The future of the Civic Athletic Complex
Our long-term vision for the future of Bellingham’s recreation and sports hub is complete! City Council approved the Civic Athletic Complex Master Plan at their meeting on March 23, paving the way for changes that will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. In case you missed it, you can see a video recap of the plan or dive into the details on our project page. We’ll be turning our attention next to completing the conceptual designs for the new community indoor recreation center. Stay tuned for more opportunities to help shape the design!
Northbound I‑5 closure impacts local streets
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) continues to lead the response to slides that closed I-5 near the North Lake Samish exit and is managing the regional detour routes. As a result, about 50,000 more vehicles are using city streets every day.
Our roads aren’t designed for such high traffic volumes, but we are taking steps to minimize delays. We continue to closely monitor traffic conditions and actively manage signal timing at key intersections in Fairhaven, on Samish Way, and along the Yew/Woburn corridor. These adjustments help keep traffic moving, but delays are expected until northbound I‑5 reopens.
Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, limit unnecessary trips, and use alternate routes where possible. For the latest information on the I‑5 closure and detour, please follow updates from WSDOT.
Free reservations at Maritime Heritage Park
Looking for an event or gathering space? Consider Maritime Heritage Park! The Parks & Recreation Department is waiving fees for nonprofits and other community-minded groups interested in hosting public events at our largest downtown park. While the space is free to reserve, all users must complete the City’s permitting process. You can learn more about the Maritime Heritage Park Pavilion on our website.
Annual watermain flushing
It’s no joke – our annual watermain flushing program starts Wednesday, April 1, and continues throughout the month. 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.
How we protected Lake Whatcom in 2025
The 2025 Lake Whatcom Progress Report is here, highlighting another year of collaboration among Lake Whatcom Management Program (LWMP) partners as we continue working together to protect our community’s drinking water. Highlights from 2025 include:
- Strengthening aquatic invasive species protections
- Launching the first-ever joint Lake Whatcom Forest Management Plan
- Achieving a record-setting year for land preservation in the Lake Whatcom watershed
Staff will share 2025 highlights with City Council, County Council, and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District Board of Commissioners at the annual Lake Whatcom Joint Councils and Commissioners Meeting on April 1.
