To the editor:

As a South Whidbey resident and father of two small boys, I am excited by the idea of a community recreation center. Some of my fondest memories as a child are those spent swimming, playing hoops or just hanging out at my local rec center. Nothing would give me more joy than knowing that my kids would experience creating their own great memories in such a setting. This is why

I whole-heartedly support the plan for a community recreation center on South Whidbey.

Throughout my life, I have had the benefit of living in many places in the U.S. and abroad and have experienced many different cultures. And I can honestly say that Whidbey Island is the best place I have ever lived.

Part of what appeals to my wife and me most about living on the island is the unique sense of community we feel here. Having a community recreation center that offers aquatics, tennis and more to people of all ages would only serve to strengthen this sense of community.

As a property owner, I see the economic benefit to a community recreation center, as well. I recently read a nationwide study conducted at Penn State University which compiled a list of benefits of local recreation and park services as perceived by the American public. While the study addressed the association with a sense of community, it also drew a parallel between an aquatics facility and a boost in property values.

Now I’m no science nerd, but it just makes sense to me that the more appeal a community has to a potential homebuyer, the greater the value of the property.

While we have no immediate plans to sell or move away from beautiful Whidbey, it gives me some level of comfort to know that my single greatest investment, my home, is secure, especially given the current state of the housing market. Those considering buying on Whidbey will certainly weigh the benefits each area has to offer. I see a local community recreation center as nothing but a huge plus to the appeal of our already great community.

Of course, nothing in this life is free and this community recreation center is no exception. However, in my opinion, the $5/month cost is a small sacrifice to make for something that provides as much to our community as this.

Tony Parker

Clinton