Bellingham is updating its Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan for the first time since 2020 and is seeking public input through a survey and multiple meetings.
The PROS Plan is a state-required implementation plan informed by the goals of the city comprehensive plan, which is also being updated this year. The PROS Plan is supposed to assess the existing parks and recreation system and provide a framework for future growth.
While the plan saw minor amendments in 2023, the last full update happened prior to some big changes in the community, explained park planning and development coordinator Peter Gill during a Bellingham City Council meeting on Monday, Feb. 10.
Since 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a huge increase in trail and park use; voters approved the new greenway levy; plans were drafted for urban forests, the waterfront, and the bike and pedestrian network; operations and development costs have risen significantly; and the city has grown and urbanized.
The PROS Plan needs to be updated not only to reflect a changing Bellingham, but also to ensure eligibility for grants from the state Recreation and Conservation Office. Currently the city has around $2 million in rec grants in the pipeline for projects like the Boulevard Park shoreline, the Bakerview Neighborhood Park and the Sunset Pond trail.
The city will be asking for public input in various forms through the year before adopting the plan in 2026. Learn more about the process on the project website.
“I think this time around we’ll hear a lot about indoor recreation,” predicted parks director Nicole Oliver during the council meeting. A 2022 recreation needs assessment found that 83.1% of the 1,236 respondents thought Bellingham should have an indoor community recreation center, and the city is currently reviewing the Civic Athletic Complex master plan.
This month the city is hosting two open house meetings where people can learn more. The first is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 13 at Cordata Park Pavilion, and the second is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 18 at Fairhaven Park Pavilion. Community members can also take an online survey now through March 2 to share what they want to see in the next six years.
Julia Tellman writes about civic issues and anything else that happens to cross her desk; contact her at juliatellman@cascadiadaily.com.
