Get registered for holiday fun
Need a fun run to balance out those holiday treats? We’ve got two upcoming opportunities to get you going! First up, join the other elves at the Santa 5K on Saturday, Dec. 21 at Cordata Park. (Costumes are not a requirement, but they do enhance the experience by 28.5%, according to Bellingham Parks and Recreation staff.) Kids 12 and under can register for $5, and kids 13 and older – and kids at heart – can register for $25. You can also ring in the new year with the other brave souls at our free New Year Resolution Walk/Run and Padden Polar Dip on Jan. 1, 2025. We’ll supply the popcorn and warm beverages. You bring shoes that can get wet, a warm change of clothes, and your New Year cheer!
Protecting our drinking water source
We’re excited to announce the latest expansion of our Lake Whatcom Land Acquisition and Preservation Program. In the past few weeks, we acquired two additional properties, furthering our commitment to safeguard Bellingham’s vital drinking water source. One of these properties is located right on the shores of Lake Whatcom. Here, we’ll be restoring the land with native plants, allowing the site to naturally filter and capture pollutants that might otherwise flow directly into the lake. The second property, a forested area, is now permanently protected from future development. With these additions, we’ve protected more than 2,800 acres in the Lake Whatcom watershed. Our ongoing efforts are helping to maintain the quality of Bellingham’s drinking water while preserving the beauty and biodiversity of the region.
Organic waste collection coming to single-family households in 2025
Starting in early 2025, all single-family homes (buildings with four units or less) in Bellingham will begin receiving organic waste collection as part of their standard waste service for a monthly fee. Adding this service allows Bellingham to reduce waste, lower climate emissions, and meet future statewide requirements. Through this service, organic waste, such as food scraps, food-soiled papers, yard waste and approved compostable packaging, is collected by Sanitary Service Company (SSC) and composted locally into a nutrient-rich soil amendment through their FoodPlus! service. Customers already receiving this service year-round will not be affected. Learn more about the change.
Save the date
Every year, we join with other local organizations and invite our community to learn and serve together in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mark your calendars for Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., we’ll be offering a free community breakfast, panel discussion, and plenty of opportunities for community service, including our annual MLK Day environmental restoration work party. Watch for more details on the MLK event website.
Improving public spaces
Construction project updates
Drivers can expect delays in the area around Meridian and Orchard Drive while daytime work continues on the Meridian Sewer Replacement project. Also, the bridge deck on Meador Avenue is currently curing. Once it is ready to re-open in a couple of months, we’ll move back to working on the permanent James Street bridge. Progress also continues on new City facilities: Vertical building construction begins soon on the next phase of the Pacific Street Operations Center, and storage buildings will be constructed at the Woburn Site Operations Center in mid-December, with the project expected to wrap up in March. Please slow down in all construction zones and watch for changing conditions.
Temporary South Bay Trail closure on December 11
The South Bay trail will be closed for construction work at the railroad tracks at the north end of Boulevard Park during the day on Wednesday, December 11 starting at 9 a.m. Detour signs will direct trail users to State Street and Bayview Drive. This work is part of the City’s efforts to improve safety at the railroad crossing and develop two quiet zones in Bellingham. Learn more on our website.
