Help protect Great Blue Herons
Ever seen a Great Blue Heron in Bellingham? This is an especially sensitive time of year for these elegant birds, as they are actively nesting and feeding their young. Herons have nested in Bellingham for decades.
During nesting season, herons are extremely sensitive to disturbance — sudden noise, unusual activity, or drones can disrupt feeding or cause adults to abandon their chicks.
The City works closely with a heron biologist to monitor the colonies and guide protection efforts. You can help protect these vulnerable birds by avoiding drone use within 300 feet of the colony, staying on designated trails, and keeping noise and group size to a minimum near nesting areas. Learn more on our website.
The summer of soccer is almost here!
As one of nine cities in Washington State hosting an official SeattleFWC26 fan zone, we’ve been partnering with Visit Bellingham, Downtown Bellingham Partnership, and more than a dozen local businesses to plan a summer of soccer fun — from large community watch parties to family-focused events. The excitement kicks off mid-June. Visit the Bellingham fan zone website to see which venues across town are hosting fans and learn more about our main watch parties from Bellingham’s very own soccer celebrity.
BPD awarded new grant
The Bellingham Police Department was awarded $3.7 million through Washington State’s Public Safety Funding Program to strengthen staffing, sustain and expand alternative response systems, and invest in modern technology to improve public safety services. The funding will be used to:
- Fill three police officer positions that were frozen in 2025, create another warrant officer position, and create an additional Support Services Specialist.
- Make up the gap in other state funding for the Alternative Response Team (ART)and supplement the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services budget.
- Start a “Drone as First Responder” program to provide quick and accurate information about incidents that can reduce unnecessary responses.
- Purchase and install dashcams in every patrol car to increase transparency with the public.
- Purchase new tools to stop pursuits faster and more safely.
- Invest in officer retention, leadership development, and professional development training.
Youth Pride returns
Join us at the party that kicks off Pride Month! The Whatcom Youth Pride Parade is back Saturday, May 30, at 11 a.m. City staff and their families will be cheering on youth in the parade from our spot near City Hall. We hope to see you along the route or at the festivities after the parade. Happy Pride Month, Bellingham!
Downtown PayByPhone gets easier
We know few of us begin our day excited to pay for parking… but at least it’s about to get easier! Starting June 1, all street parking downtown will use one PayByPhone zone, just like in Fairhaven. Pay near City Hall and then re-park on Railroad Ave? Your session will now go with you.
Our crews will install more than 400 new PayByPhone signs and flip the switch all in one morning before paid parking hours begin. With nearly 60% of parkers already using PayByPhone, this change will make downtown visits a breeze. Keep an eye out for the new signs and updated zone in the app on June 1!
Rock Hill playground construction starts soon
The wait is almost over, York neighbors! The Rock Hill Park playground renovation kicks off mid-June and is expected to wrap up by in early September. During that time, both playgrounds and some additional areas of the park will be closed for construction and staging. Thanks for your patience!
The existing playground was installed in 1999 and no longer meets current park safety and ADA standards. The new upper and lower playground will feature a play tower, climbers, swings, a climbing wall, and more.
Renderings of the new upper playground (left) and lower playground (right)
