BPR

8 Trail Use City trails are available for a variety of Special Events, including competitive and non‐ competitive walks, runs and bike rides. Trails remain open to the community during these events. Events should be designed to minimize impact on other user groups. Out and back courses are, with rare exceptions, prohibited due to the resulting congestion on the trails. Exceptions might include: A very small event providing minimal impact on other users e.g.: volkswalk. An extremely short event impacting use for a very short time e.g. 1 mile race lasting < 10 min. Out and back events where participants will not impact facilities at the same time e.g. a "lollypop" course. Competitive events where participants start in heats to minimize the number of participants on a course at any one time. Exclusive use of a trail must be requested in writing to the Director of Bellingham Parks & Recreation. Events that cross property within multiple jurisdictions may be conditioned on written permission from other land owners/managers. Fishing Tournaments A fishing tournament is defined as any event where six or more licensed anglers (age 15 and older) or ten or more juvenile (under 15) fish competitively for game fish and determine winners, regardless of the prize value. These events must be permitted through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Information regarding permitting and contest calendars may be found here. Events may also be required to reserve the facility where the event is hosted or which hosts event parking e.g. Bloedel‐Donovan Park, Whatcom Falls Park, etc. Emergency Response & Safety Plan It is highly recommended that you consider how to respond and communicate with volunteers, emergency responders and the event planning team in the case of an emergency. All events should have a detailed emergency response and safety plan. Some considerations to be described in the plan include: Location of an Emergency Command Center/staging area and access for emergency vehicles. Primary and Secondary Event Officials ‐ Identify those who have authority to cancel or modify event activities, along with their day‐of‐event contact information. Available on‐site medical equipment and names/contact information of trained staff/volunteers. Protocol for missing persons and lost children. For events on or near the water, a water safety plan. Identification of risk‐factor thresholds that would alter or cancel the event e.g. weather, air/water quality, police activity, etc. Depending on whether the event has limited access, a large number of attendees, or a high risk/likelihood of injuries, the Bellingham Fire Department may determine that medics and/or a staffed aid transport unit is required at the expense of the event sponsor. An example of an Emergency Action Plan is provided as an attachment to this Guide.

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