The United Nations’ World Water Day highlights the importance of freshwater and the sustainable management of freshwater sources. This year the City of Bellingham is honoring World Water Day on Saturday, March 24, from 10 a.m. to noon with its 10th annual Walk for Water event. This free event, which raises awareness of the global lack of access to clean water, begins and ends at the Fairhaven Village Green and travels along Padden Creek. The 2.2-mile, family-friendly walk symbolizes a portion of the distance that millions of people worldwide frequently have to travel to collect water for household use. Organizations will host informational booths and activities at the Fairhaven Village Green before and after the walk for all ages to enjoy.
What: 10th Annual Walk for Water Event.
When: Saturday, March 24, 2018 from 10 a.m. to noon.
Where: Meet at the Fairhaven Village Green (1207 10th Street) to sign in before the walk.
The walk will begin and end here.
Travel by bus: Several Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) routes stop near the Fairhaven Village Green. Find your route using WTA’s online trip planner.
Travel by car: Free street parking is available in Fairhaven.
Who: You, your friends and family, and other community members.
You need: Weather-appropriate clothing, good walking shoes and a positive attitude.
We provide: A free water bottle for the first 50 participants.
Hosted by: Bellingham Public Works Natural Resources, (360) 778-7800.
Accessibility: This route travels along a gravel path and is not easily accessible by wheelchair. The educational talks that meet at the Padden Creek Daylighting project and the Harris Avenue Water Quality Facility, as well as the educational displays at the Fairhaven Village Green, are all wheelchair accessible. See more information below.
Details: RSVP is not required for this free event. Unaccompanied youth under the age of 18 must provide a www.cob.org/walkforwater.
Participants are encouraged to carry jugs filled with water during the walk to simulate the hard work that many people in developing countries do to obtain water every day. You can bring your own jug or grab a pre-filled jug at the event.
The theme of the 2018 World Water Day is Nature for Water. In support of this, Bellingham’s Walk for Water event will highlight a number of City restoration and stormwater projects that protect our water sources by restoring and mimicking natural systems. Educational signs along the route and informational booths at the Fairhaven Village Green will teach participants about these projects and other water-related topics.
City staff will be located at the Padden Creek Daylighting Project, the Harris Avenue Water Quality Facility and the Padden Creek Estuary to provide more information about the projects and answer questions. The Padden Creek Daylighting project is located near the Trailhead for the Interurban Trail at 1815 Old Fairhaven Parkway. The Harris Avenue Water Quality Facility is at the corner of 8th Street and Harris Avenue and the Padden Creek Estuary is just across Harris Avenue.
For more information about this event, please visit www.cob.org/walkforwater.
