Parks, Recreation and Open Space

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See an overview of the Parks chapter and what's coming next.

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan (PRO Plan): Existing chapter, updated in two phases.

The City's Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan (PROS 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 PROS 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.

What changes will happen in the Bellingham Plan?

The City’s existing PROS Plan will be updated in two integrated phases, anticipated to be completed by February 2026. The first phase will be completed with the Bellingham Plan update and will include parks and recreation goals and policies as well as set the stage for growth projections to guide the future of park programs and facilities.

Phase two of the update will include the development of a functional PROS Plan, which will include an analysis of current inventory and level of service, funding opportunities, maintenance and development project priorities, and recreational program recommendations.

Public Participation:

Outreach will begin in early 2025 with online surveys, public meetings, and stakeholder input. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will act as the primary steering committee with additional input from the Greenways Advisory Board.

Click here for the Parks & Recreation Department 2026 PROS Plan Update

Related Past Events:

While much of the public outreach for this chapter is being handled by the Parks & Recreation Department, it was integrated into other events and conversations due to the intersection with a variety of 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.


See an overview of the Parks chapter and what's coming next.

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan (PRO Plan): Existing chapter, updated in two phases.

The City's Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan (PROS 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 PROS 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.

What changes will happen in the Bellingham Plan?

The City’s existing PROS Plan will be updated in two integrated phases, anticipated to be completed by February 2026. The first phase will be completed with the Bellingham Plan update and will include parks and recreation goals and policies as well as set the stage for growth projections to guide the future of park programs and facilities.

Phase two of the update will include the development of a functional PROS Plan, which will include an analysis of current inventory and level of service, funding opportunities, maintenance and development project priorities, and recreational program recommendations.

Public Participation:

Outreach will begin in early 2025 with online surveys, public meetings, and stakeholder input. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will act as the primary steering committee with additional input from the Greenways Advisory Board.

Click here for the Parks & Recreation Department 2026 PROS Plan Update

Related Past Events:

While much of the public outreach for this chapter is being handled by the Parks & Recreation Department, it was integrated into other events and conversations due to the intersection with a variety of 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.


Page last updated: 17 Jan 2025, 12:17 PM