The Phase One development project is underway and is anticipated to include the following park improvements:
- Fun, age separated playground area that complies with playground safety standards and ADA
- Park trails to include: Cherrywood Avenue to central park area, forest loop trail, and trail/emergency vehicle access from W Maplewood Avenue along the existing driveway
- Park furnishings to include: benches, picnic tables, trash receptacles, dog waste station, drinking fountain, hose bib, gate, fence and other barriers, and lighting
- Park name signs, wayfinding posts, and community kiosk
- Water and electrical service
- Site restoration wetland buffer mitigation, and plant maintenance
- West Maplewood Avenue bike and pedestrian improvements along the west side of W Maplewood, between McLeod Road and Alderwood Avenue include a striped bike lane, curb, gutter, sidewalk, driveway aprons, and drainage.
Phase One Plans
Park Location Map
Playground
Phase One Layout
Extent of W Maplewood Street Improvements
W Maplewood Street Layout
Funding
$634,600 2nd Quarter Real Estate Excise Tax
$1,834,000 Park Impact Fees
$400,000 Public Works Funding
Status
Phase One will be designed during 2023 and 2024. Park construction is anticipated to begin spring 2025.
Park construction is anticipated to begin spring 2025.
Temporary disruptions to driveway access during construction is anticipated. Residents will be given 48-hour notice of disruption of access to driveways. We hope to maintain access after the end of every work day.
W Maplewood will remain open, but occasional lane closures may occur and flaggers will be present to direct traffic for maneuvering equipment.
24-hour emergency access will remain unaffected.
Design Consultant Team
Lead Designer: Pacific Landscape Architecture, Bellingham WA
Storybrook Park Master Plan
The Council approved and adopted the Park Master Plan and official park name “Storybrook Park” on December 12, 2022.
Thank you to all those that provided input on the design and park name.
Park Master Plan Documents
References
Public Meetings
- Birchwood Neighborhood Association Meeting – March 8, 2022
- Birchwood International Market – 6/17/22
- Engage Bellingham Outreach – 6/10/22 – 6/26/22
- Birchwood Neighborhood Association Meeting – 9/27/22
- Parks and Recreation Advisory Board – 10/12/22
- Neighborhood Meeting – 10/22/22
- Parks and Recreation Advisory Board – 11/9/22
- City Council Public Hearing and Park Master Plan Adoption – 12/12/22
