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Bellingham · BEL-CP-2016 · Pages 179-248

Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan

The Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PRO) Plan inventories and evaluates Bellingham's 3,400+ acres of parks, open space, and 65 miles of trails, and projects facility needs through 2036 based on community input and level-of-service standards. It establishes goals and objectives organized around the City Council's Legacies, recommends approximately $104 million in capital improvements, and sets a priority that all residents live within a half-mile walk of a park and trail. The plan must be updated every six years to maintain eligibility for state recreation grants.

Parks & Recreation Environment Social Economy Safety
Key Commitments
All residents within 1/2 mile walk of a park and trail; add 203 acres of parks/open space/trails by 2036; total recommended capital investment ~$104M (2015 dollars); existing park system value $5,243/capita; proposed 2036 standard $6,065/capita; 2,776 acres of parkland; 75 miles of trails existing
Goals (12 total)
  • Goal 5.1.1: Provide a high quality parks, recreation and open space system for a diversity of age and interest groups.
  • Goal 5.2.1: Provide an interconnected system of accessible multi-use trails and greenway corridors that offer diverse, healthy outdoor experiences.
  • Goal 5.3.1: Provide high quality recreational programs and services throughout the community for people of all ages, ethnicities, and abilities.
  • Goal 5.3.2: Design and develop facilities that are sustainable, accessible, safe, and easy to maintain.
  • Goal 5.4.1: Contribute to a healthy environment in the selection of new properties, and the development and maintenance of park facilities.
  • Goal 5.4.2: Provide a high quality, diversified open space system that protects and enhances significant environmental resources.
  • Goal 5.5.1: Meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations.
  • Goal 5.6.1: Create effective and efficient methods of acquiring, developing, operating and maintaining facilities and programs.
  • Goal 5.6.2: Develop, staff, train, and support a professional Parks and Recreation Department.
  • Goal 5.7.1: Protect our drinking water source by appropriately protecting, restoring and managing park lands in the Lake Whatcom Watershed.
  • Goal 5.7.2: Promote water conservation at all park facilities.
  • Goal 5.8.1: Contribute to making Bellingham a safe and prepared community.
Stronger Policy Language (26 policies)
  • Objective 5.1.1.A.a: Provide a system of neighborhood and community parks so that all residents live within one half mile safe walking distance of a developed park.
  • Objective 5.2.1.A.a: Provide an interconnected system of trails so that all residents are within a one half mile safe walk of a trail.
  • Objective 5.7.1.A: Mitigate public demand for recreation in the watershed with appropriate protection measures through design and maintenance. Limit access where impacts to water quality may occur.
  • Objective 5.6.1.E: Create effective and efficient methods of acquiring, developing, operating, and maintaining park and recreational facilities that accurately distributes costs and benefits — including the application of impact fees where new developments impact level-of-service standards.
Aspirational / Monitoring Language (28 policies)
  • Objective 5.1.1.A.k: Develop new or improved multi-use facilities to increase flexibility of use for new activities such as pickle ball, disc golf, lacrosse, cricket, rugby as demonstrated by community need.
  • Objective 5.2.1.F.a: Develop trails and greenway corridors that protect, rehabilitate and maintain natural resources, including plant and animal habitats.
  • Objective 5.4.1.D: Conserve natural and consumable resources by using environmentally friendly products and practices.
  • Objective 5.5.1.H: Maintain a world class park system that attracts tourism and benefits the local economy.

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