Little Squalicum Park trails open: All the trails in Little Squalicum Park will be open this afternoon (November 17), including a new trail (shown above) and pedestrian bridge that offer views of the recently completed Little Squalicum Estuary. This project removed a fish passage barrier at the mouth of Little Squalicum Creek and restored essential coastal habitat for young salmon originating from Bellingham Bay, Squalicum Creek, and the Nooksack River, including endangered Puget Sound Chinook. The project also fulfills a community vision identified in the Little Squalicum Park Master Plan. While enjoying the trails, please help us take care of this important new habitat by keeping pets and people out of the estuary and picking up and disposing of dog poop in the trash.
Speaking of new trails: The new Cordata Park trail is open too! The new multimodal trail connects the north end of Cordata Community Park across East Bear Creek to West Horton Road. This trail was constructed with the phase 2 park development project currently underway in the south end of the park and joins an existing section of trail built with private development north of the park. Phase two park amenities, including a picnic shelter, pickleball courts, basketball court, pavilion, stage, and parking, are expected to open early in 2024. Please enjoy this new neighborhood park connector!
Community members needed for Bellingham Plan work group: We’re seeking applicants to join the Bellingham Plan Community work group to help inform the City’s 2025 Comprehensive Plan update. Comprehensive plans are used by communities to establish high-level goals and policies that guide development, capital investments, city programs and other actions. The 12-15 work group members will meet 10-11 times between January and November 2024. It will include a diverse group of individuals from our community, prioritizing those who have historically been underrepresented in the public process. This is to ensure their voices are heard, their concerns addressed, and their perspectives included in the decision-making that shapes the future of our city. Eligible members will receive stipends of up to $600 for their participation in work group meetings. Applications accepted until 5 p.m. December 11, 2023. Learn more about the application process and work group responsibilities.
Winter shelter to open December 1: The City and Whatcom County have partnered to fund an overnight winter shelter that will be open nightly from December 1, 2023 – February 29, 2024. Operated by Road2Home, the shelter will be located at Civic Field in locker rooms that aren’t used in winter months. Regular use of Civic Field for athletics and community recreation will continue as we add shelter capacity for unhoused neighbors during this season. In addition to Basecamp, the year-round shelter, and the Road2Home Winter Shelter at Civic Field, a Bellingham severe weather shelter operated by Whatcom County will open when winter weather is severe. Find more information about winter shelter options at www.whatcomcounty.us/wintershelters.
By the numbers
Did you know? There are 87 miles of trails throughout Bellingham. Have you explored them all? Take a look at the Bellingham Trail Guide to learn about all the trails and find new ways to move around the city. Whether it’s for fun, running errands or commuting to work, using our treasured trails is part of what makes Bellingham so special. Make sure everyone enjoys their time on the trails by following general trail etiquette, such as respecting other trail users, staying to the right, disposing of waste (including dog poop bags) in trash receptacles, staying on trails to protect sensitive areas and using caution at all trail and road crossings.
