BPR

It's a spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want to — oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! — Mark Twain I hope this Playbook illuminates some options to soothe your aching heart. We are living in difficult and troubled times, to say the least. It is during these times when we need, more than ever, to focus on community. Take a moment this season to reach out to someone, a friend, a relative, your neighbor. Go for a walk in a park or trail; I guarantee it will soothe your soul. Reaching out to each other is essential to help us all feel grounded and supported. Speaking of support, the King Mountain Neighborhood Association (KMNA) is energized and engaged in raising awareness about open space and trails in their rapidly growing neighborhood. At the end of February, Parks staff and the KMNA held an open house at the property called Van Wyck Park, located in the north end of the City. This 20-acre parcel was acquired for future park development but needs some interim uses to get more eyes on the property and use of the space and facilities located there. Plans include a new community garden, a disc golf course, improved parking and making the log house on the property available for special event rentals. More information will be coming soon or contact the KMNA at: kmna.org/about to get involved. In other news, the master planning of the Chuckanut Community Forest is moving along. A virtual open house was held in March and video highlighting the important plan elements including drone footage of this very special forest at the south end of the City was presented. See the project website for more information. engagebellingham.org/chuckanut-community-forest-master-plan. Lastly, the Parks Department is actively recruiting and hiring new staff for both seasonal and full-time positions. We will have Park Ambassadors back again this summer working in our busiest parks, including Lake Padden, Bloedel Donovan, Whatcom Falls and downtown at Maritime Heritage and Waypoint parks. We will be hiring lifeguards again to work at the swim beach and Rotary docks at Bloedel Donovan, and we have several great jobs that will be posted in the coming months, so check the City's website at: cob.org/jobs for updates. Enjoy the flowers and sunshine! Nicole C. Oliver Parks & Recreation Director WELCOME TO OUR SPRING/SUMMER PLAYBOOK! Director's Letter Photo by GIna G. Austin Photo by Jeff Barclay cob.org/parks • (360) 778-7000 1 Cover Photo by: Gina G. Austin

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