Two South Whidbey residents have volunteered to serve as a commissioner with the South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District.

Mark Helpenstell and Dave Parent have submitted applications for the position, which was made vacant by the recent resignation of Linda Kast.

Park district officials will review the applications and have scheduled interviews with the two candidates for Wednesday, Aug. 31.

Kast announced plans to step down due to her move from South Whidbey to Coupeville. Her resignation will become effective Sept. 21, the same day the new commissioner will begin his term.

Whomever is selected as the new parks commissioner will fill out the remainder of Kast’s term, which runs through Dec. 31, 2013.

Don Wood, park board president, said he will call an executive session to talk about the candidates’ qualifications after the interviews, and before the Sept. 21 parks board meeting. To comply with state law, a vote to select the new commissioner must be made in a session open to the public.

Park commissioners are unpaid volunteers. They guide the parks district and oversee the  director and staff on matters relating to parks, recreation and finances.