City of Bellingham Parks Dept Re-opens Some Recreation Amenities under WA State Phase 2 Declaration

With the announcement that Whatcom County is approved for Phase 2, the City of Bellingham is re-opening some park facilities that have been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

City Of Bellingham Re Opens Some Recreation Amenities Under State’s Phase 2 Declaration

These facilities include sports courts, such as basketball, tennis, pickleball and volleyball, the disc golf course at Cornwall Memorial Park, fenced-off leash areas at Lake Padden and Squalicum Creek Parks, the BMC track and skate park at Civic Complex, and the pump Bike parks, dog parks, sport courts and parking open by end of next week track at Whatcom Falls Park.

All park restrooms are open, but playgrounds and indoor facilities remain closed.

Whatcom County Bellingham Washington Phase 2 Outdoor Recreation Guidelines

In addition, Phase 2 of Governor Inslee's Phased Approach to Reopening Washington Plan allows for outdoor recreation involving 5 or fewer people outside your household (camping, beaches, hiking, etc.), however gatherings of more than 5 people outside your household are not allowed.

“New signs will be added over the next week to remind people about safe distancing and avoiding crowded areas," said Nicole Oliver, Interim Parks & Recreation Director.

She said parking that has been blocked off in community parks will be re-opened as well to ensure equitable access to park facilities. Park Ambassadors will continue to monitor parks daily to inform visitors about safety guidelines and ensure park policies are followed.

Oliver said Phase 2 also will bring new summer program offerings, including virtual youth camps and small group activities to help get us through re-opening are now open for registration. As with everything during the COVID-19 pandemic, please remember all dates and times are subject to change.

Please see the City's website at www.cob.org/parks for additional information.

We acknowledge that Whatcom County is located on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples. They cared for the lands that included what we’d call the Puget Sound region, Vancouver Island and British Columbia since time immemorial. This gives us the great obligation and opportunity to learn how to care for our surrounding areas and all the natural and human resources we require to live. We express our deepest respect and gratitude for our indigenous neighbors, the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe, for their enduring care and protection of our shared lands and waterways.