Bloedel Shoreline Improvements
Portions of Bloedel Donovan Park will be closed to
the public over the coming months for construction
of storm water and shoreline improvements along
the lake side of the park. The project will reduce
pollutants entering the lake by intercepting storm
water runoff in a sand and drain filter. Failing
sections of the concrete bulkhead will be removed
and replaced with a sand and gravel shoreline. The
Parks Department received a variance to do the work
outside of the Lake Whatcom construction season so
work could occur when the lake level is low.
Lake Whatcom is the primary drinking water source
for the City of Bellingham. Due to low levels of
dissolved oxygen and high levels of fecal coliform
bacteria, the lake is listed as an impaired water body
on the Clean Water Act's 303(d) list. This project will reduce up to 91% of nutrient and bacteria loading
generated from the lawn area of the park.
Project funding includes grants from the Washington State Department of Ecology and the Washington
Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account.
Also under construction at the park is a new boathouse for non-motorized boating. The facility will enhance
the recreational programs of the Whatcom Rowing Association, who raised all the funding for the project.
Popular Shortcut Restored
After a long wait, a new bridge over Whatcom Creek
connecting Ellis to Railroad, will be open soon!
The popular shortcut route was closed after a 2012
Thanksgiving weekend fire destroyed the bridge. City
Council approved funding in the 2014 budget for a
new bridge which will span the creek for improved
habitat. Construction started in June with demolition
of the damaged bridge, including removal of 50
creosote treated piling. The new 110' long, 8' wide
bridge is being fabricated and shipped and should be
in place by the end of September. The project is
funded with a combination of Transportation Benefit
District and Greenway levy dollars.
Water and waterfront access from Bloedel Donovan Park will be restricted to a
portion of the boat launch for the duration of the project —Sept. through Dec.
9
bellingham parks & recreation • 3424 meridian st • bellingham, wa 98225 • cob/org/recreation
• 360.778.7000 • bellingham parks & recreation • 3424 meridian st • bellingham, wa 98225
• cob/org/recreation • 360.778.7000 • bellingham parks & recreation • 3424 meridian st
Shortcut bridge prior to the destructive 2012 Thanksgiving fire. The
new bridge will be a single span weathered steel bridge similar to
others in the City.
