To the editor:

Through friends and in regular visits to your beautiful island, I have been tracking the progress (or lack thereof) by the Port of South Whidbey on building a new 100-slip marina in Langley. From a distance (Seattle) it appears there is little engagement and support within the community. This is disheartening.

Boating has always been a staple in our family. Moving to the area several years ago was only made easier by the relatively access to boating of all sorts, and by the inherent beauty of our waters in the Puget Sound.

As our kids grew older, boating stood alone as the one sport the entire family can partake in, and for which there is no video game substitute or ESPN highlights. It is done as a family, with the family, for the family. Our boys learned responsibility and teamwork handling boats.

Boating, like most outdoor sports, requires some facilities and support. In the greater scheme of things, the support required by the community and public at large is rather limited. No boater expects to moor for free, the way a football fan expects a stadium to simply be there. Have you ever visited a college without a football stadium? No, I didn’t think so. They are simply there, even if only needed 12 weeks a year.

A new marina for Langley is deserving of your and your community’s support. For us “out of towners,” it is a matter of choice and convenience. We choose Whidbey for its beauty and friendliness.

But the islanders, it should be a matter of pride. Whidbey deserves facilities that are among the best in the area. But it will take a little support.

G. Lopez

Seattle