Pier permits in hand! We have now received environmental permits for renovations of the Pier at Little Squalicum Park (see photo above). These approvals represent a significant milestone in our work to provide public access to the pier, allowing renovations to begin early in 2024. Additions to the pier will include handrails, new decking and other safety and access improvements. Bellingham Mayor Seth Fleetwood is among the many people who advocated over the years for repurposing the pier for public use. In 2021, the City successfully negotiated and accepted the donation of a portion of the pier. “Many of us have championed and supported this for a long time,” Fleetwood said. “I am thrilled to announce this important milestone. I look forward to the day soon when this iconic structure opens to the public, offering an unprecedented waterfront experience accessible to everyone.” See our Pier at Little Squalicum Park page for information about this project.
What’s in a name? The pier described and pictured above is located at Little Squalicum Park in north Bellingham, adjacent to the Little Squalicum Estuary project that received recent attention when the rehabilitated estuary was opened to the bay. The pier was originally constructed in 1912 by the Olympic Portland Cement Company, designed to carry railcars that delivered processed cement products to barges moored offshore. These operations ceased in the late 1980s. Over the decades the structure has been called Tilbury Pier, Lehigh Pier and is informally now called the Pier at Little Squalicum Park.
Don’t call them frisbees! We’re pleased to celebrate one of the newest recreational spaces in our City: the Lake Padden Disc Golf Course. Maximizing the space at Lake Padden Golf Course, this incredible venue is a great opportunity for folks of all ages and abilities to engage with a park they may not have seen before. Rated as one of the best municipal golf courses in the state, the Lake Padden Golf Course is a beautiful 18-hole course in a forest. It now hosts a premier 18-hole disc golf course on the traditional course’s front nine holes. Learn more about disc golf and the new course in a video produced by our BTV team and on our Lake Padden Golf page.
Safe routes to school: Work has officially started on the Parkview Safe Routes to School Project which has the goal of making it easier and safer for kids to walk and bike to Parkview Elementary School. The improvements on and around W. Illinois St. will fill several gaps in the sidewalk and bicycle network in this area and were identified as a community priority in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans. Crews are out constructing new sidewalks on Coolidge, Indiana, Cornwall and Vallette Street and will add a flashing beacon and crosswalk at Vallette Street. We are also installing a roundabout at the intersection of Illinois and Sunset Drive. There may be traffic delays while work is completed. You can find updates on all construction projects on our City Projects page.
Climate Action Week closing and video: Thanks to all who participated in our fifth annual Climate Action Week! Community partners worked together to host more than 25 climate-themed events between September 22-30, ranging from inspiring presentations and films to guided nature walks. We concluded the week with a closing celebration at the downtown waterfront with live entertainment, e-bike demos, and educational presentations and activities led by local environmental organizations. Check out a video summary of the event made by our very own BTV crew. Community partnerships like the ones formed during Climate Action Week are essential as Bellingham continues to lead the way on climate action. Learn more on our Climate Action page.
