Information AboutLopez Island |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT LOPEZ ISLAND | |
| san juan islands | |
| san juan county, washington | |
| unincorporated communities in washington | |
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]] The island is longest in the north-south direction, with the ferry landing at the extreme north end. Near the ferry is Odlin Park, and Spencer Spit State Park is also on the north end. Near the center of the island, south down the coast from Lopez Village, is Shark Reef, another park. On the south-east corner of the island is the large Sperry Peninsula, a former summer camp which was puchased in the late 1990s by Paul Allen (a founder of Microsoft ) for a private retreat. Like most of the San Juan Islands, Lopez has had rapid growth in population in the last twenty years, driving up the price of Real Estate to a level where many traditional residents (mainly fishermen and farmers) find it hard to pay Property Tax es and their children struggle to buy a piece of land. The early homesteading families are either passing on or moving off. The late 1970s saw a gradual influx of idealists, many of whom still live on the island, often working in the arts. Self-employment is very high; the local school district is the biggest employer on the island. Lopez is much flatter than most of the other major San Juan Islands, which makes it a popular destination for Bicycle Tourists . However, many Road s are narrow, leading to occasional congestion and conflicts between car drivers and cyclists. The Lopez Island Historical Museum collects and preserve regional history of Lopez and the San Juan Islands. The Museum features artifacts reflecting Lopez's contributions to maritime, fishing and farming. The museum has an extensive archive of documents of local historic, and artifacts depicting late 1800's and early 1900s Lopez life. Lopez is locally famous for the longstanding custom of waving at every motorist, bicyclist, or pedestrian encountered on the island's roads. PARKS
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