Be patient this summer as work done on parks, trails

KIE RELYEA

E-Mail

Text Size:

tool goes here

Some trails and playgrounds in Bellingham will be closed this summer for renovations or new projects, the Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department says.

Why are they telling you now? So you’re not disappointed when your kids can’t play in the south playground at Cornwall Park, surprised when you can’t walk a section of Whatcom Creek Trail or cranky because you can’t park near Big Rock Garden this summer.

“We just ask for their patience,” says Gina Gobo, parks project engineer. “We ask for them to respect the signage. When the public cooperates, we can get through it.”

The department announced the summer construction projects this week.

Here are some of the upcoming projects and what to expect:

BIG ROCK GARDEN

A new 1,300-foot trail will be built between Silver Beach Elementary School Trail and the Klipsun Trail. Known as the Big Rock Trail, it will be about 6 feet wide. Construction should start in July and be completed by the end of September. Parking next to Big Rock Garden will be limited during the project.

BOULEVARD PARK

Part of the park’s north end will be closed and fenced off from August through October while a new wooden pavilion is being built.

Restrooms in the area will stay open during the project. Access to the South Bay Trail, which heads into downtown

There will be some traffic delays, as well as construction noise from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some parking spaces will be closed during the project.

CARL LOBE PARK

The Columbia Neighborhood park’s playground will get new swings for tots, a small play structure and a kiddy steam engine. Connections to a stormwater system also are planned.

Renovations are set for May through July, and could affect traffic along Eldridge Avenue as well as Henry, Victor and Madison streets.

The playground at the south end will be renovated from Aug. 16 through mid-October.

Access to nearby parking and the horseshoe throwing area will be limited during the project, which will include installing a tot swing, a small play structure and two stationary bouncers.

The portion of the trail from Maritime Heritage Park to Dupont Street along the creek’s south shore has been closed and will be off limits through June 30. Crews are fixing a retaining wall and realigning the trail.

WHATCOM FALLS PARK

Entrance to the park via Silver Beach Road will be closed for one day in early July while a new playground and restroom are installed.

Parking near the fish hatchery also will be closed off to the public, possibly from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. the first week in July. Those living within the project area will be able to get to their homes.

Additional delays are expected during the project, which started in April and will continue into August.

For more information on the projects, go to www.cob.org and click on “Plan ahead for park closures” on the right.