The City of Bellingham is excited to announce the opening of Storybrook Park, a new neighborhood park in the Birchwood neighborhood. This vibrant addition officially opened to the public on Feb. 6.
The seven-acre park was built on an established open space formerly known as Maplewood/Mcleod Park, which had functioned as a neighborhood park for many years but lacked amenities. The new park includes a nature-themed playground, improved trails, lighting, and more.
“Storybrook Park is truly a community gem,” Parks & Recreation Director Nicole Oliver said, “We transformed a relatively undeveloped area into a beautiful space for play, nature enjoyment, and wellness. We can’t wait to see neighbors out enjoying the space!”
Community celebration
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 whimsical new playground. Come share in the fun!
- Date and time: Friday, Feb. 13, at 2:45 p.m.
- Location: 2927 Maplewood Avenue (between Maplewood Ave. and Cherrywood Ave.)
- Parking: No onsite parking other than street parking. Please walk, bike, or use public transit if possible.
About Storybrook Park
As a neighborhood park, the seven-acre park primarily serves nearly 5,000 residents who live within ½ mile, or 10-minute walk, of the park. It features a nature-themed playground, improved trail and emergency access from West Maplewood Avenue, ADA access from Cherrywood Avenue, a forest trail loop (keep an eye out for gnomes!), a drinking fountain, picnic tables and benches, signage, lighting, and fencing. The site work also protected sensitive wetlands.
The park was shaped by five years of community engagement, including a highly engaged park committee comprised of representatives from the neighborhood. Local Birchwood Elementary School students even weighed in on the playground equipment.
The majority of the park remains forested. “One thing we heard from neighbors is a desire to retain a lot of the space as forest,” said Director Oliver. “The existing land had a real sense of magic about it, and we wanted to contribute to that rather than develop the entire space.”
The park also features an art installation called Stand in Reflection. Designed by Polymetis Studio and funded by the City’s 1% for Art program, the piece features a gathering of slender cedar poles that invites visitors into a space where nature’s beauty and human presence blend seamlessly. Stay tuned for information about an art dedication for the piece this spring.
A community member came up with the name for the park in 2022, and it was formally chosen by City Council after an open vote. Future phases of development to complete the Master Plan may include a picnic shelter, restrooms, and a food forest.
Funding
The property was acquired for $481,000 in 2008-2010 using Greenways Levy and Block Grant funds. Park construction was funded with $634,600 Real Estate Excise Tax funds and $1,834,000 in Park Impact Fees.
Public Works also contributed $400,000 from the Transportation Fund to the project to improve bike and pedestrian infrastructure along the west side of W Maplewood, between McLeod Road and Alderwood Avenue.
