Bellingham to limit overnight access to three parks after repeated vandalism
Three of Bellingham’s most popular parks will be gated and locked at night, following repeated incidents of graffiti, vandalism and other criminal activity.
It’s a move that has been considered for several years, Parks and Recreation Department officials have told The Herald in interviews.
Gates will be locked from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily starting Thursday at Boulevard Park, Cornwall Park and Squalicum Creek Park.
Park hours are sunrise to sunset citywide.
“The overnight gate closures are a necessary step to address increasing vandalism, property damage, graffiti, and other illegal activities such as overnight camping, fires, alcohol/drug use, and turf damage occurring in parks at night,” the city said in a statement at its website. “We are testing these hours over the summer, and closure times will be adjusted during the fall and winter months based on daylight hours and what we learn during this pilot phase. Parks staff will make rounds near closing time to alert visitors and avoid trapping cars behind locked gates.”
This story was originally published April 26, 2025 at 10:43 AM.
