Upcoming parks volunteer opportunities
It’s park and trail work season! We have a few volunteer opportunities coming up at parks across Bellingham this fall, ranging from trail work at the Bay to Baker Trail to cleaning sculptures at Big Rock Garden Park. Then, on Nov. 7, we’re teaming up with Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) to care for Cornwall Memorial Park for Make a Difference Day and Arbor Day. We’ll plant native trees and shrubs and remove invasive weeds near Squalicum Creek to improve water quality, recover downstream salmon habitat, and restore our urban forest and understory habitat for wildlife. This work will build on urban forest restoration efforts in Cornwall Memorial Park.
Space is limited for all work parties, so please register in advance. All ages and abilities are welcome at our work parties, but participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Tools, gloves, and instructions will be provided — remember to dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Find all of our work parties on our events calendar.
Did you know Bellingham has seven Sister Cities?
Join Mayor Kim Lund and community partners in celebrating the 30th anniversary of our relationship with one of our seven Sister Cities: Punta Arenas, Chile. Hosted by the Bellingham Sister Cities Association, the celebration includes Chilean food, awards, dance performances, and more!
Through the work of volunteers and in partnership with donors, schools, cultural and educational institutions, businesses, and other community organizations, the Bellingham Sister City Association maintains Bellingham’s sister-city relationships and creates opportunities for cultural exchange, international friendship, and diplomacy. Find more information about the City’s relationship with our seven sister cities and the Bellingham Sister City Association on our Sister Cities page.
Celebration details
Date: Sunday, Sept. 20
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: Bloedel Donovan Park Multi-Purpose Room
New incentive supports low-income housing development
On Sept. 14, 2026, Bellingham City Council gave final approval to adopt a new incentive designed to support the development of permanently affordable housing by reducing regulatory barriers and streamlining permit approvals for qualifying low-income housing projects. While many of the challenges affordable housing developers face are due to material costs and other market factors, City staff identified specific barriers to their development that could be addressed locally. Learn more in our news release.
Upcoming road work
We have a few projects impacting local streets. Please plan ahead and allow a little extra time for your trip.
Larrabee Road: Closed between Northwest Avenue and Aldrich Road Sept. 21–23 for road overlay and restriping. Local access only.
I-5 northbound onramp: The northbound I-5 on ramp on Lincoln Street will be closed for approximately 3–4 days during the week of Sept. 21 as we continue our Ellis, Fraser, Lincoln road resurfacing project. A detour will direct drivers to the northbound I-5 King Street onramp.
Lakeway Drive: Starting the week of Sept. 21, one westbound lane of Lakeway Drive near Old Woburn Street will be closed for approximately four weeks. This closure supports restoration efforts along West Cemetery Creek. Crews will stabilize slopes below Lakeway Drive to help prevent sediment loss and protect the creek corridor.
Cordata Parkway: Nighttime road repair work is planned between Olivine Lane and Stuart Road Sept. 23–24. Temporary closures will be in place while work is underway.
Plus, lots of traffic this weekend: Between WWU students returning and the Bellingham Bay Marathon, it’s going to be a busy weekend in Bellingham.
Please slow down, follow posted detours and signs, and give crews plenty of room to work safely. Thank you for being patient with the many visitors and new residents joining us this weekend!
