To the editor:

As grandparents, we appreciate the facilities and programs available through the South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District.

Our 4-year-old grandson who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair recently enjoyed holiday activities, had his picture taken with Santa and smiled all the way along his ride on the fire engine. We were pleased that the entire park building was accessible to him. Soon the district will have an ADA trail and accessible swings on the playgrounds.

We love that the South Whidbey parks district is designed for all. The community’s support for the park facilities and the efforts of a professional staff have created an excellent parks district.

Now we all have the chance to support the parks and recreation facilities by passing the maintenance-and-operations levy. This levy is a renewal of the current levy at the same rate since 1983, 15 cents per $1,000 of assessed value of property. This means there is no increased cost to residents from what we are currently contributing.

Let’s continue the good work being done to maintain and operate our parks district. We urge everyone to support this measure on the Feb. 9 ballot.

Sylvia Roehnelt

Rod Roehnelt

Clinton