Whatcom coronavirus updates: Bellingham park facilities close, jail restricts lobby access
Bellingham park facilities close
The Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department announced that it is closing all playgrounds, sports courts, fenced dog areas, bike parks, the disc golf course and skate park beginning Tuesday, March 24, to encourage safe social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic.
Lake Padden Golf Course also will close Tuesday in alignment with Gov. Jay Inslee’s stay-at-home order, according to a release announcing the closures.
The department said it is still committed to keeping Bellingham’s parks and trails open and safe for public use, and crews continue to work from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. seven days a week to clean and disinfect park restrooms and frequently touched areas, the release stated.
All programs, events and reservations at Bellingham park facilities have been canceled through the end of April, according to the release. — David Rasbach
Jail visitation temporarily stopped
Due to Gov. Jay Inslee’s Stay at Home order on Monday, March 23, the Whatcom County Jail and Work Center will be temporarily stopping all on-site visiting starting Wednesday, March 25, according to a release Tuesday. Online visitation offered at the Work Center will continue.
Both Whatcom County corrections facilities have restricted access to their public lobby and reception windows, according to a Monday release from the sheriff’s office.
The downtown jail and work center closed their public windows to all services except those deemed essential and will be open weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. so that bail can be posted or funds left for inmates, the release stated.
Bail money may be deposited at the jail only by using the on-site kiosk or online services on the sheriff’s office’s correction’s page. More information can also be obtained by calling 360-778-6500.
This story was originally published March 24, 2020 at 12:24 PM.
