6
Block Parties
Block parties meeting the following criteria are
not required to pay Special Event review or
personnel fees, and the indemnification and
insurance requirements shall be waived:
1. The block party has an anticipated
attendance of three hundred (300)
people or fewer; and
2. The block party will close only a
sidewalk or alley abutting a park, an
unopened right of way, or residential
street segment no more than one (1)
block in length; and
3. The block party does not require police
service for crowd control.
Block parties meeting these conditions may
utilize the pre‐approved Block Party Traffic
Control Plan (TC‐340), available from the Public
Works Department, in lieu of submitting a
separate Traffic Control Plan.
Block parties complying with these criteria must
still apply for a Special Event permit so the City
has record of the event.
The City of Bellingham offers a free
Neighborhood Block Party Trailer with
chairs/tables, games and supplies for closing
the street. For more information or to make a
reservation, contact the Parks and Recreation
Department at parks@cob.org or 360.778.7000.
Boat Launch & Moorage
Bellingham has a number of public boat ramps
as well as a variety of locations for launching
small craft, such as kayaks, for events with a
marine or water‐based component.
Bloedel Donovan Park
This boat launch at Lake Whatcom is open year
round and launching is free. There is a permit
required to launch all motorized craft and non‐
motorized, hand carried water craft and
inflatables over 10' (except Stand Up Paddle
Boards). Visit Whatcom Boat Inspections for
more information about aquatic invasive
species and required inspections.
Port of Bellingham
The Port of Bellingham maintains two public
boat launches on Bellingham Bay.
Squalicum Harbor is a year round
paved 4‐lane ramp.
Fairhaven is a seasonal ramp available
April through October providing for the
needs of small trailer boats.
Larrabee State Park
The State of Washington maintains a small boat
ramp suitable for launching small craft or
trailered craft (at high tide). Daily, or annual
launch fees apply.
Taylor Dock
Moorage is available at Taylor Dock in Fairhaven
on a first‐come, first‐served basis between the
hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., with a 2‐hour daily
limit. The dock is available for recreational use
only.
Small Craft
Bellingham has a number of locations suitable
for launching a small human‐powered craft such
as a kayak, kiteboard or canoe.
Lake Padden
Marine Park
Locust Beach
Sea Kayaks, John Kienast Jr.
