BPR

We acknowledge that we gather on territory that has been the traditional and ancestral homeland to the Lhaq'temish (the Lummi people), Noxws'áʔaq (the Nooksack people), and other Coast Salish tribes of this region Since Time Immemorial. We honor our shared responsibility to this land and these waters, we commit to learning from Indigenous wisdom, and we strive to repair and deepen our relationships as neighbors and friends. WINTER FUN Pacific Northwesterners often lament the "Big Dark" that arrives every November with the end of Daylight Saving Time. We mourn the loss of long days and low tides, pull out our waterproof gear, hope the kids' rubber boots still fit, and wonder—again—whether this is the year we finally invest in a vitamin D lamp. It always takes a little time to adjust. There are, of course, many ways to cope. For the adventurous among us, mountain bikes and swimsuits may go into hibernation, but it's time to wake up the snowshoes, skis, and snowboards and wait for fresh powder to grace the mountains for Baker's opening weekend. For the more artistic at heart, winter offers some of the most stunning sunsets of the year. Clean, crisp air blown in from the Arctic creates vibrant colors — if you can get outside before 5:00 pm, that is. Plus, there is hygge. Hygge is a Danish word that describes a feeling of warmth, contentment, and happiness, typically created through small or large gatherings with loved ones and community. While hygge can happen any time of year, late fall and winter are its peak season. It's a time for sweaters, warm drinks, soft light (a fire, if you can manage one), and the mellow company of family, friends, and neighbors. Within the pages of this guide, you'll find plenty of ways to cultivate hygge. Sports leagues, volunteer work parties, and day trips can introduce you to new friends and new places. Cozy family ornament-making classes help create yuletide memories, and long soaks in the hydrotherapy pool at Arne Hanna offer peaceful moments to unwind. These are just a few of the ways you can not only cope—but truly embrace—the winter season with Bellingham Parks & Recreation. As for our work, we never really slow down. We continue planning for future recreational facilities and strategizing how to best provide the high level of service our community deserves in our most cherished public park spaces. Our staff is full of gratitude for the community support we receive all year long, and especially now, as we reflect on all we have accomplished in 2025. From all of us at Bellingham Parks & Recreation, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season and new year. Warmly, Melissa Bianconi Recreation Manager Photo by Kate Bemis Photo by Kate Bemis Director's Letter cob.org/parks • (360) 778-7000 1 Cover photo by Jon Brunk

• Cover