Sept. 16: John O. Linde Community Park Dedication

Linde was a  District Court Judge for 21 years and then the first San Juan Island Superior Court Judge. His love of children and his efforts to bring about  new sports fields was well-known. 

Linde was a Little League coach and umpire-in-chief for many years. He was a member of Purple and Gold, and an active board member of Friday Harbor Athletic Association. He was also part of the committee that brought lights to the high school football field.

Linde was passionate about youth involvement in sports and he was a key player in the early development of the community fields project. One of the attendees said, "He once said if he had it to do all over again, he'd have been a coach".

Mayor Pro Tem of Friday Harbor Farhad Ghatan said, "This is a culmination of many years. We owed this park to the children. We are fortunate to have so many generous people follow in the footsteps of John." 

Island Rec Board member Bill Cumming recited the long history of sports fields on the island. "Baseball was at the county Fairgrounds. We told the players. 'Don't slide" the ground was too hard."

"With the county growing, the theme stayed the same - We Need Fields," Cumming said. 

In addition to Linde, Cumming praised Don Galt. "He had a vision and energy...He deserves a lot of credit for where we are today." 

Cumming also noted the generosity of the Brown Family and said there were plans to honor them, especially Inez. 

According to Cumming, there is an anonymous benefactor who said, "We need a first-class facility."

Cumming said the Park is  really first-class and rivals the facilities at University of Washington." In addition to a field house, there are four fields - soccer, practice football field, softball, and baseball.  The practice field will also be used for lacrosse.  Also included on the 30-acres is a delightful playground with the traditional swings, climbing structures, etc.  and an innovative web sphere.  The operations and maintenance of completed areas of the facility is managed by Island Rec.

The Linde family gathered in front of the sign and John's widow, Carole Linde, had help from her granddaughter in cutting the ribbon. 

The 30-acre park, which is still in development by Friday Harbor Athletic Association and the operations and maintenance of completed areas of the facility is managed by Island Rec.