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Whatcom County · WC-CP-2021 · Pages 1-13

Recreation

Chapter 9 establishes goals and policies for the provision, expansion, and management of parks, trails, shoreline access, specialized recreation areas, activity centers, and camping facilities throughout Whatcom County. The chapter coordinates with the Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (CPROS) Plan, the Whatcom County Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan, and the Natural Heritage Plan to guide recreational facility development and open space preservation over a 20-year planning horizon. It also addresses financing strategies including user fees, public-private partnerships, and park impact fees to sustain and grow the county's recreational infrastructure.

Parks & Recreation Economy Environment Social
Key Commitments
acquire minimum 15% of saltwater shoreline and adjacent tidelands for public access
Goals (9 total)
  • Goal 9A: Address countywide recreational needs by adequate provision of regional parks.
  • Goal 9B: Provide multi-use camping parks to serve county resident needs as well as provide a tourism draw.
  • Goal 9C: Expand outdoor recreation opportunities for county residents by providing enjoyable trails for hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, walking, boating, and other trail activities in a safe environment.
  • Goal 9D: Provide specialized recreation areas taking advantage of unique opportunities to serve both county residents and visitors.
  • Goal 9E: Recognize the shoreline as one of Whatcom County's unique assets and provide adequate physical and visual access for present and future generations.
  • Goal 9F: Coordinate with the DNR to provide ORV opportunities.
  • Goal 9G: Encourage multi-use indoor activity centers to meet the needs of the population, using public and private partnerships where possible.
  • Goal 9H: As economically feasible, continue to implement the CPROS Plan goals and policies through adoption of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Six-year Capital Improvement Program.
  • Goal 9I: Develop a stronger financial base for recreational services.
Stronger Policy Language (30 policies)
  • Policy 9A-4: All parks must be designed to create a minimal impact upon surrounding property and to the site itself.
  • Policy 9C-16: Implement the goals, policies and recommendations of the latest Whatcom County Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan that are consistent with this plan and within the County's fiscal capabilities.
  • Policy 9C-27: Nooksack River Trail - Develop and implement a plan to acquire Rights of Way for a trail corridor and picnic areas along the Nooksack River between Ferndale and Glacier.
  • Policy 9G-2: Continue the cooperation between the County and the Cities and Point Roberts Park District on ownership and management of the existing senior/community centers.
  • Policy 9H-3: Develop and maintain facilities at a high standard in accordance with the CPROS Plan and the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan.
Aspirational / Monitoring Language (29 policies)
  • Policy 9D-2: Explore need for community parks as undeveloped areas of county increase in density.
  • Policy 9I-2: Explore new innovative methods of financing facility development, maintenance, and operating needs.
  • Policy 9D-3: Encourage development of sport field complexes to meet the needs of organized recreation activities, using public and private partnerships where possible.
  • Policy 9I-4: Seek to design and develop facilities that will encourage tourism.
  • Policy 9C-15: Sharing of corridors for major utilities, trails, and other transportation rights-of-way is encouraged when not in conflict with goals to protect wildlife, public health, and safety.

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