No ‘Piers Brosnan’ or ‘From Pier to Eternity,’ Bellingham’s old pier gets a practical new name
A former commercial pier at Little Squalicum Park that’s being fitted for biking and walking has a new name, after a City Council decision Monday.
In a committee discussion Monday afternoon, City Council members chuckled at several “very creative” names suggested for the pier through the Engage Bellingham website — including “Piers Brosnan,” “Pierless,” “I Can See Canada From Pier” and “From Pier to Eternity.”
On a unanimous vote Monday night, council members chose Little Squalicum Pier, which was the “practical” recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Councilwoman Hollie Huthman said.
“I always love these naming activities. Our community is very creative,” Huthman said.
Now part of Little Squalicum Park, the pier was built in 1912 by the Olympic Portland Cement Co. to carry railroad cars that delivered processed cement products to waiting barges. Operations ended in the late 1980s and the pier fell into disrepair, according to the city of Bellingham website and previous Bellingham Herald reporting.
Plans are to develop the 14-foot-wide pier into a 1,200-foot walking and bike path using $4.5 million in Greenways levy funds, park impact fees and grants.
A contractor’s bid to add wood planking and electric lighting that uses solar and wind power was also approved Monday. City officials said the pier should be ready by the spring of next year.
“We’re ready to give it a name and have it be a special place for everybody to enjoy,” parks project engineer Gina Austin told the council.
