## Meeting Overview On a quiet Monday afternoon in early May, the Bellingham City Council Parks and Recreation Committee convened for what would prove to be a substantive review of the city's ambitious park system investments. Committee Chair Skip Williams welcomed council members Hannah Stone and Jace Cotton to the chamber at 3:10 PM, with the gentle confusion that often accompanies busy public servants juggling multiple committee assignments. "I'm just looking at all the faces. When did this committee get so large?" Williams quipped, before settling into the day's single but significant agenda item. The meeting centered on a comprehensive annual report detailing how Bellingham spent nearly $10 million in greenway levy funds and $2.4 million in park impact fees during 2024 — the first full year of the city's new ten-year greenway levy. Parks and Recreation Director Nicole Oliver and Design and Development Manager Lane Potter would present a detailed accounting of acquisitions, developments, and community programs that represent one of the most ambitious park expansion efforts in the city's history. This wasn't merely a financial report; it was a story of how Bellingham is systematically building toward a more connected, equitable, and climate-resilient park system. ## The Greenway Legacy: First Year of Levy Five Lane Potter began with the framework that will guide a decade of park investments. The new Greenways Levy Five, approved by voters, generates approximately $9.3 million annually with specific allocation targets: 35% for land acquisition, 20% for development, 20% for maintenance and operations, 15% for the new climate resiliency category, and 10% as flexible funding. "We completed the first full year of our new ten year greenways levy," Potter explained, noting that an additional $12.4 million in reserves from the previous levy provided extra purchasing power. The presentation revealed the sophisticated volunteer infrastructure supporting these investments. The nine-member Greenways Advisory Committee doesn't simply rubber-stamp staff recommendations — they conduct field trips, break into specialized subcommittees, and develop detailed guidance on everything from trail wayfinding to community garden models. In 2024, they organized into four working groups: trail connections and wayfinding, climate resiliency, equity, and community gardens. Their recommendations shaped actual spending decisions. The trail connections group advocated for "improving wayfinding at trail heads and trail junctions, increasing route finding and map accessibility," while pushing for "trail improvements along critical corridors to improve safety, trail amenities and canopy cover." The climate resiliency subcommittee identified "trails, trees and infrastructure" as their top priorities, emphasizing "arterial multimodal trail connections to get people using alternative transportation modes." Most notably, the equity subcommittee insisted on "prioritizing trail access and development in underserved areas, prioritizing trails that lead to and from schools, and making sure that we're providing park amenities and resources for vulnerable communities." This wasn't abstract policy language — it represented a fundamental shift toward ensuring park investments serve all of Bellingham's neighborhoods. ## 127 Acres of New Parkland The year's most dramatic accomplishment was acquiring 127 acres of new parkland across four properties. Two purchases on the north side totaled $3.59 million, while two generous donations on the south side added significant open space at no cost to taxpayers. The Telegraph Road acquisition, just over three acres for $1.4 million, exemplifies the strategic thinking behind these purchases. "This property is going to provide a really amazing connection for the Iron Gate and King Mountain neighborhoods to be able to have a trail corridor through down to the bay to Baker Squalicum Creek Trail corridor, as well as the new Sunset Pond Loop Trail," Potter explained. This small parcel creates crucial linkages in what will eventually become a comprehensive trail network. More dramatically, the city acquired 116 acres of former Department of Natural Resources properties in the Squalicum Creek corridor for $2.19 million. These properties serve multiple functions: continuing conservation of the creek corridor, providing a future neighborhood park as development grows on the northeast side, and offering trail connections outlined in the city's comprehensive plan. The Robinson family's generosity added 7.5 acres through two donations — property off 32nd Street adjacent to the Conway Creek Nature Area, and land adjacent to Arroyo Park that fills an "inholding between the city and county land." As Potter noted, "There is some potential for exploring some park amenities or, you know, low impact development on the 32nd Street parcel," suggesting future community benefits from this gift. ## Development Projects Come to Life While acquisition grabs headlines, the $1.4 million in development spending brought tangible improvements residents could immediately enjoy. The pier at Little Squalicum received new railings, decking, and solar lighting, opening water access on the north side of town that had long been anticipated by neighbors. The Hundred Acre Wood Phase One improvements demonstrated the city's sophisticated approach to ecological restoration. Rather than simply building trails, the project focuses on "getting some trails decommissioned and narrowed, getting bridges and boardwalks installed so that we're restoring hydrologic connectivity in the Hundred Acre woods