Posted: April 29, 2008 10:59:07 PST
Are you planning a special event at a city park this spring or summer? Please be aware that Bellingham's most frequently visited parks and trails may have construction-related restrictions while they receive much-needed improvements this spring and summer.
"Bellingham's parks host important family events, like birthday parties and family reunions," said Parks project engineer Gina Gobo. "Before people's plans are final, we want them to know which parks have construction activities underway that may affect their events so they can plan ahead."
Gobo said closures and restrictions are expected at the following parks this spring and summer while construction is underway:
Big Rock Trail
A new trail link between Silver Beach Elementary School Trail and Klipsun Trail (Springland Subdivision Area) is anticipated to begin construction early July 2008 and be complete by the end of September 2008. The trail length is approximately 1,300 feet and will be 6 feet wide. Parking adjacent to Big Rock Garden will be significantly limited during this period. For more information contact Jonathan Schilk, Landscape Architect, at (360) 778-7000 or by email at jschilk@cob.org .
Boulevard Park
A portion of the north end of Boulevard Park will be fenced off and closed to the public from August 2008 through October 2008 while construction is underway on a new wood "porch" structure. Some parking areas will also closed to the public. The restrooms are expected to remain open during construction. Some traffic delays while entering the Park are expected while excavated soil is removed from the site and construction materials are delivered to the site. Construction noise is also expected during the hours of 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. while construction is underway. For more information, contact Gina T. Gobo, Project Engineer, at (360) 778-7000 or by email at ggobo@cob.org.
Carl Lobe Park
The playground will be renovated during the months of May, June and July 2008. We expect traffic along Eldridge Avenue to be briefly impacted while making connections to the stormwater system. Henry, Victor and Madison Streets will also experience some brief impacts to traffic during construction. Playground improvements consist of the installation of a tot swing, a small play structure, and a play steam engine. The playground will provide fun, safe, challenging and universally accessible play opportunities for the Columbia Neighborhood. For more information contact Jonathan Schilk, Landscape Architect, at (360) 778-7000 or by email at jschilk@cob.org .
Civic Stadium
The north and south grandstands at Civic Stadium will be closed to the public from July 9, 2008 to August 29, 2008 while concrete repair and seating replacement work is underway. Some parking stalls in the Civic Field Parking lot will also be closed to the public. The track and field will be open to the public during this time. For more information about this project contact Gina T. Gobo, Project Engineer, at (360) 778-7000 or by email at ggobo@cob.org .
Cornwall Park South Playground
The playground at the south end of Cornwall Park will be renovated beginning August 16, 2008 until mid-October 2008. Access to nearby parking and the horseshoe throwing area will be significantly limited during this time period. Improvements consist of demolition, site grading, paving and the installation of a tot swing, a small play structure, and two stationary bouncers. The playground will provide fun, safe, challenging and universally accessible play opportunities for the users of Cornwall Park. For more information contact Jonathan Schilk, Landscape Architect, at (360) 778-7000 or by email at jschilk@cob.org .
Joe Martin Stadium
The Joe Martin stadium field and restrooms will remain open for scheduled events while work is underway to replace the fence at the entrance to the Stadium. Some areas of the entrance plaza and lawn area will be used for storage of construction material and equipment and will be restricted from public use. For more information about this project contact Gina T. Gobo, Project Engineer, at (360) 778-7000 or by email at ggobo@cob.org .
Whatcom Creek Trail
The segment of Whatcom Creek Trail from Maritime Heritage Park to Dupont Street along the south shore of the Creek will be closed to the public from April 21 through June 30, 2008, while construction is underway on retaining wall repairs and trail realignment. For more information about this project contact Gina T. Gobo, Project Engineer, at (360) 778-7000 or by email at ggobo@cob.org .
Whatcom Falls Park
The entrance to Whatcom Falls Park via Silver Beach Road will be closed to the public on one day only in early July while construction is underway on a new playground and restroom building. The public parking area near the fish hatchery will also be closed to the public. The closure is tentatively scheduled for the first week in July 2008 and is expected to last from 7 am to 6 pm on one day only. Local access for residents living within the project area will be provided. Flaggers will be on site to direct local traffic. Additional delays are expected throughout June, July and August while construction progresses. For more information about this project contact Gina T. Gobo, Project Engineer, at (360) 778-7000 or by email at ggobo@cob.org .
For more information on all of these Park projects, please visit the City's website: http://www.cob.org/government/departments/parks/projects/ .
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Media Contact:
Gina T. Gobo, PE and Jonathan Schilk, RLA
Bellingham Parks & Recreation Department
(360) 778-7000
ggobo@cob.org and jschilk@cob.org
