Share your Bakerview neighborhood park wish list
We’re building a 25-acre park between the King Mountain and Meridian neighborhoods, and we want your input! Join us at our upcoming public open house on July 17 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Bellingham Covenant Church (1530 E Bakerview Rd, Bellingham). You’ll have a chance to meet the team behind the park, ask questions, and share your ideas. This is your opportunity to shape a neighborhood park that will serve our community for generations. Learn more at our project page and find other ways to get involved – including helping us name the park.
New rental fee rules go into effect Aug. 1
City Council Members recently approved two ordinances that regulate fees for rental units and for manufactured/mobile home lots. The rules, which are set to go into effect on Aug. 1, 2025, list allowed rental fees, limit amounts for some rental fees, and promote fee transparency. Visit the City’s webpage for more information. At 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Saturday, July 19, LAW Advocates will host information sessions about the laws in the Lecture Room of the Bellingham Public Library, Central Branch (210 Central Ave.). All are welcome. Sign up on the LAW Advocates website to attend.
Pro/con statement authors needed for initiative
The City Council is seeking volunteers to write voters’ pamphlet statements for City of Bellingham Initiative No. 2025-03, which would prohibit landlords from interfering with tenants engaged in protected activities. Volunteers will prepare a statement under 200 words either in support of or in opposition to the initiative, along with a rebuttal statement. To apply, email ccmail@cob.org with your name, phone number, the committee you wish to serve on, and any additional information before 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 15. The Council will appoint up to three members to serve on each committee.
South Bay Trail will temporarily close soon
The stretch of South Bay Trail between Taylor Dock and Fairhaven is expected to close for approximately 18 months starting in late July. The closure is due to several projects in the area, including redevelopment of the Reid Boilerworks site and development of Fairhaven Center, which includes a permanent reroute of South Bay Trail. The trail runs through the developer’s property, and when complete, will reopen near its original location. You can see a map showing the new trail on our project page.
Lee Memorial Park hosts fun summer events
Lee Memorial Park (Central Library lawn, 210 Lottie St.) is buzzing with family-friendly events this summer. Join us for “Fun Fridays” from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. – a weekly drop-in day of themed activities for kids. Other summer events in the park offer opportunities for kids to make fun crafts and play games, lay on a blanket and listen to stories, dance to Taylor Swift songs, and more. Visit our webpage for the full schedule of events at Lee Memorial Park.
Bloedel Donovan boat launch temporarily closed July 12
The Bloedel Donovan Park boat launch will be closed this Saturday, July 12, from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m. to support the Lake Whatcom Triathlon. While the boat launch will be inaccessible, the rest of Bloedel Donovan Park will remain open for public use throughout the event. Please be mindful of and courteous to triathlon participants in shared spaces. Planning to get out on the water? Find information on other local boat launch hours and locations.
