Bellingham Parks & Recreation Leisure Guide
Issue link: https://bpr.uberflip.com/i/1488761
www.cob.org/parks • (360) 778–7000 1 www.cob.org/parks • (360) 778–7000 1 WELCOME WINTER! Director's Letter "Varied Thrush" Photo by Dereck Urbanowski "Whatcom Falls Winter" Photo by Erin O'Rourke 'The Darkling Thrush' by Thomas Hardy I leant upon a coppice gate When Frost was spectre-grey, And Winter's dregs made desolate The weakening eye of day. The tangled bine-stems scored the sky Like strings of broken lyres, And all mankind that haunted nigh Had sought their household fires. Welcome, Winter of 2023, with your delicate and dry November that kept the leaves far longer than normal, your quick change to freezing temperatures, which brought nasty colds to many, and the visiting thrush that loves to make a racket pecking at our old house. This winter came in fast and furious without much time to acclimate. Along with the holidays and great opportunities for family fun, December also launched the return of winter sports galore. This year don't just think about going Nordic skiing, snowboarding, winter snow geese watching; GO DO IT! For many reasons, I often spend too much time thinking about the fun things I could be doing, including scoping out the opportunities, regularly checking conditions, even preparing equipment, and then I get distracted or allow other things to have priority. This year I am committing now to getting out on some cross-country trails — I will not fail myself! I hope that you find the thing this winter that fills your heart and stirs your interest — whether it is creative, artistic, athletic, poetic, domestic or whatever it may be! These early sunsets will soon extend into longer days, leaving even more time to get outside and play. I'm looking forward to night walks in the snow, or even enough snow to ski on some of our local trails through town. Winter will also bring many new job opportunities at the City of Bellingham! Please consider coming to work with us and keep an eye out for upcoming recruitment events and regular postings for new positions at cob.org/jobs. This Winter Playbook has many unique options for fun – sign up yourself and your loved ones and get out there! And don't forget to dress warm and always be prepared for worsening weather! Enjoy! Nicole C. Oliver Parks & Recreation Director