The Vashon Fields Project is at a crossroads, and now, more than ever, is the time for islanders to pick up their shovels and help out. If the district works hard to recruit volunteers, and those volunteers act now, they may just be able to put the problem-plagued project back on track in the next couple months.

There’s a huge need for new sports fields on this island. Not only does the island lack the field space required by our robust youth and adult sports programs, but the fields we do have are overused and inadequate. Most will agree that the new fields will be put to great use.

Over the last couple years, however, the district has struggled to raise funds and carry out the project. There’s been a lot of confusion, and even anger, over why the project hasn’t progressed as originally planned. We at The Beachcomber, even, have struggled to understand how the work has been handled, where money has gone and what went wrong.

But recently, the district seems to have turned a page. There’s fresh leadership there, and parks commissioners admit that mistakes have been made. An Oversight Committee recently formed to keep tabs on the fields and make recommendations. Board meetings are still tense at times, but there’s a sense that parties want to work together, move past the arguments and get the job done.

Now, the district is in a tight spot. There’s much work to be done at the fields to meet a June 30 deadline to keep a $152,000 state grant. If it loses the grant, the already cash-strapped district will find itself in an even worse financial situation, and it’s difficult to imagine how the project would move forward. The district can’t afford to hire out the work, and a construction expert has said it’s too much for volunteers to complete. However, the fields project manager and at least one commissioner say they have faith that with enough volunteer commitment, the work can be done and the grant secured. Even if the June deadline isn’t met, perhaps volunteers can make enough progress for the state to consider an extension.

Throughout the turmoil at the park district, many have said they still support the fields and will put in their own time to see them completed. And some have been volunteering — teams have recently held work parties and a front-page photo this week shows The Harbor School lending a hand. But the scope of work left to be finished by June 30 will require a significant effort, the likes of which we haven’t seen yet. The project manager has said there are jobs for all ages, and those with construction experience will undoubtedly be needed to handle some tasks.

We hope the district makes great efforts to recruit volunteers, and we hope islanders come out of the woodwork when asked. The entire community, even those without children, will benefit from living in a place where sports are easily accessible.