Revitalizing BARC

The first of three public meetings for the Burton Adventure Recreation Center (BARC) Master Plan was held last night at the Vashon Park District offices. The purpose of the meeting was to seek public input on the future of the old Burton Elementary School site, which the Vashon Island School District is leasing to the park district for "public recreational and educational activities." There was a small turn out for the public meeting; however, the participants enthusiastically shared one desire--to see BARC become a community asset with a particular emphasis on providing activities that appeal to teenagers. Everyone present was excited to have the lease for the property signed, after a long wait during which no forward progress could be accomplished.

The ideas discussed during the meeting fell into two major categories: improving existing features and ideas for new additions. The existing features which would benefit from expansion, repair and improvements include the skate park, the BMX course, and the disc golf course. Those were pretty clear choices, as these features are all currently being used, and will benefit so much from improvements. Some of the ideas for new additions to BARC were the return of a climbing wall, adding an RC track, and adding covered picnic tables and a BBQ feature. There was also discussion of adding services such as a concession stand and equipment rentals (just in case you don't have your own set of discs for the disc golf...!) All of these ideas will be pulled together for review and discussion during the next public meeting, which should be scheduled sometime in July. Look for the specific date in the Beachcomber or online on the park district's website: http://www.vashonparkdistrict.org/.

I really love the public meeting process here on Vashon. Vashon is a small enough place, with the community organizations really seeking community input, that your voice is definitely heard. I feel hopeful that the revitalization of BARC will be one more example of the terrific community on Vashon Island!