Thanks for making a difference with us! Last Saturday, we had nearly 200 community members volunteer with us in Whatcom Falls Park in celebration of Make a Difference Day and Arbor Day! Together, we removed 1 ton of invasive vegetation and planted about 400 native trees and shrubs along Whatcom Creek. These native plants provide shade and food for fish and wildlife, and they also stabilize hillsides, filter pollution, and absorb rainwater to reduce the risk of flooding. You can help protect our streams by staying on designated trails and volunteering with us at future events. Visit our website to learn more about our Parks Volunteer Program.
Help shape Bellingham’s recreation future: It’s time to update our long-term vision for the future of Civic Athletic Complex – our community’s central recreation and athletic destination. This Master Plan update also factors in two exciting and important ideas: the possibility of relocating Carl Cozier Elementary School within the Complex and potential locations for a new indoor community recreation center. Come out for our public open house on Nov. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the community building at Bloedel Donovan Park, 2214 Electric Avenue, and share your input on how this space should grow. There will be a formal presentation at 6:30 p.m. Spanish interpreters will be available for the whole event. Snacks will be provided, and all ages are welcome! Get more info at Engage Bellingham.
Council public comment period paused: The Bellingham City Council is suspending the public comment period at its regular meetings, from Nov. 4 through the end of 2024, while measures to improve Council Chambers security are being evaluated. Safety is an important consideration for all City facilities. City Hall, however, is unique, especially in its role as the center of our City government. Over the 85 years since the building’s design and construction, our city and our needs have evolved. We are examining Council Chambers as part of our ongoing work to make City Hall safe and welcoming. As we assess future changes, we will strive to balance keeping City Hall open and accessible to all while addressing concerns that have been raised by employees, labor union leaders, and members of the public.
Providing feedback to City leaders: During the time while Council public comment periods are suspended, community members can provide written public comment to Council Members by e-mailing ccmail@cob.org; sending a letter addressed to City Council, 210 Lottie St, Bellingham, WA 98225; signing up to comment on specific topics before scheduled public hearings; sharing written testimony for public hearings at cob.org/comment; and using Engage Bellingham for specific topics.
It’s in the mail: Look for the fall 2024 issue of Inside Bellingham in your mailbox. Our printed newsletter is delivered to every residential mailbox in Bellingham to provide community members with information about City priorities, projects, and activities. You can also view a PDF version of the newsletter posted at cob.org/news.
Watch for wildlife: This Sunday, it’s time to “fall back” again. As our clocks shift back an hour, our daily routines change, but wildlife remains on nature’s schedule. Be extra cautious, especially at dawn and dusk, as deer and other animals may be more active on roads during these transitional times. Slow down, pay attention, and help keep our roads safe for all creatures. Visit our website for information about preventing and reporting collisions with wildlife.
