Bellingham acts to aid Sportsplex that’s still struggling with COVID limits, border closure
Bellingham City Council members dipped into the general fund this week to make bond payments on the Sportsplex, its indoor ice-skating and soccer arena.
Whatcom Sports and Recreation, which leases the Sportsplex, is struggling with lost revenue and having trouble paying its rent during the COVID-19 pandemic — especially with the continuing U.S.-Canada border closure.
Those lease payments support a $4.3 million bond that Bellingham issued when it bought the Sportsplex in 2004, and the facility remains a key part of the Civic Athletic Complex.
In a unanimous vote Monday night, Oct. 27, the council authorized using $278,580 in general fund money to make Sportsplex debt payments.
“This has been a great investment,” Councilman Gene Knutson said during the online meeting. “This place has been packed with soccer, with hockey, with any kind of sport there was and then COVID hit. I think in the next couple of years, probably next year it will be just fine. I’m supportive and I’m glad the council is too because it’s money well spent.”
In a memo to the council, Deputy Finance Director Forrest Longman said the city waived three months of rent early in the new coronavirus pandemic.
“The city remains supportive of Whatcom Sports & Recreation and is actively working with them to ensure the long-term success of the Sportsplex,” Longman said.
