Parks, Recreation & Open Space Plan Update

Every six years the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office requires that cities update their Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plans (PROS Plan) to be eligible to compete for grants. The City of Bellingham’s last major update was completed in 2020, with a minor amendment in 2023. 

A comprehensive update of the PROS Plan will begin in 2025 and be completed in two phases. Phase One will occur spring and summer of 2025 and includes an update of the goals and policies within the Bellingham Plan. Phase Two, expected to be complete February 2026, is a functional plan that assesses the existing parks and recreation system and provides a framework for future growth. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is the primary steering committee for the update and will provide input to the project team throughout the process.

To stay up to date and learn about engagement opportunities please visit the Engage Bellingham page here.

What is the PROS Plan?

The Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan (PROS Plan) serves as a guiding document for the preservation and expansion of the park, recreation, and open space system as the community grows. It includes an inventory of existing facilities, level of service and gap analysis, and management considerations. The specific goals, objectives, and recommendations for park development, programming, and maintenance inform the work plan and funding priorities of the Parks & Recreation Department.

The PROS Plan is a part of the City’s broader Comprehensive Plan. It is consistent with the guidelines established by the Washington Recreation & Conservation Office and the Growth Management Act (GMA). Click here for more information on the Parks, Recreation & Open Space element of the Bellingham Plan.

The PROS Plan meets Washington Growth Management Act requirements for the parks and recreation chapter of the Bellingham Plan. The PROS Plan is coordinated and integrated with the Bellingham Plan, which provides goals, policies, and population forecasting.

Updates to the PROS Plan over the next year will include:

1. Goals and policies for guiding the work of the City and improving and expanding community facilities like parks, trails, and other public spaces
2. An inventory of facilities and services
3. Park and recreation service needs and access
4. Project implementation plan for the next six years

Current, approved PROS Plan

• ​2023 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan

For information on previous planning processes, see materials below.

2023 Planning Process

• 2023 October 16, City Council Public Hearing
• PRO Plan – February Draft with redlines (PDF)​
• Appendices A-F (PDF)​
• 2023 August 17, Planning Commission Public Hearing Presentation
• 2023 August 17, Planning Commission Packet​

2020 Planning Process

1. ​Staff Workshop June 6, 2019
   •  Summary Results (PDF)
2. PRAB/GAC Workshop #1, June 4, 2019
   • Survey Results (PDF)
   • Draft Principles, Goals and Objectives (PDF)​
3. PRAB/GAC Workshop #2,  July 11, 2019
   • Draft Recommended Trails North Bellingham (PDF)
   • Draft Recommended Trails South Bellingham (PDF)
4. Public Survey Results (PDF) 
5. Full text survey results (PDF)
6. Presentation to PRAB on​ Key Recommendations, September 11, 2019 (PDF)
7. Public Open House Presentation, September 19, 2019 (PDF)​
8. Working Drafts:
   • Chapter 1:
     Introduction, Principles, Goals and Objectives (PDF)
   • Chapter 2:
     Community Setting (PDF)
   • Chapter 3:
     Existing Facilities (PDF)
   • Chapter 5: Recommendations (PDF)
     
     Draft PRO Plan October 2019 (PDF)
     
9. MNAC Presentation October 16, 2019 (PDF)​
10. City Counc​il Status Report November 4, 2019 ​