Youth Pride
Pride Month kicks off a little early tomorrow, May 31, with Whatcom Youth Pride. City staff and their families will be cheering on youth in the parade, which starts at 11 a.m., from our spot next to City Hall. We hope to see you along the route or at the festivities after the parade. Looking for more Pride Month celebrations? Check out this roundup from Visit Bellingham. Happy Pride Month, Bellingham!
Interurban Trail detour this summer for fish passage project
Starting this summer, there will be a detour along the Interurban Trail due to work to remove two fish passage barriers located where the trail crosses Padden Creek. Improvements will make the crossings fully passable for fish, including Chinook, coho, and chum salmon; steelhead and sea-run cutthroat trout; and resident fish species. We expect construction to begin in late June so we can stay within the approved work window for fish protection. However, construction timing could change depending on material availability. Join us for an informational open house on Monday, June 9 to view project information and ask questions. You can stop by the Happy Valley Elementary School cafeteria any time between 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Learn more on our website.
Voluntary summer watering schedule
You can help reduce demand on our water supply by following our voluntary watering schedule and skipping outdoor watering days based on your address from June 1 to Sept. 30. Even-numbered addresses water only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays; odd-numbered addresses water only on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. No watering on Mondays. Or better yet, let your lawn go dormant in the summer. The grass will grow back in the fall. Find more information on outdoor water conservation at cob.org/outdoor-water-conservation.
Summer Reading starts June 1
Summer reading is for everyone – including adults! And it’s back, starting June 1 and running through Aug. 31. Get your summer reading activity card online and print it yourself or pick one up at any Library branch. Reading cards – and reading materials – are available in several languages. There are prizes in every age category, plus everyone who completes an activity card will receive a Summer Reading Superstar yard or window sign. Find reading recommendations and all the summer reading program details on the Bellingham Public Library’s website.
Improving public spaces
James Street south of Bakerview Road will be closed for approximately 10 days while construction continues on the Bakerview/James roundabout. Traffic will be rerouted to Deemer Road. Bakerview Road remains open during construction, though we anticipate some delays.
Crews will be replacing watermains in two areas during the first half of June – along Northshore Drive between Hayward Drive and Silver Beach Street and on 15th Street between Knox Avenue and Mill Avenue. Travelers may experience minor delays in these areas, but residents shouldn’t experience any significant water outages.
And while construction and essential Public Works services don’t slow down during the summer, our public hours of service do change during the summer months. From June 1 through Aug. 30, the Public Works Department will be closed for business on Fridays, except for emergencies. During this period, we are open to the public Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can still report emergencies to us 24/7 at 360-778-7700.
