South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District

The South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District started in 1983. Bud and Margaret Waterman donated 40 acres to the District on a site next to South Whidbey High School that is now known as Community Park. In 1987, a levy was passed to begin developing and maintaining the District land. In 1999, the District purchased approximately 40 acres of land adjacent to the Park, which has been kept natural with trails running throughout the acreage. With bond proceeds in 2000, the District purchased acreage of land east of the Park which has since been converted into a sports complex with soccer fields, open space and a forested area. Since its inception, the District has built four baseball fields, additional soccer fields, an administrative building, playground, a skate park, restrooms, and trails which wind through Community Park. The District now maintains South Whidbey Community Park, South Whidbey Sports Complex, Trustland Trails Park, Maxwelton Trails Park, Deer Lake, Goss Lake, and Lone Lake.

Plans are underway for the new South Whidbey Aquatics Center, coming in 2025, located at at the entrance to the Community Park, on Maxwelton Road in Langley. Some amenities include a community pool, swim teams, hot tub, sauna; a teaching pool with lazy river for aquatic fitness, swim lessons, physical therapy, water walking, and family fun. The goal is to iImprove community health, promote water safety, and ensure accessibility for all.

Activities are available for both children and adults. Check out the Programs and Events on their website or pickup a copy of the Activity Guide at all South Whidbey Post Offices, Libraries, Chambers of Commerce, or the Park District office.

The Whidbey Island Triathalon is hosted by SWPR each July. It’s a great first triathlon and a fun event for veteran triathletes. This scenic course starts with a 0.5 mile swim in beautiful Goss Lake. Leaving the lake, you’ll begin the 19 mile bike ride on paved country roads. The bike course is hilly with views of Saratoga Passage and the North Cascades. Finish with a 3.75 mile run on the Park trail system. One long winding loop, the woodsy course is on clean, clear trails and grass fields. Extensive support is provided by friendly volunteers. This event has limited space and fills to capacity, so register early!