We live in an outdoor-lover's paradise blessed with miles of trails, great open waters for sailing and kayaking,
and mountains to climb and bike. During the summer, Bellingham residents love to get outdoors and enjoy our parks and
open spaces, and the City is happy to provide a wide range of opportunities for people of all ages to go outside and
play. On average, the City spends more than $14 million per year on our parks and recreation amenities, and we are
often voted in national publications as one of the best places to hike, paddle, bike, and play.
The Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department strives to provide opportunities close to your neighborhood to
ensure access for all, and this summer we have a variety of parks and trails that are either new to the public or
new-and-improved. Some of the investments are for public access, and others are to help better protect our natural
resources as we improve stormwater management and protect water quality. Here are some of the great outdoor amenities
residents can enjoy this summer.
ASB Trail
G Street at the head of the I & J Waterway
Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and watch our spectacular sunsets on a new trail. Be sure to pause to read
interpretive signs on the 10-foot wide, crushed-gravel trail, which stretches about a third of a mile from Squalicum Harbor
onto the Aeration Stabilization Basin (ASB) breakwater formerly owned by Georgia Pacific. This trail is our newest amenity,
having just opened at the end of June.
Bloedel Donovan Park
2214 Electric Ave.
Bloedel Donovan Park has seen recent investments to its shoreline and stormwater management.
The 17-acre park, situated on Lake Whatcom, is a popular public space for swimming, rowing and boating. The improved stormwater
management will help protect water quality, which is essential as roughly 85,000 people depend on the lake for drinking water.
Shoreline mitigation will enhance habitat for native plants and animals.
Civic Athletic Fields
135 Civic Field Way
Each year, Civic Stadium will host more than 400 events — rain or shine. While many of us
love natural grass, synthetic fields perform better in adverse weather, which is why the city has invested in two: the Joe Martin
Baseball and Civic Stadium fields. The Joe Martin Baseball Field features more than 120,000 square feet of new synthetic infield,
outfield and warning track. The fields are designed to accommodate a multitude of sports, year-round, including the Bellingham Bells,
which won the West Coast League Championships last year!
Cordata Park
2000 W. Horton Road
For residents of the Cordata and Guide Meridian neighborhoods, Cordata Park offers a haven where
you can walk, bike, throw a Frisbee on the new meadow, or enjoy a picnic at one of the new picnic tables.
Cornwall Tot Lot
2300 D Street
The Tot Lot is the place to be for kids ages 2 to 6. The playground was designed specifically with little
kids in mind, with a slide and a variety of other activities to engage them. Parents can watch from the sidelines on a comfortable bench
or play with the kids on the lawn, all of which is protected by a surrounding fence.
Fairhaven & Cornwall Spray Parks
South & Cornwall Neighborhoods
Cool down this summer and play in the spray of fresh, potable water through September
15, between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Cornwall Park also features two playgrounds, picnic tables, tennis courts, a basketball court, disc golf course,
horseshoe courts and barbecue grills and can be found at 3424 Meridian Street in the Cornwall Park Neighborhood. Fairhaven Park has similar
features and is located at 107 Chuckanut Drive North in the South Neighborhood.
Lake Padden Boat Rentals
4882 Samish Way
Paddle Padden in a kayak or atop a stand up paddle (SUP) board between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Mondays, Thursdays
and Fridays or between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through Monday, September 7, with thanks to Yeager's Sporting Goods. Find
your floatation device of choice at the boathouse at the Lake Padden Park west entrance. Rentals cost $7 per hour for single kayaks or SUP
boards and $22 per hour for tandem or fishing kayaks. Tax is included in these figures and you can pay with cash or credit card.
Squalicum Creek Park
1001 Squalicum Way
Drop by the new Squalicum Creek Park for afternoon fun. Let your dog run free in the off-leash area, pack a
lunch to enjoy under the cover of a picnic shelter, shoot a game of hoops, walk the loop trail or feel the rush of adrenaline after ripping
across the playground on a zip line.
Maritime Heritage Park
600 West Holly
Bellingham's downtown park is having a busy summer. Maritime Heritage Park, in the heart of downtown, has a
variety of music and festivities through September. Participate in a scavenger hunt on July 26 or drop by for the Children's Art Festival on
August 22. Weekly lunchtime concerts begin Friday, August 7 and continue each Friday through September 4. The park also offers shaded trails to
roam, an amphitheater to relax in, and plenty of open greenspace.
No matter where you live in Bellingham or your outdoor interest, with more than 40 parks and open spaces, there's something for everyone. So
get outside and enjoy the lovely summer months in the Pacific Northwest!
