Future Field Opportunities #ThisisOneOakHarbor Partnership
City of Oak Harbor and Oak Harbor Public Schools Host Community Catch Up to Discuss Future Field Space Opportunities
On July 20, 2026, the City of Oak Harbor and Oak Harbor Public Schools hosted a community catch up event to share a proposal for a long-term vision to expand athletic field space in the community.
The vision centers on replacing Oak Harbor Elementary School with a new elementary campus on district-owned property at Fort Nugent Park. The existing Oak Harbor Elementary property could then be redeveloped to provide additional athletic fields and community recreation space in the middle of town.
The proposed plan would begin with improvements to Veterans Memorial Field on Whidbey Avenue, including replacing the natural grass with artificial turf to allow for year-round use, installing irrigation, expanding parking, and upgrading restroom and concession facilities.
In a later phase, the aging south building at Oak Harbor Elementary would be removed, creating space for additional athletic fields adjacent to the existing school field. The remaining historic portion of the campus could be repurposed as a community recreation and gathering space, providing flexible indoor space for programs and activities that residents have consistently identified as a community need.
The concept reflects years of community feedback identifying the need for additional athletic fields. Currently, Oak Harbor's available field space is limited, creating scheduling challenges for youth sports organizations and limiting opportunities for recreation.
The proposal also aligns with recommendations previously identified through the School District's Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC), which recognized the potential need for a new elementary school on the Fort Nugent property as the community continues to grow, which would require the approval of a school bond to fulfill this need.
City and School District leaders emphasized that the concepts presented are intended to begin a community conversation. Additional public engagement opportunities are anticipated later this year as planning continues.
Draft Future Field Space Opportunities
