New name: In the not-too-distant future, residents will enjoy the beach, trails and Bellingham Bay views from the newly named Salish Landing, Bellingham’s next waterfront park. The 17-acre site located just south of the downtown waterfront district was previously referred to as “Cornwall Beach Park.” The Bellingham Parks and Recreation Board recommended the new name after an extensive public process and Bellingham City Council formally adopted it on January 23, 2023. Planning and design for the new park are underway and construction is expected to start in 2024. Visit the project webpage to follow the progress. We look forward to welcoming you to Salish Landing soon.
Another year: Early this week, Mayor Seth Fleetwood signed a one-year extension for the Unity Village encampment in Fairhaven. HomesNow can continue to operate the tiny home encampment at its current location through Jan. 29, 2024. Unity Village provides 22 tiny houses for overnight shelter for up to 28 people and amenities such as bathrooms, showers, drinking water, an outdoor kitchen, garbage and recycling containers, and human and social services. Bellingham City Council amended the municipal code to allow operators of temporary encampments to request up to three one-year extensions if they are following their permit conditions. Visit the Community Planning Notices webpage to view the extension request for additional details.
Inside Old City Hall: Winter is a great time to explore the wonderful exhibits at the Whatcom Museum’s Old City Hall. See a diversity of items from the history collection and photo archives that rarely see the light in There Was a Time: Whimsical Relics & Eclectic Images (through May 20, 2023). Build an appreciation and understanding of art at the Learning to Look exhibit. Through question prompts and interactive activities, the exhibition introduces the elements of art to visitors of all ages. Visit the Whatcom Museum website to learn about these and other offerings.
ICYMI – February activities: Bellingham Public Library has announced its program schedule for February 2023, including a variety of activities for adults and children. Programs will take place at the Central Library, Bellis Fair Mall, and online. Although some programs require registration, most are drop-in opportunities with everyone welcome.
Improving Public Spaces
Project information: While it is a quiet time for construction, City projects often cause impacts to streets, sidewalks, trails, parks and other public spaces. If you’re ever curious about City projects happening near you or around town, visit our City Projects webpage for information about projects, starting in the early planning stages through the end of construction, including contact information for questions about the project. Explore by neighborhood or project name.
By the Numbers
Photos tell the stories: The Whatcom Museum photo archives are home to more than 200,000 cataloged photographs and paper artifacts that hold an extensive history of our region. Thousands of researchers access the archives each year for anything from tracing family history to compiling material for books or films to a host of academic pursuits. A recent article showcases how one collection held at the Museum, the Darius and Tabitha Kinsey collection, has been used in Ken Burns’ documentary series and displayed in Ralph Lauren stores in London and Milan.
Appreciation
Welcome: At the end of 2022, 13 Bellingham Fire Department recruits – three lateral firefighters and 10 entry-level firefighters – completed the firefighter academy. Congratulations to these dedicated individuals who are now on the floor and assigned to fire stations throughout the city. We look forward to seeing their success in the fire service.
