This is why there are hundreds of circles painted on the grass at this Bellingham park
Up to 200 white circles have been spray-painted on the grass at Bloedel Donovan Park to visually remind park-goers to keep their distance from people outside their household during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bellingham Parks officials are worried about people crowding into the park on hot days to hang out and cool off in nearby Lake Whatcom. They’ve been working to remind park-goers to recreate responsibly by keeping 6 feet from others who aren’t in the same household, wearing a mask when not in the water, and being willing to leave if there are too many people.
“We painted these circles at Bloedel Donovan to help groups of five or less stay distanced. If you get to the park and there are no more circles in the grass, consider the park full and try again another time,” the Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department posted on Facebook.
The circles have been at the park since Thursday morning, July 30, Parks Director Nicole Oliver said to The Bellingham Herald.
“It seems to be working pretty well at Bloedel,” she said.
Reactions to the post varied. Some thanked the Parks Department while others said the circles weren’t going to stop anyone and advocated closing the park or setting up a reservation system.
There also have been concerns about Lake Padden and Boulevard parks — two other highly popular Bellingham parks near water — but Bloedel Donovan has been a particular focus as warm temperatures continue in Whatcom County.
Still, crews might be painting circles at Lake Padden Park as well.
Oliver said on Friday that the idea was under consideration. If it’s done, the circles would be spray-painted around the main swimming area at Lake Padden. People are socially distancing well in other areas of the park, she said.
Also of concern at Bloedel Donovan is the increase this year in people jumping from the Electric Avenue bridge into Lake Whatcom below. People lining up at that spot are near vehicles driving by Bloedel Donovan.
“I’ve seen whole families jumping from the bridge,” Oliver said, adding that the city is evaluating putting up physical barriers to prevent that activity.
Other concerns have centered on people drinking alcohol in the park, which isn’t allowed, and police are helping to enforce the no-drinking rule, according to Oliver.
People staying safe while getting together outdoors also has been a worry at some Washington state parks, although none of those parks are in Whatcom County.
On Friday, the Whatcom County Health Department reminded residents about recreating safely as new confirmed cases of COVID-19 continue to increase.
“Gathering with friends at the beach is a quintessential summer activity. But COVID-19 cases around the state and county are still on the rise and Whatcom County is still in Phase 2 of the Safe Start reopening plan,” the Health Department said in a news release.
Additional steps people should take to protect themselves and others include frequent hand-washing and not sharing food or drinks with others.
“As the governor said in a recent news conference, social gatherings are a real concern. The good news is this: It is within everyone’s control to slow the number of cases. People can limit the size of their gatherings to just five people, wear masks, stay 6 feet apart,” Amy Cloud, spokesperson for Whatcom Unified Command, said to The Bellingham Herald in an email.
“Doing those things really will help keep this virus from spreading,” Cloud said.
The age of those recently ill with COVID-19 in Whatcom County has skewed younger as well, similar to Washington state — away from elderly adults, 80 years and older, who were those primarily affected during the first wave of illness.
“The case rate for young adults, ages 18 to 25, outpaced other age groupings in June. Throughout July, this trend has shifted toward older adults, ages 26-39, with higher case rates,” Cloud said.
So, Whatcom public health officials continue to advise people to take precautions.
“If you are heading to the beach and it’s too crowded, try and find a different spot or go at a different time. Being outdoors is safer than gathering inside, but crowded areas can provide more opportunities for the virus to spread, so it’s best to avoid them if possible,” the Health Department said.
“It’s also a good idea to keep your visits brief, and recreation-focused. Walking along the beach or in the park, or swimming or wading will keep you moving, making it less easy to transmit the virus,” health officials said Friday in the news release.
