Spray parks open today!
Bellingham Parks & Recreation operates spray parks located at Cornwall Memorial Park, 3424 Meridian St.; Cordata Park, 4510 Cordata Parkway; and Fairhaven Park, 107 Chuckanut Dr. N. Starting today (Friday, June 13), all three parks will be open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Sept. 15. The spray parks utilize fresh, potable water that is not recycled. View our Parks Guide to find more adventures in Bellingham.
Upcoming Juneteenth celebrations
The City of Bellingham will host a Juneteenth Flag Raising event 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, June 16 at the flag plaza in front of City Hall, 210 Lottie St. This year’s Juneteenth marks the 160th anniversary of the last enslaved African Americans being freed in Texas. City Hall, Bellingham Public Library locations, and Arne Hanna Aquatic Center will be closed in observance of the federal holiday on Thursday, June 19. Public Works and Parks emergency services can be reached at 360-778-7700. Police, fire, and medic services are always available by calling 911. Visit WWU’s Juneteenth webpage for a listing of other Juneteenth celebrations in the community.
Do you have an idea for a project that will promote tourism in Bellingham?
Then check out our Tourism Grant, supported by lodging tax funds (from hotel/motel stays in Bellingham). We are seeking applications for projects that promote economic activity by bringing visitors to Bellingham for business, pleasure, recreation, education, arts, heritage, or culture. Did you know: The tourism industry generates more than $2 million in lodging taxes each year in Bellingham, and those funds are reinvested to benefit our community and environment. Visit our website to learn more about the grant or see previously funded projects.
Find new Billy sculptures in a downtown scavenger hunt
The Billys have landed! These four whimsical sculptures are already surprising and delighting downtown visitors. Funded by a downtown activation and beautification grant, the self-guided scavenger hunt encourages Billy-seekers of all ages to explore downtown to discover where the Billys are hiding. Find all four Billys to enter a drawing to win your own mini-Billy! Go to cob.org/find-billy for clues and more information.
Library secures capital funding for renovation
Bellingham Public Library has secured capital funding of $3.03 million in the 2025-2027 Washington state budget for the renovations. The allocation represents a $2 million Library Capital Improvement Program grant, as well as $1.03 million in Local & Community Projects funding, both administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce. A $3.5 million campaign for private community donations is also ongoing. The vision is to revitalize the Central Library’s aging ground floor by creating a space for children and teens that is modern, safe, clean, inviting, age appropriate, and ADA accessible. The main floor help desk, upper floor staff areas, and the building’s HVAC system also need updates.
Improving public spaces
Fraser Street boardwalk repairs: Repair work will take place June 16-27 to fix the Fraser Street boardwalk, which was damaged the past winter near Puget Street. Travelers can expect some minor lane closures during the work, and bicycles and pedestrians will be re-routed to the north side of Fraser Street during the repairs.
James/ Meador bridges: We’re getting close to completing the James and Meador Bridges! New sidewalks and curb ramps have been installed at James Street and Meador Avenue. We plan to begin paving the James Street bridge next week. Once that is complete, we’ll open the James Street bridge, and close the Meador Avenue bridge again for paving, likely around June 23. Pedestrian access will be maintained along sidewalks in the area. Both bridges should be open by the end of June. Some remaining work may require temporary lane closures, but both roads will stay open once paving is complete.
Introducing Bellingham’s 2025 Chief for a Day!
The Bellingham Police Department (BPD) recently surprised Columbia Elementary student Tristan, 11, with the news that he was selected as Bellingham’s 2025 Chief for a Day! This special program honors children facing serious health challenges, celebrating their courage and spirit. Tristan received official BPD gear and will spend time at the station this summer, culminating in a statewide Chief for a Day event in August in Burien at the Criminal Justice Training Commission. Stay tuned for more adventures with Chief Tristan.
