Started by Rhea Miller
May 9, 2026
May 9, 2026
6
Odlin Park - Council meeting on Lopez May 12, 10:30 a.m.
May 9, 2026
Odlin Park Notes from on-site meetings held between April 7 and May 9, 2026 and a Proposal for the Council to consider.
These notes are on behalf of more than 25 people who have met for thoughtful conversation over the last few weeks regarding San Juan County Park’s proposed plan to build improvements�"a check-in station, maintenance shed, bone yard, and additional car lane near the entrance to Odlin Park.
(Link to the project: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/2401/Current-Projects)
Lopez citizens who have been meeting agree that there is a need for improvements to Odlin Park and respect the three years’ worth of work that have gone into planning thus far.
Lopezians were only alerted to this project on March 13, 2026 when the construction project went out for bid and a local arborist informed us via LopezRocks. There were 43 comments to the post and not a single commenter understood what was happening. Thus, we asked for a delay, and the County has since put the project on hold.
Over the last few weeks, we’ve had a series of meetings. In response to expressed concerns, Parks & Fair Director Brandon Andrews came up with a revised plan but not a revised location. Whereas we appreciate Brandon’s responsiveness, the process has been flawed. Parks has had three years, and we have had just a few weeks. Park staff contends there is no alternative site but if we were to look at the entire 183 acres of Odlin Park we believe there is an alternative site.
We respectfully request a meaningful period of time for community engagement. We appreciate the work that has been put in, the need for Improvements and the listening afforded us by the Director but it is simply not enough. The community is still gathering details about the full scope, and finding much of Lopez has had no idea that this plan has been in the works for 3 years, nor exactly what is being proposed.
We have noted that the SJC Council will meet on Lopez Island Tuesday May 12 at 10:30 a.m. at the Community Center and have encouraged Lopezians to show up and voice their opinions.
Our proposal to the Council and Parks is this:
•Set up a thoughtful, meaningful process and invite the community to participate as partners in finding a solution.
•Earmark the designated funds for this project so that the project can move forward with adequate financing within 24 months.
•Prior to any further development, commit to creating 5-, 10-and 100-year plans for the entire 183-acre Odlin Park, including a survey of core samples of legacy trees.
•Protect the “Awe” effect that the big trees inspire at the upper trailhead, the entrance to the park and throughout the park.
•Elevate the relationship of the entire eco-system and climate mitigation strategies with needs of campers, visitors, locals, human and non-human. Include water resources, habitat, and aesthetics.
With all due respect, this project must not continue as proposed without adequate public process.
Submitted by Sandy Bishop on behalf of those who have attended meetings.
PS We have heard but not verified that some logging is scheduled for the Park. Please verify if this is scheduled and to what extent.
These notes are on behalf of more than 25 people who have met for thoughtful conversation over the last few weeks regarding San Juan County Park’s proposed plan to build improvements�"a check-in station, maintenance shed, bone yard, and additional car lane near the entrance to Odlin Park.
(Link to the project: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/2401/Current-Projects)
Lopez citizens who have been meeting agree that there is a need for improvements to Odlin Park and respect the three years’ worth of work that have gone into planning thus far.
Lopezians were only alerted to this project on March 13, 2026 when the construction project went out for bid and a local arborist informed us via LopezRocks. There were 43 comments to the post and not a single commenter understood what was happening. Thus, we asked for a delay, and the County has since put the project on hold.
Over the last few weeks, we’ve had a series of meetings. In response to expressed concerns, Parks & Fair Director Brandon Andrews came up with a revised plan but not a revised location. Whereas we appreciate Brandon’s responsiveness, the process has been flawed. Parks has had three years, and we have had just a few weeks. Park staff contends there is no alternative site but if we were to look at the entire 183 acres of Odlin Park we believe there is an alternative site.
We respectfully request a meaningful period of time for community engagement. We appreciate the work that has been put in, the need for Improvements and the listening afforded us by the Director but it is simply not enough. The community is still gathering details about the full scope, and finding much of Lopez has had no idea that this plan has been in the works for 3 years, nor exactly what is being proposed.
We have noted that the SJC Council will meet on Lopez Island Tuesday May 12 at 10:30 a.m. at the Community Center and have encouraged Lopezians to show up and voice their opinions.
Our proposal to the Council and Parks is this:
•Set up a thoughtful, meaningful process and invite the community to participate as partners in finding a solution.
•Earmark the designated funds for this project so that the project can move forward with adequate financing within 24 months.
•Prior to any further development, commit to creating 5-, 10-and 100-year plans for the entire 183-acre Odlin Park, including a survey of core samples of legacy trees.
•Protect the “Awe” effect that the big trees inspire at the upper trailhead, the entrance to the park and throughout the park.
•Elevate the relationship of the entire eco-system and climate mitigation strategies with needs of campers, visitors, locals, human and non-human. Include water resources, habitat, and aesthetics.
With all due respect, this project must not continue as proposed without adequate public process.
Submitted by Sandy Bishop on behalf of those who have attended meetings.
PS We have heard but not verified that some logging is scheduled for the Park. Please verify if this is scheduled and to what extent.