OVERVIEW
Samish neighborhood in southeast Bellingham stretches to enclose Lake Padden Park and its public golf course. Many of the areas hillside homes command views of south Bellingham and the bay and islands beyond.
New housing developments are sprouting on the east side, with a new elementary school planned for nearby Yew Street Road.
Businesses are few in the neighborhood, offering residents a quiet, secluded lifestyle.
Lake Padden is a popular spot for people who want to swim, ride the many bicycle trails, walk the 2.6-mile trail around the lake, or play a round at Lake Padden Golf Course. The park also hosts the popular Junior Ski to Sea Race each May.
HISTORY
Lake Padden was the source of drinking water for south Bellingham from 1900 to 1968. The city bought the land in 1925 from Fairhaven Water and Power Co. Voter approval of a bond issue in 1970 provided money to develop the park and golf course.
SCHOOLS
Happy Valley Elementary, Fairhaven Middle, Sehome High.
In fall 2008, elementary students will attend Happy Valley Elementary and Wade King Elementary.
District: Bellingham School District, www.bham.wednet.edu.
PARKS
East Meadow, Ridgemont, Lake Padden, Padden Creek, Samish.
QUOTE
The views of Bellingham Bay and the surrounding city are pretty spectacular in some places. Its also a very community-type neighborhood.
Tim Wynn, Samish resident for five years
