New solar EV chargers: Charging an electric vehicle (EV) in Bellingham is getting easier. We’re excited to announce the arrival of 4 brand new solar-powered EV chargers in town. Installation started this week. You will soon be able to plug in your electric ride at Squalicum Creek Park, Civic Field, Lake Padden Park, and Cordata Park, all thanks to the power of sunlight (yes, even on cloudy days!). With a total of 20 additional charging stations slated to pop up around the city this year, courtesy of a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce and Bellingham’s Transportation Fund, we’re making strides toward keeping our air clean and hitting our climate action targets. Once these solar chargers are integrated into our system, standard charging rates will apply. Visit our EV charging project page to learn more about the project, including the locations for the new stations.
Salmon release party: It’s time to wish a fond farewell to the chum salmon we’ve watched hatch and grow in the Bellingham Children’s Library. These young salmon are ready to set off, and everyone is invited to a community celebration and release party at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 30. The event will start at the Central Library where local Indigenous partners will share blessings, story and song. Together, attendees will then walk to Maritime Heritage Park to release the salmon into Whatcom Creek.
Park Steward Program returns with new enhancements: We’re excited to announce that our Park Steward Program is back and better than ever! After several months of pausing this program to focus on internal improvements, we’ve incorporated measures to ensure better equity, reduced risk, and clearer guidance for all individual volunteers. If you were previously an approved Park Steward volunteer or are interested in becoming one, please apply using our new online fillable web form. If you encounter any issues or have questions, please reach out to Parks Volunteer Program staff at pkvolunteers@cob.org for assistance or call (360) 778-7137 (Tuesday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.). You can also sign up to join us in making a difference at one of our upcoming Saturday Community Work Parties. We look forward to seeing you soon out in our parks.
LEGO® fun: Visit the Whatcom Museum on April 5 for Access for All Free First Friday! We’re thinking about Bellingham with a Community Builders Round Table in Old City Hall at 1 p.m. and a day of LEGO® and brick-building activities for all ages. Local LEGO® Master TV contestants Brad Bergman and Mike Tarrant will be at the museum with a Brick Pit, LEGO® pop-up stations, and a live build of a LEGO® Old City Hall! Come find out how the top LEGO® designers do it! PLUS: Brad and Mike will be announcing the winners of the museum’s community building LEGO® contest and awarding prizes.
Annual watermain flushing: It’s no joke, our annual watermain flushing program starts Monday, April 1 and continues through May. This essential process removes mineral deposits that build up naturally in pipes, keeping our water system running smoothly. While your water remains safe to drink during flushing, you might experience temporary discoloration or reduced pressure. If your water looks cloudy, simply run a cold tap for a few minutes to clear the lines. Our crews will be flushing efficiently, starting in Bellingham’s northwest corner and working their way southeast. Flushing happens weekdays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Rest assured, the water used is dechlorinated before entering the storm drainage system. For more information about our Water Distribution System visit our website or contact us at (360) 778-7700 or askpw@cob.org.
New badges for BPD: If you have a keen eye, you may have noticed that Bellingham Police Officers are sporting new customized badges. At the beginning of November 2023, the modernized badge design, which honors the city of Bellingham’s history, made its first appearance over our officers’ hearts. Since the inception of the Bellingham Police Department in 1904, the badge underwent four distinct changes prior to this new design. The previous badge design was generic, and it became a default badge design for many security contractors across the nation. The new badge is unique and identifiable as belonging to the Bellingham Police Department, as it features the Old City Hall, which was the first home of the Bellingham Police Department. The new badge (pictured below) is unique and identifiable.
