New playground opens at Bloedel Donovan Park
Have you visited the City’s most accessible playground yet? The brand-new play area at Bloedel Donovan Park is designed for fun, inclusivity, and safety. It features equipment for a wide range of ages, including a number of play elements that can be accessed from the ground or via a ramp. The swing set also includes an accessible seat. The previous playground no longer met current safety or ADA standards, so we’re excited to share this upgraded space with the community.
Next up: Rock Hill Park in the York neighborhood is slated for a playground replacement next summer. The current play area there is 26 years old and ready for a refresh.
Post Point investments improve air quality and reliability
In today’s Cascadia Daily News, we shared an important perspective on Bellingham’s continued investment in air quality and reliability at the Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant. In the guest commentary, Public Works Director Joel Pfundt outlines how upgrades to the incinerators that burn biosolids (yes, that means poop) will help protect public health, improve air quality, and buy time for new wastewater solids technologies to mature before the next major investment.
Read the full op-ed on Cascadia Daily News or on the City’s website. Want to learn more? City staff will share additional updates and discuss how the community can stay involved during the Nov. 17 City Council meeting.
Take our survey about Lake Whatcom forests
We are working with Whatcom County and ecological forestry consultants to finalize a long-term Forest Management Plan for the Lake Whatcom watershed. This plan will guide the stewardship of over 13,000 acres of public forestland, with a focus on protecting water quality, improving forest health, and supporting responsible recreational access. Early community input — along with scientific data collected at Lake Whatcom forests this summer — helped shape the draft plan that is now available for public review on Engage Bellingham. Take our survey about the draft plan through Nov. 20 to let us know your thoughts about how we’ll steward these forests into the future.
Mobile Medical Unit to offer services downtown
didgʷálič Wellness Center (dWC) is bringing hope to Bellingham residents living with substance use disorder. dWC has two Mobile Medical Units (MMUs), which are recreational vehicles customized for securely dispensing life-saving medication.
Six days a week, an MMU visits Whatcom County’s Behavioral Health Campus at 2030 Division Street, Suite B, in Bellingham. On Monday, Nov. 10, the other MMU will start providing services in the First Baptist Church parking lot downtown on the corner Flora Street and Unity Street.
Founded by the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community (SITC), dWC is the nation’s first clinic to provide integrated care — mental health, primary care, dental, and social services — all in one place. A partnership between SITC, Whatcom County, and the City of Bellingham made the MMU’s local services possible. Watch the Bellingham TV video or visit dWC’s website to learn more.
Save the date
Nov. 7 – Free First Friday at Whatcom Museum
Artist Mary Ann Peters and former Washington State Poet Laureate Rena Priest will both be at the museum to share their work Friday, Nov. 7. Find the full schedule of events at Whatcom Museum’s website.
Nov. 8 – Community Work Party at Sehome Arboretum
There are still volunteer spots remaining for our next work party happening Saturday, Nov. 8, at 9 a.m. Make sure to register ahead of time.
Nov. 11 – Veterans Day
In honor of Veterans Day, City offices are closed for business on Tuesday, Nov. 11., except for public safety and emergency services. Trash, recycling, and compost collection will run on schedule. Customers with Tuesday collection should set out materials the night before as collection times on holidays may be earlier than usual.
Whatcom Museum archivist wins award
Whatcom Museum’s archivist and historian, Jeff Jewell, has been awarded the Lifetime Accomplishments in the Humanities award by Humanities Washington. This award recognizes individuals and organizations whose work enriches our state’s cultural and intellectual life.
Jeff was celebrated for his stewardship of the Museum’s collection of more than 200,000 historical images of life in the region — one of the largest collections of Pacific Northwest photography. His dedication to preserving and sharing local history has helped countless people connect with the stories that shape Whatcom County. Congratulations, Jeff!
