Improve the Library for a new generation
Honoring National Library Giving Day on April 1, the Bellingham Public Library Board of Trustees and Whatcom Community Foundation announce a $3.5 million private fundraising effort to revitalize the Bellingham Central Library, including the aging, ground-floor children’s department and a relocated teen space. These renovations have been needed for decades and include spaces for children and teens that are modern, safe, clean, inviting, age appropriate, and ADA accessible. Fundraising will continue throughout the year. A generous donor will match new gifts in 2025 up to $100,000. To date, the library has secured $1.4 million toward the community goal. For more details, please visit the Library Giving Day page and watch this short video about the Children’s Library.
Earth Day celebrations coming up
In honor of Earth Day on April 22, we have events throughout the month to help us all appreciate the planet we rely on. Start celebrating early with the Whatcom Museum at next week’s Free First Friday event on April 4! Bring your broken items back to life at a Fix-it Fair, make recycled art with local artists, and join us for a special evening screening of the highly acclaimed documentary Fish War. You can also see a maquette of Nisqually fishing rights activist Billy Frank, Jr. at the museum through April 11. The final version of the statue will be installed this year in the National Statutory Hall in Washington, D.C. Later in April, join us for more events in honor of Earth Day, including a volunteer work party, recycling drop-off event, and Children’s Storytimes. While you are spring cleaning, now is a great time to start collecting your hard-to-recycle items to bring to our event. Visit our webpage for more details about our Earth Day events.
Downtown progress …
We are periodically asking for feedback about the City’s efforts downtown. Since we last asked for input in August 2024, several changes have occurred, including the return of Bellingham Police Department’s bike patrol. Is our work downtown making a difference? Take three minutes to tell us what you think in our brief survey on Engage Bellingham.
… and progress on Lake Whatcom protection
We recently published our five-year Lake Whatcom Accomplishments Report that summarizes our Lake Whatcom protection efforts in coordination with Whatcom County and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District. You can hear about highlights from this report, as well as an overview of water quality monitoring results and our future plans, at our annual Lake Whatcom Joint Councils and Commissioners Meeting on Wednesday, April 2 at 6:30 p.m. This meeting brings together local leaders from the Lake Whatcom Management Program for presentations and discussions about our drinking water source. Join us in person at City Council Chambers or online via Zoom to listen to the conversation or contribute your own comments.
Spring Playbook is out
The Bellingham Parks and Recreation Spring Playbook – 92 pages of events, camps, activities, and educational opportunities – is now available! Look for a printed version in your mailbox or at various locations throughout the city. Registration for Parks and Recreation Department programs opens 8:30 a.m., Monday, March 31. You must access or set up your ActiveNet account to register for our offerings. For information about financial support, visit the Parks Scholarships webpage.
Annual watermain flushing
It’s no joke – our annual watermain flushing program starts Tuesday, April 1 and continues through May. This essential process removes mineral deposits that build up naturally in pipes. 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 conduct flushing with our new water use efficiency measures in mind to keep our system running smoothly while conserving our resources. Flushing happens weekdays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., starting in Bellingham’s northwest corner and working southeast. Rest assured, the water used is dechlorinated before entering the storm drainage system. For more information about our Water Distribution System, visit our website, call (360) 778-7700, or email askpw@cob.org.
Improving public spaces
New roundabout at Bakerview and James
Construction on the Bakerview-James roundabout is scheduled to begin next week to improve safety, efficiency, and access for all modes of transportation at the intersection, including freight. The project is scheduled to take approximately two months to complete and may require some work to be done 24 hours a day to wrap up the project as quickly as possible. There will be some temporary closures on James Street, with traffic re-routed to Deemer Road. Bakerview Road will remain open throughout the project with some construction delays.
Transportation improvements coming to Fairhaven
In the coming weeks, we will begin construction along 12th Street and Finnegan Way as part of a project designed to improve transportation safety and access for Fairhaven residents, businesses, and visitors. This spring, we plan to install two flashing crosswalks, new sidewalk, on-street parking, and bike lane upgrades, as well as complete prep work for a new traffic signal at the intersection of 12th Street, Mill Avenue, and Finnegan Way. The traffic signal will be installed later in the year once materials for the signal arrive. During construction, please expect temporary one-lane closures and sidewalk detours along 12th Street and Finnegan Way. Access to Fairhaven businesses will remain open. Please note that there is also a planned private development project happening nearby that may occur around the same time.
