Distrito Escolar de Vashon Island.
(Firma del padre o estudiante mayor de 18 años) (Fecha)
ENVÍE EL FORMULARIO COMPLETO POR CORREO ELECTRÓNICO A eott@vashonparks.org O ENVÍE POR CORREO A: Distrito de parques de Vashon, PO Box 1608, Vashon, WA 98070
Monto otorgado: $___________
Firma de aprobación: _______________ Fecha:
Si desea solicitar una beca, complete el formulario de nuestro sitio web y devuélvalo lo antes posible. Puede encontrar la solicitud de beca en www.vashonparks. org/classes tanto en inglés como en español.
¡Regístrese en línea para todas las actividades del Distrito de Parques de Vashon! 21
Pickleball
Women’s Soccer
Coed Soccer
Family Soccer
Basketball
Senior Tai Chi
Disc Golf
Skate Boarding
Ultimate Frisbee
Lacrosse
Yoga in the Park (Summer)
Ping Pong (Call to reserve)
MOVE IT.
Whether you’re itching to get outside or prefer to stay cozy indoors, Vashon Park District has free drop-in programs to keep you active and entertained. No commitment, no excuses—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 t the next big thing!
Coed | Men’s | Women’s
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.
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!
Burton Adventure Rec Center (B.A.R.C.) 10500 SW 228th St.
Left: Village Green Frmrs Mkt 17505 Vashon HWY SW
Far left: Wingehaven Park 1290 Cunliffe Rd. SW
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.
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!
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 $210 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 $30.45. 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.
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 $110 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.
Vashon Park District Facilities & Commons
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.
Instead of hourly charges, non-profit youth sports clubs will pay a flat fee of $22.05 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
And use the bag.
Vashon Park District’s volunteers help us thrive, and few volunteers exemplify this spirit more than Captain Joseph H. Wubbold III, a retired U.S. Coast Guard captain. Known to many as “Captain Joe,” he has spent years enriching our island through community service—serving on boards, hosting his own radio show on Voice of Vashon, chairing the beloved Low Tide Celebration, and most notably, leading the Keepers of Point Robinson. Thanks to his leadership, Point Robinson remains one of Vashon’s most cherished parks.
The Captain has dedicated over three decades to maritime service and education. Throughout his distinguished 34-year career, he commanded six ships worldwide, including a polar icebreaker, and served as Chief of Operations for the 13th Coast Guard District, overseeing the Pacific Northwest’s navigational aids. His final assignment as Chief of Ice Operations granted him oversight of the Arctic, Antarctic, and the American Great Lakes. In recognition of his contributions, the Wubbold Glacier in Antarctica bears his name.
After retiring, Captain Wubbold pursued a Master’s degree in Polar Studies from the University of Cambridge and managed the construction of the Shackleton Memorial Library. He now resides on Vashon Island, where he and his late wife Mary dedicated their lives to serving the island. Captain Wubbold serves as president of the Keepers of Point Robinson Lighthouse, sharing his passion for maritime history and education with the community. He leads historical tours of the lighthouse each Sunday, Mother’s Day through mid September. We are immensely grateful to Captain Wubbold for his service to the island - and to Vashon Park District.
to info@vashonparks.org!
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 rollaways are available to rent in each house.
Season (Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day)
Cleaning Fee
Quarters A - $151 Quarters B - $121
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 through Vashon Adventures. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit vashonadventures.com or call (206) 259-3978.
Elaine Ott-Rocheford Executive Director
Vashon Park District
Dear Vashon Community,
It has been my sincere pleasure to serve as the Vashon Park District’s Executive Director these past 12 years. My retirement date of May 5 is fast approaching! While the parting will be bittersweet, I am so deeply proud of all we have accomplished – personally and in partnership with my fantastic team and in collaboration with an engaged and supportive board.
Our over-arching greatest accomplishments include:
• I am honored to have been part of the team that has restored our sense of trust and respect within the community in terms of our financial health and our stewardship of taxpayer resources.
• All our state audits that have occurred under my management have been glowing.
• We have restored a sense of fun and purpose with our renewed offerings of recreation programming and events.
• The District has come a long way in its strategic planning by most recently putting together a 2024 – 2029 Comprehensive Plan. Strategic plans provide the framework for establishing our goals and objectives that serve as a necessary tool for managing the District and also for communicating our long range plans to the community.
• I am very proud of having developed the District’s Maintenance Management Plan and our Recreation Programming Plan, which help guide our park management internally.
From an asset preservation standpoint, some of my greatest accomplishments have been:
• Completing the VES Fields project and the VES restroom installation.
• Installing the skate bowl at BARC.
• Agren Park field restoration
• Many upgrades to pool infrastructure, and certainly the now year-round pool with the Dome installation
• Ober Park “Playground for All” playground restoration
• Many upgrades to the lighthouse and the lodging facilities at Point Robinson and Fern Cove, not to mention the installation of the Troll
• Addressing invasive species remediation at our parks, having started with a respectable effort at Wingehaven
• Clearing the view at Inspiration Point in partnership with the revitalized Vashon Parks Foundation
• And most recently, the work we are doing to replace the Tramp Harbor Dock, install pickleball courts, and renovating the BARC indoor skate building.
Personally, I am deeply proud of:
• Saving the District from severe financial hardship by working with our state legislators to pass a bill that moved us out of the Local Taxing District $5.90 structure and into the 50 cent gap.
• The financial management and forecasting tools I have developed that help ensure the District’s financial health going forward
• My grant award record, which has saved the District over $1.3 million in capital improvement projects.
Most of all, I am deeply proud of the team I have put together that makes all we do and manage possible. As I bid a fond farewell to the Vashon Park District, I know it is in good hands with the passionate, dedicated group of folks that will continue to do great work under new leadership.
Thank you, Vashon, for a grand 12 years!
Elaine Ott-Rocheford Executive Director
17130 Vashon Highway SW
206-463-9602
vashonparks.org