An integral force behind the Orcas Off Leash Area is stepping down.

Jeff Hanson, the community “go to” person for all things dog park related, says it is time for someone else to take over.

“My other responsibilities have really kept me from putting in the energy that the dog park deserves,” said Hanson, who owns Pawki’s pet store with his wife Deb. Hanson is also the Outreach Coordinator for the San Juan County Marine Resources Committee.

“Deb and I will continue to be strong supporters,” he said. “I’m thrilled with what’s happened with the dog park over the years and the reception it’s gotten from the community.”

Orcas Off Leash Area board member – and frequent dog park user – Judy Dorman is stepping up to fill Hanson’s paws, er, shoes.

Hanson became involved with the Orcas Off Leash Area shortly after moving to Orcas in 2007 from southern Oregon. As the proud owner of mixed breeds Rubi and Logan, Hanson says it “seemed like a natural” to volunteer. He and organizer Robin Freeman saw the need to move the dog park from the Orcas Animal Shelter property to a more visible location. Freeman arranged to lease land from the Port of Orcas, where the current park stands today (the original dog park is still at the shelter). As a 501(c)3, the Orcas Off Leash Area thrives on volunteer effort.

“Some of the ongoing challenges are keeping up the volunteer hours and the dialogue and making sure people follow the rules,” Hanson said. “And keeping the operations of the off-leash area funded. We encourage the users and those who appreciate the off-leash area to become ‘OOLA Stewards’ with a donation of $25.”

A future challenge lies in the Port of Orcas lease, which only goes through May 2014.

“It’s very likely it will need to move,” Hanson said. “It would be ideal if it could become part of the park and rec district. It would give it some consistency.”

Hanson is enthusiastic about the current off leash area board, calling them “active” and “upbeat.”

“I think they’re going to nurture it really well,” he said. “The most amazing thing about the dog park is that it brings together people of all ages, incomes, and philosophies. It’s a great social experience.”

For more information on the dog park

Call Judy Dorman at 376-5007 or email wateredges@aol.com.

To become a steward, there are donation forms at www.orcasdogpark.org and at Pawki’s.