and directing folks to where it's appropriate to have trails." This represents a mature understanding that park development sometimes means undoing previous alterations to restore natural systems. The King Mountain Community Garden at Van Wyk Park marked a milestone in the city's community garden program, complemented by hiring a new stewardship coordinator to manage these increasingly popular spaces more effectively. ## Climate Resiliency as Core Mission The new climate resiliency spending category, allocating 15% of levy funds, reflects Bellingham's recognition that parks must actively contribute to climate adaptation. The $1.2 million invested in 2024 funded energy efficiency upgrades at the Bloedel Donovan Community Building, design work for major multimodal trails, and Boulevard Park shoreline enhancement to prepare for sea level rise. The stewardship program statistics revealed the community engagement that makes these investments sustainable: 119 volunteer events engaging 3,239 volunteers for 13,524 hours of service. These volunteers planted 3,010 native trees and shrubs while park ambassadors contributed 5,400 hours of "public outreach and assistance, education, event support, litter pickup, graffiti removal, and park monitoring." Potter emphasized that climate resiliency extends beyond individual projects to supporting "trails that really encourage and support mode shift, those arterial multimodal trail connections to get people using alternative transportation modes." Parks aren't just places of recreation — they're infrastructure for reducing carbon emissions. ## The Park Impact Fee Balancing Act Park impact fees present a different challenge: ensuring new development pays for the park infrastructure it demands while spending funds in the neighborhoods that generate them. The city collected $1.4 million in 2024, slightly below the budgeted $1.8 million, but spent $2.4 million on projects ranging from the new Portland loo at Waypoint Park to completing Cordata Community Park's second phase. The neighborhood balance sheet told compelling stories. Barkley, Cordata, Meridian, Sunnyland, and Sehome neighborhoods generated the most impact fees, reflecting intense residential development. But the ten-year spending deadline creates pressure to invest strategically — fees must be spent or encumbered within a decade of collection. Major 2024 projects included infrastructure and affordable housing analysis at Baker View Neighborhood Park, where the city must determine how to "build a neighborhood park, as well as some affordable housing" on a 30-acre parcel. Playground replacements at Bloedel Donovan and Rock Hill Parks addressed basic safety and accessibility needs, while energy efficiency upgrades at Van Wyk Park and the Sportsplex demonstrated how impact fees can reduce long-term operating costs. ## Questions and Concerns from Council Members Council Member Stone's questions revealed the sophisticated property acquisition strategy many residents never see. "I was just curious if there were similar efforts made in this acquisition program... to try and identify potential properties," she asked, referencing proactive watershed land purchases. Potter confirmed an active approach: "We have a map of properties of interest that the greenways... mapped all of the past properties we've looked at over the decades of the greenways program and which ones we've tried to acquire and then target the highest priority based on those missing links." The city doesn't wait for sellers to call — they identify crucial connections and pursue them strategically. Council Member Anderson, though not officially on the committee, raised concerns about the Seaholm neighborhood's $2 million impact fee balance. "I know it's very difficult for acquisition, but I believe Seaholm had identified off of Bill McDonald there's a large parcel part that is city right of way that they thought could be a pocket park," she noted, advocating for smaller, walkable improvements rather than distant regional facilities. Potter acknowledged the challenge: "We've been talking a lot more about sort of this idea of infill or pocket parks and looking at those areas where we're seeing a lot of multi-family buildings go up and trying to target smaller public spaces." Anderson pressed further, suggesting partnerships with Bellingham Housing Authority to add children's play equipment where "there will be a daycare there and it's within Seaholm." This exchange highlighted a fundamental tension in park planning: balancing efficient regional facilities against neighborhood-scale amenities that residents can actually walk to. ## The Financial Foundation The numbers reveal the greenway levy's massive scale within city operations. At $20.4 million, greenway funding represents 46% of the entire Parks and Recreation Department budget — $4.3 million for staff and $16.2 million for projects. As Potter noted, "We're close to half of the operations division is straight up funded out of the Greenways Fund." This isn't simply about building new parks; it's about fundamentally transforming how Bellingham approaches open space. The 2025 budget includes Hundred Acre Wood Phase One improvements, Roosevelt Park LED upgrades, Boulevard Park shoreline enhancement, and the eagerly anticipated Sunset Pond loop trail that will create 2.2 miles of connected trails linking Iron Gate to Racine and Sunset neighborhoods. Council Member Cotton captured the broader significance: "What an amazing body of work that represents so much beauty and recreation and fun in our community... just really appreciative of this report and the