‘Another piece of the puzzle’ set for connection between Lake Padden, Whatcom Falls Park
Bellingham is buying a small piece of land in the Whatcom Falls neighborhood for a trail, part of the city’s long-range plans to link Lake Padden with Whatcom Falls Park, two beloved open space areas.
City Council members voted unanimously Monday night, Feb. 27, to buy a nearly 4-acre site at Democrat Street and Yew Street Road, near the North Samish Crest open space.
“It is a small parcel next to several small parcels that we’ve been collecting over the years to create a trail-access corridor up to the Samish Crest area,” said Council President Michael Lilliquist.
Purchase price is $375,000 and the deal should close around mid-March, said Peter Gill, parks planning and development coordinator.
“It’s more of a recreation access point,” Gill told The Bellingham Herald.
“That whole area down to Lake Padden is beautiful,” and Monday’s purchase agreement is part of the Parks and Recreation Department’s long-range plans for a trail system that will connect Lake Padden with Whatcom Falls Park, Gill said.
“This is another piece of the puzzle,” he said.
Gill said “social trails” already meander through the area and there aren’t immediate plans for trail improvements.
This story was originally published March 1, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
