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The
island's permanent population is currently 700, made
up of young families, retirees, tradesmen and professionals,
just as in other communities. Although farming and commercial
fishing no longer dominate the island economy as they
once did, both industries still contribute. Fish are
shipped to city markets regularly.
Tourism
is the main industry on Washington Island. Realty offices,
island contractors, motels, shops and many other retail
businesses serve islanders and the influx of year round
visitors. Summertime, though, brings the greatest number
of visitors, swelling the island population to an estimated
several thousand. This includes many summer homeowners,
boaters, small plane owners, and many island guests
staying in overnight lodging or campgrounds.
Regular,
daily ferry service, marinas, and a local airport enable
Washington Island, part of Washington Township, to be
a vacation destination for many. A brief visit often
turns into a love affair which is lifelong, and results
in new residents.
Our
community has excellent roads, recycling center, clinic,
library, electric utility, telephone exchange, recreation
center, a volunteer fire department and rescue squad,
and local law enforcement... just to name a few services.
Our school district K-12, numbers 125 pupils, and is
the smallest school district in the state of Wisconsin.
Here are a few key elements of the Washington Island
community:
Zoning and Planning – The first zoning in
Door County to maintain community and property values.
Church
Services – Bethel Evangelical Free Church,
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church and St. Michael's
Catholic Church.
Shopping
– Grocery, hardware, building supplies and many
interesting gift shops.
Community
Center Building – Clinic, Library, Town Office,
Archives and Meeting/Recreation Space.
Library
– Door County unit with books, magazines, tapes
and public Internet access.
Washington Island Archives – Thorough historical
community records.
Medical
and Emergency Services –Resident MD, visiting
dentist and optometrist, licensed EMT's and an ambulance.
Other
Organizations – Church and service groups,
and the Washington Island Observer newspaper. |