good work." ## Looking Ahead: Transparency and Access Council Member Stone's final question addressed democratic accountability: where can residents access this detailed information? Potter assured her that all annual reports are posted on the city's greenway program webpage, ensuring public transparency for these significant investments. The meeting concluded with no formal action required — this was information and discussion only. But the substance revealed a park system in rapid expansion, guided by sophisticated community input, equity considerations, and climate adaptation needs. As Chair Williams adjourned at 3:42 PM, noting he would "push the ball down the road," he was referring to the procedural next steps, not the momentum of a park system transformation that continues gaining speed. ## The Broader Vision This annual report represented more than fiscal accountability — it documented Bellingham's evolution into a city where parks serve as community infrastructure for health, climate adaptation, transportation, and social equity. The Greenways Advisory Committee's subcommittee structure ensures community values shape spending decisions, while the staff's strategic property mapping and partnership discussions demonstrate professional capacity to implement those values. The $9.3 million in annual levy funding, combined with impact fees and strategic reserves, provides resources that many cities can only dream of. But Bellingham's approach suggests money alone doesn't create great parks — it requires community engagement, ecological sophistication, equity consciousness, and the patience to build connections across decades rather than quick wins. As residential development continues throughout Bellingham, the park system faces pressure to serve new populations while addressing historical gaps in underserved neighborhoods. The Seaholm discussion highlighted these challenges, but also the city's willingness to consider innovative solutions like pocket parks and housing authority partnerships. The stewardship program's volunteer statistics — over 3,000 people contributing more than 13,000 hours — suggest that Bellingham residents aren't passive consumers of park amenities but active partners in creating the city they want to inhabit. From removing invasive species to serving as park ambassadors, residents are invested in the vision these levy funds support. The climate resiliency category represents perhaps the most forward-thinking element, recognizing that parks must actively contribute to carbon reduction and adaptation rather than simply providing recreation. Boulevard Park's shoreline enhancement prepares for sea level rise while multimodal trail investments offer alternatives to car-dependent transportation. This was a meeting about money, but ultimately about values — how a community chooses to invest in its shared future through the landscapes that connect neighborhoods, protect natural systems, and provide space for the social interactions that make cities livable. The detailed financial reporting and strategic discussions suggested a park system worthy of the community investment it represents.

### Meeting Overview The City of Bellingham Parks and Recreation Committee met on May 5, 2025, to receive the annual report on the 2024 Greenways Program and Park Impact Fee Fund. The presentation highlighted accomplishments, revenue, expenditures, and future projects funded through these critical park funding mechanisms. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Greenways Levy:** A voter-approved property tax that funds park acquisition, development, maintenance, and climate resiliency projects in Bellingham. The current "Levy 5" is a 10-year levy that began in 2024. **Park Impact Fees (PIF):** Fees collected from new residential development to fund park improvements and acquisitions in the neighborhoods where development occurs. Must be spent within 10 years of collection. **Greenways Advisory Committee (GAC):** A nine-member volunteer committee that provides citizen recommendations on spending Greenways funds and advocates for strategic plan priorities. **Climate Resiliency Spending:** A new category in Levy 5 focused on reducing emissions and increasing climate resilience of city park properties and facilities. **Stewardship Program:** City program that coordinates volunteers, park ambassadors, and community gardens throughout the park system. **PROS Plan:** Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan that guides long-term planning for Bellingham's park system. **Levy 4 Carryover:** Approximately $12.4 million in unspent funds from the previous Greenways levy that carried forward to be spent under previous guidelines. **Neighborhood Balances:** Tracking system for park impact fees that ensures money collected from development in specific neighborhoods gets spent on park improvements in those same areas. