New beaches, trail connections, and more: The latest from Parks
Our Parks and Recreation department has been busy this winter! Here are a few updates and highlights on the exciting work happening across the City:
- Boulevard Park: We wrapped up construction on the beach between Woods Coffee and the boardwalk and now upland restoration work is underway. This work is weather dependent, but we’re hoping to complete it by end of February. Check out before and after photos of the improved beach on our project page.
- Sunset Pond Park: The crew is making fantastic progress on the Sunset Pond project. The new trail loops all the way around the pond (think a mini Lake Padden!) and connects three nearby neighborhoods with a regional trail and park destination. We’re on track to open it by late February. See a sneak peek on our project page.
- Little Squalicum Pier: We are set to start repair work at the Pier next week. The trail directly leading up to the Pier was damaged during recent flooding. It’s technically about two weeks’ worth of work, but we are at the mercy of low tide predictions and weather so it will likely take longer.
You can always find updates on park projects (and other City projects) at our Project Page and by following Parks and Recreation on Facebook or Instagram.
Speaking of parks…
Thank you to the many community members who have already weighed in on the Bakerview Park project! We evolved our concepts based on your input and are now looking for your feedback before finalizing the design. How do you imagine playgrounds, trails, recreation areas, and community spaces in one of Bellingham’s fastest growing neighborhoods? The survey is open through Feb. 2.
Customer assistance for utility bills
We’ve been talking about upcoming utility rate increases for some time, and starting this month, customers will begin seeing an increase of approximately 13.5% on their utility bills.
We know that higher bills can be a challenge for many households. These rate increases help pay for the essential water services the community relies on every day, including delivering safe drinking water, treating wastewater, managing stormwater to reduce flooding and protect local waterways, and safeguarding the Lake Whatcom watershed. They also cover the cost of maintaining aging infrastructure and making necessary upgrades to keep these systems safe and reliable over the long term.
To help offset the impact for those who need it, the City has expanded its Customer Assistance Program. Customers who qualify may receive help paying their utility bill. Learn more about eligibility and apply at cob.org/reduced-rates.
An update from Mayor Lund
On Monday, Mayor Kim Lund shared a video update on how Bellingham is working to ensure our City remains an inclusive, welcoming, and safe community where we protect everyone’s rights and dignity. You can watch the video on our YouTube (Spanish subtitles are available) and learn more about the measures Mayor Lund discussed on our website.
Look for improved City Council agenda materials next week
Next week you’ll see an improved Bellingham City Council agenda that is published further in advance of meetings. This is one of many efforts to modernize our systems and make City government more transparent, understandable, and accessible. You’ll also notice the documents are easier to understand and more modern-looking. We took these steps to help community members engage with City decision-making. You can find all City Council agendas, minutes, video recordings, and more at meetings.cob.org.
The Salmon Cam is back!
For everyone who has been hanging on the edge of your seats waiting for the soothing sounds and sights of salmon hatching to return — tune in now! BTV’s Salmon Cam at the Library is back online. The 24-hour camera captures chum salmon eggs as they mature, hatch, and develop into fry in a 55-gallon aquarium at the Bellingham Central Library children’s space. Folks can also view the tiny transformation in person during regular library hours. Be sure to ask the Library staff for salmon-themed children’s book recommendations. This special program is a partnership with the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association. The public will be invited to help release the small fry into Whatcom Creek in late March.
