Overview
The City is performing improvements to Hundred Acre Wood, an approximately 112-acre forested park in South Bellingham. The improvements, which will be completed in multiple phases, will restore and preserve the natural environment of the park, while ensuring the park continues to provide unique educational and [GA1] recreational opportunities to the community.
A Plan for the Hundred Acre Wood, previously referred to as Chuckanut Community Forest, was completed in 2022. The Master Plan for the park defines clear priorities and serves as a reference for future improvements and projects planned within the Hundred Acre Wood.
Status
The Park Plan was approved by the Bellingham City Council on September 12, 2022. The improvements were divided into two phases.
Initial phase 1 work is now complete. It included installation of wayfinding signage, dog waste stations, removal of unauthorized trails, trash receptacles, and other directional signage.
The remaining work includes larger improvements under separate regulatory permitting requirements. This work started August 25, 2025, and should be complete by the end of the year. Work includes trail narrowing, habitat restoration, a new bridge over Hoag’s Creek, two new boardwalks along the main trail, trail resurfacing, rerouted trails at the Harrison Avenue and 22nd Street rights-of-way, and additional planting. See a map of the planned projects in phase 1b.
Other improvements underway or recently completed include: other select trail decommissioning, invasive weed removal, new plantings, and additional wayfinding signs.
Funding
This project utilized $650,000 of Greenways Levy funds.
Outdoor Classroom
This project was a partnership between Recreation Northwest and the City to transform a former blackberry patch into an outdoor classroom at the 18th Street entrance to the Hundred Acre Wood. Amenities include native plant and invasive species identification signs for the existing Native Plant Garden, an amphitheater with benches, stone stage, and covered pavilion with access trails to and from the main Fairhaven Park and 18th Street trail connection. The classroom will provide the community with a dedicated space for outdoor learning activities and environmental education programs.
More information
- Final Approved Master Plan
- Chuckanut Community Forest Conservation Easement
- Chuckanut Community Forest Interlocal Agreement
- Chuckanut Community Forest Master Plan Presentation
- Whatcom Land Trust Conservation Easement
Contacts
Parks & Recreation Department: (360) 778-7000
Peter Gill, Park Planning and Development Coordinator, pjgill@cob.org
Gina Austin, Park Project Engineer, gaustin@cob.org
Media inquiries: Kelsey Thomas, Assistant Director of Communications and Community Engagement, kethomas@cob.org
