City Closes Playgrounds, Sports Fields, Fenced Dog Areas, Bike Parks, Disc Golf Course and Skate Park to Reduce COVID-19 Spread

Parks and Trails Remain Open with Reduced Parking

March 24, 2020 - by Nicole Oliver, Interim Parks & Recreation Director

During this health emergency, Bellingham is committed to keeping our parks and trails open and safe for public use. Beginning today, March 24th, the City of Bellingham Parks & Recreation staff will close all playgrounds, sport courts, fenced dog areas, bike parks, disc golf course and the skate park to encourage safe social distancing and minimize the spread of the Coronavirus.  The golf course will also ​close today due to the Governor’s order.​

Since last Monday, March 16th, staff resources were reorganized to enable two shifts to operate in two zones all around the City, 7 days a week, from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.  These crews are cleaning and disinfecting park restrooms and frequently touched areas. Park restrooms provide critical sanitation needs for all park visitors, as well as those who are unsheltered in our community.  

All indoor facilities are closed, and water fountains turned off.  Additionally, signage installed over the weekend reminds everyone about safe social distancing in public parks and trails, and to follow the CDC guidelines.  All programs, events and reservations are cancelled through the end of April in City park facilities.

Staff will use tape, signs, locks, cones or other barriers to clearly delineate closures.  Over the next few days, some parking areas will be closed off to help limit the number of people in large parks.  

​For more information

Please refer to the Whatcom County Health Department for additional guidance and updated information regarding our community’s fight against the Coronavirus.  https://www.whatcomcounty.us/3329/Novel-Coronavirus-COVID-19

For City of Bellingham information on COVID-19 response, see our COVID-19 response page.

To receive to City of Bellingham news releases, subscribe here: https://www.cob.org/about/news/subscribe-to-city-news.


Media Contact

​Nicole Oliver
Interim Parks & Recreation Director
(360) 778-7013
noliver@cob.org


More City News >>

Subscribe to City News