New stormwater facility protects Lake Whatcom
A new stormwater facility at Donald Avenue and Northshore Drive is nearly complete and already hard at work protecting Lake Whatcom. Designed to capture and treat runoff from nearby neighborhoods, the system quietly goes to work every time it rains, filtering out phosphorus and other pollutants before they can reach the lake. By stopping pollution at the source, the facility helps prevent harmful algal blooms that reduce oxygen for fish and other aquatic life — and protects the lake that serves as Bellingham’s drinking water supply. This project is a reminder that smart, behind-the-scenes infrastructure can make a real difference for a lake we all depend on.
New neighborhood park opens in Birchwood
We’re excited to celebrate the opening of Storybrook Park, a vibrant new community space in the Birchwood neighborhood. This park was built on an established open space formerly known as Maplewood/McLeod Park. While the space functioned as a neighborhood park for many years, it lacked amenities. Now, the seven-acre park offers a whimsical playground, improved trails, community art, and more.
Join us for a ribbon-cutting celebration with brief remarks from Parks & Recreation Director Nicole Oliver and Mayor Kim Lund. Plus, kids can be the first to explore the new playground!
- Date and time: Friday, Feb. 13, at 2:30 p.m.
- Location: 2927 Maplewood Avenue (between Maplewood Ave. and Cherrywood Ave.)
- Parking: No onsite parking. We encourage walking, biking, or using public transit
Speaking of parks…
Little Squalicum Pier will be closed intermittently through Feb. 15 while crews complete the installation of solar- and wind-powered lighting at the pier. These lights represent the Parks & Recreation Department’s first off-grid power project. Thank you for respecting the closures while we finish this important work!
Check out Free First Friday at the Whatcom Museum on Feb. 6
This month’s Free First Friday theme is collections — ours and yours! First, tour From the Vault: Hard Edge/Soft Ground, which highlights abstract artworks from the museum’s permanent collection. Next, take a guided tour of Vivid Victorian: Whatcom County Fashions from 1860-1900 and learn about the museum’s clothing and textile collection with guest curator Naomi Whiting. Throughout the day, make crafts inspired by your own collections. In the evening from 5-8 p.m., Japanese Kissa culture comes to Bellingham with a mobile High-Fidelity stereo experience and custom playlists inspired by our newest exhibitions.
Get the full day’s schedule at whatcommuseum.org.
A cross-town move for Parks & Recreation
Many Parks & Recreation employees are moving from City Hall to a new City building next week. The Design & Development, Community Recreation, and Administrative teams will be joining the Parks & Recreation Operations team at the Pacific Street Operations Center. This move not only brings together the full Parks & Recreation Department under the same roof, but also creates efficiencies and easier connections for the many projects and collaborations with Public Works staff.