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Edwin H. "Skip" Williams | Parks & Recreation Committee Chair, Fourth Ward Council Member | | Hannah Stone | Committee Member, First Ward Council Member | | Jace Cotton | Committee Member, At-Large Council Member | | Lisa Anderson | Second Ward Council Member (non-committee guest) | | Nicole Oliver | Parks & Recreation Director | | Lane Potter | Parks Design & Development Manager | | Ray Delacour | Liaison between Greenways Advisory Committee and Parks & Recreation Advisory Board | ### Background Context Bellingham's park system is primarily funded through two mechanisms: the Greenways Levy and Park Impact Fees. The Greenways Levy is a voter-approved property tax that has been renewed multiple times since the 1990s, with the current "Levy 5" representing a 10-year commitment that began in 2024. This levy funds everything from land acquisition to trail maintenance to climate resiliency projects. Park Impact Fees are collected from new residential development and must be spent in the neighborhoods where the development occurs, ensuring that growing areas receive proportional park improvements. These fees have specific legal requirements, including a 10-year spending timeline and restrictions on what they can fund. The city has an active citizen advisory structure, with the Greenways Advisory Committee providing recommendations on spending priorities and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board providing broader policy guidance. This citizen involvement helps ensure that park investments reflect community needs and priorities. ### What Happened — The Short Version Lane Potter presented a comprehensive report on 2024 accomplishments for both funding streams. The Greenways Levy brought in $9.3 million in 2024, with an additional $12.4 million carried over from the previous levy. Major accomplishments included acquiring 127 acres across four properties (including generous donations from the Robinson family), completing the pier at Little Squalicum Park, advancing design on multiple trail projects, and launching a new community garden at King Mountain. Park Impact Fees brought in $1.4 million in 2024, slightly below the $1.8 million projection. Major expenditures included completing Cordata Community Park phase two, advancing planning at Baker View Neighborhood Park, and installing a new Portland loo restroom at Waypoint Park. Council members asked questions about property acquisition strategies, staffing allocations, and ensuring equitable distribution of park improvements across neighborhoods, particularly highlighting the Seaholm neighborhood's large accumulated balance. ### What to Watch Next - Construction of the Sunset Pond Loop Trail beginning in June 2025 - Updates to the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan (PROS Plan) - Potential pocket park development in underserved neighborhoods like Seaholm - Hundred Acre Wood Phase 1 improvements moving into construction - Continued focus on climate resiliency projects and energy efficiency upgrades ---

**Q:** How much money did the Greenways Levy bring in during 2024? **A:** $9.28 million in tax revenue, plus $12.4 million carried over from the previous levy. **Q:** What are the five spending categories for Greenways Levy 5? **A:** Acquisition (35%), Development (20%), Maintenance & Operations (20%), Climate Resiliency (15%), and Flex (10%). **Q:** How many acres of new parkland did the city acquire in 2024? **A:** 127 acres across four properties, including purchases and donations. **Q:** Who are the Robinson family and what did they contribute? **A:** A local family who generously donated two properties totaling about 7.5 acres adjacent to Conway Creek Nature Area and Arroyo Park. **Q:** What is Lane Potter's role in city government? **A:** Parks Design & Development Manager who oversees capital projects funded by Greenways and Park Impact Fees. **Q:** How much did Park Impact Fees bring in during 2024? **A:** $1.4 million, which was below the budgeted expectation of $1.8 million. **Q:** What major park project was completed at Cordata Community Park? **A:** Phase two construction, including a brand new pavilion. **Q:** What is the Greenways Advisory Committee and how many members does it have? **A:** A nine-member volunteer committee that provides citizen recommendations on spending Greenways funds. **Q:** What percentage of the Parks Department's total budget does the Greenways Levy fund? **A:** 46% of the department's $44.8 million budget. **Q:** What is the time limit for spending Park Impact Fees? **A:** They must be spent or encumbered within 10 years of being collected. **Q:** Which neighborhood has the largest Park Impact Fee balance? **A:** Seaholm, with well over $2 million in accumulated fees. **Q:** What new category was added to Greenways Levy 5? **A:** Climate Resiliency, which receives 15% of levy funds to reduce emissions and increase park system resilience. **Q:** What major trail project will begin construction in June 2025? **A:** The Sunset Pond Loop Trail, which will create about 2.2 miles of connected trail. **Q:** How many hours of volunteer service were contributed to parks in 2024? **A:** 13,524 hours from 3,239 volunteers across 119 volunteer events. **Q:** What is the "Portland loo" mentioned in the presentation? **A:** A type of public restroom that was installed at Waypoint Park as part of 2024 Park Impact Fee expenditures. **Q:** Which council member advocated specifically for Seaholm neighborhood park improvements? **A:** Council Member Lisa Anderson, who attended as a guest and highlighted the neighborhood's limited park access. **Q:** What happened at the pier at Little Squalicum Park? **A:** It was renovated with new railings, decking, and solar lighting to provide water access on the north side of town. **Q:** How much money is budgeted for Greenways projects in 2025? **A:** $16.2 million for various development, maintenance, and climate resiliency projects. **Q:** What is the role of Ray Delacour? **A:** He serves as liaison between the Greenways Advisory Committee and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. **Q:** Where can community members access previous annual reports? **A:** On the Greenways program page of the city's website, where all previous years' reports are posted. ---