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Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan (PRO Plan): Existing chapter, updated separately in 2026 through its own project
The City's Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan (PRO Plan) is a part of the Comprehensive Plan. This document guides the preservation and expansion of the park, recreation and open space system as the community grows. The PRO Plan meets Growth Management Act requirements to “retain open space, enhance recreational opportunities, conserve fish and wildlife habitat, increase access to natural resource lands and water, and develop parks and recreational facilities” (RCW 36.70A.020(9)). This document must be updated every six years for the City to remain eligible for a number of important grants that help support our high-quality parks and recreation services. As a result, this chapter is updated separately from the rest of the Comprehensive Plan. However, parks-related topics will still be discussed in this update as they overlap with other chapters of the plan.
What changes will happen in the Bellingham Plan?
The City’s 2020 PRO Plan will be updated again in 2026 – shortly after the adoption of the Bellingham Plan in 2025. The Bellingham Plan will consider parks-related topics as they overlap with other chapters of the plan. The revised PRO Plan will then reflect any relevant changes and will be integrated into the Bellingham Plan in 2026.
While this chapter will be updated separately from the rest of the plan, it was integrated into many events and conversations because it intersects with many other Bellingham Plan topics. Parks, recreation, and open space were highlighted in "Community Vision" as an important part of Bellingham today and into the future. “Vibrant, Equitable, and Welcoming Community” focused on how the City can help foster welcoming spaces, including in our parks and open spaces. Finally, “How We Will Grow” included comparing various growth approaches that may have implications for parks, recreation, and open space across the city.
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan (PRO Plan): Existing chapter, updated separately in 2026 through its own project
The City's Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan (PRO Plan) is a part of the Comprehensive Plan. This document guides the preservation and expansion of the park, recreation and open space system as the community grows. The PRO Plan meets Growth Management Act requirements to “retain open space, enhance recreational opportunities, conserve fish and wildlife habitat, increase access to natural resource lands and water, and develop parks and recreational facilities” (RCW 36.70A.020(9)). This document must be updated every six years for the City to remain eligible for a number of important grants that help support our high-quality parks and recreation services. As a result, this chapter is updated separately from the rest of the Comprehensive Plan. However, parks-related topics will still be discussed in this update as they overlap with other chapters of the plan.
What changes will happen in the Bellingham Plan?
The City’s 2020 PRO Plan will be updated again in 2026 – shortly after the adoption of the Bellingham Plan in 2025. The Bellingham Plan will consider parks-related topics as they overlap with other chapters of the plan. The revised PRO Plan will then reflect any relevant changes and will be integrated into the Bellingham Plan in 2026.
While this chapter will be updated separately from the rest of the plan, it was integrated into many events and conversations because it intersects with many other Bellingham Plan topics. Parks, recreation, and open space were highlighted in "Community Vision" as an important part of Bellingham today and into the future. “Vibrant, Equitable, and Welcoming Community” focused on how the City can help foster welcoming spaces, including in our parks and open spaces. Finally, “How We Will Grow” included comparing various growth approaches that may have implications for parks, recreation, and open space across the city.
