Civic Athletic Complex Master Plan + Community Indoor Recreation Center

Share Civic Athletic Complex Master Plan + Community Indoor Recreation Center on Facebook Share Civic Athletic Complex Master Plan + Community Indoor Recreation Center on Twitter Share Civic Athletic Complex Master Plan + Community Indoor Recreation Center on Linkedin Email Civic Athletic Complex Master Plan + Community Indoor Recreation Center link
An aerial view of Civic Stadium with the Sportsplex and Sehome Hill in the background

See the final plan and share your feedback!

We’re ready to share our plans for the future of recreation at Civic Athletic Complex. With a strong focus on expanded indoor recreation options, plus upgrades to existing fields and sports facilities, see how we’re reimagining Bellingham’s premier recreation hub.


Key Features of the Plan

  • North end: We’re reserving space for the potential to build a replacement school for Carl Cozier elementary. New lighted and turfed baseball/softball and multi-use fields will create access to stellar amenities for field sports for both school and community use.
  • South end: The south end of the complex will include a new community indoor recreation center – with expanded aquatics, gym space, fitness studios, and flexible meeting spaces – to deliver more opportunities to recreate and exercise out of the rain. The exact design of the community center isn’t part of this plan, but you can weigh in below on priorities that will drive the general size and shape it takes.
  • Improvements and expansion of other amenities: Civic Stadium, Joe Martin Field, and forested trails will also receive much-needed upgrades. Plus, north of the Sportsplex, we’re holding space to expand that building or add a fieldhouse for more space for indoor sports.
  • Better mobility for everyone: We’ll create better connections and easier navigation with a “Civic Promenade” – a pedestrian-friendly corridor linking the whole campus together. Parking improvements, gateway roundabouts, plazas, and more green space will welcome visitors, improving flow throughout the site.

See slides from the Dec. 10 open house presentation, and read the full Master Plan final draft.


It's time to share your feedback on the final plan.

From Dec.10-31, 2025, we’re seeking your input on priorities for the community indoor recreation center. We’ve heard many ideas about what a community center should include, and your feedback will help determine what we focus on. Take the survey to:

  • Pick your top aquatics and other indoor recreation wants.
  • Tell us what non-recreation things we should make space for.
  • Give us feedback on how to make this an accessible space where you, your family, and your neighbors will feel welcome.
>> Take the survey



Next steps


  • The Civic Athletic Complex Master Plan will be reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in January 2026 before being presented to the City Council for adoption in February 2026.
  • We’ll take this feedback into consideration as we develop a conceptual design for the community recreation center, which we will share in early spring 2026.


Background

We are updating the Civic Athletic Complex Master Plan - the plan that summarizes the long-term vision and guides further development for our community's central recreational complex.

During this update, we are examining areas that can be developed for current and evolving uses. The updated Master Plan will guide our strategic planning to equitably meet future community needs.

In addition to maintaining and upgrading facilities, we are factoring two new ideas into this Master Plan update.

  • Community recreation center: Many community members have said they want more space for indoor recreation, and many people have also expressed a desire for a community center. Our plans will factor in expanded facilities for more aquatic and other indoor recreation, and more community gathering spaces. The design of a community recreation center building is outside the scope of the Master Plan update, but we will be reserving space for a future development.

See the final plan and share your feedback!

We’re ready to share our plans for the future of recreation at Civic Athletic Complex. With a strong focus on expanded indoor recreation options, plus upgrades to existing fields and sports facilities, see how we’re reimagining Bellingham’s premier recreation hub.


Key Features of the Plan

  • North end: We’re reserving space for the potential to build a replacement school for Carl Cozier elementary. New lighted and turfed baseball/softball and multi-use fields will create access to stellar amenities for field sports for both school and community use.
  • South end: The south end of the complex will include a new community indoor recreation center – with expanded aquatics, gym space, fitness studios, and flexible meeting spaces – to deliver more opportunities to recreate and exercise out of the rain. The exact design of the community center isn’t part of this plan, but you can weigh in below on priorities that will drive the general size and shape it takes.
  • Improvements and expansion of other amenities: Civic Stadium, Joe Martin Field, and forested trails will also receive much-needed upgrades. Plus, north of the Sportsplex, we’re holding space to expand that building or add a fieldhouse for more space for indoor sports.
  • Better mobility for everyone: We’ll create better connections and easier navigation with a “Civic Promenade” – a pedestrian-friendly corridor linking the whole campus together. Parking improvements, gateway roundabouts, plazas, and more green space will welcome visitors, improving flow throughout the site.

See slides from the Dec. 10 open house presentation, and read the full Master Plan final draft.


It's time to share your feedback on the final plan.

From Dec.10-31, 2025, we’re seeking your input on priorities for the community indoor recreation center. We’ve heard many ideas about what a community center should include, and your feedback will help determine what we focus on. Take the survey to:

  • Pick your top aquatics and other indoor recreation wants.
  • Tell us what non-recreation things we should make space for.
  • Give us feedback on how to make this an accessible space where you, your family, and your neighbors will feel welcome.
>> Take the survey



Next steps


  • The Civic Athletic Complex Master Plan will be reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in January 2026 before being presented to the City Council for adoption in February 2026.
  • We’ll take this feedback into consideration as we develop a conceptual design for the community recreation center, which we will share in early spring 2026.


Background

We are updating the Civic Athletic Complex Master Plan - the plan that summarizes the long-term vision and guides further development for our community's central recreational complex.

During this update, we are examining areas that can be developed for current and evolving uses. The updated Master Plan will guide our strategic planning to equitably meet future community needs.

In addition to maintaining and upgrading facilities, we are factoring two new ideas into this Master Plan update.

  • Community recreation center: Many community members have said they want more space for indoor recreation, and many people have also expressed a desire for a community center. Our plans will factor in expanded facilities for more aquatic and other indoor recreation, and more community gathering spaces. The design of a community recreation center building is outside the scope of the Master Plan update, but we will be reserving space for a future development.

Ask us a question

loader image
Forgot password?
Didn't receive confirmation?
Register Now or Sign in with
Seems like you are already registered, please provide the password. Forgot your password? Create a new one now.
  • Share What about ice hockey? on Facebook Share What about ice hockey? on Twitter Share What about ice hockey? on Linkedin Email What about ice hockey? link

    What about ice hockey?

    Bobby Hull asked 1 day ago

    Good question, Bobby. We didn’t include ice hockey as an option in the questions about the community recreation center because our plan factors additional ice into expansion opportunities at the Sportsplex. Page 19 in the draft Master Plan provides more information about the Sportsplex expansion. 

  • Share I have a couple of questions: 1. Is Parks and Recreation coordinating with Public Works for this plan? I think it would be a good opportunity to implement some of the proposed multimodal changes to Lakeway, Lincoln, and Meador. It would be a shame to miss out on opportunities to create more robust connections between the complex and adjacent neighborhoods (including south of Lakeway). 2. I am very pleased to see a disc golf course being proposed for the woods. Is it possible these types of low cost improvements could be prioritized to help activate the space early on? 3. This is just a comment: I was happy to read that field turf mixes are being considered. I will miss the natural fields if completely removed and hope staff continue to consider keeping surfaces natural wherever possible. Bellingham lacks a central park type space, so any open green areas that are pleasant for sitting in the warmer months is welcome. on Facebook Share I have a couple of questions: 1. Is Parks and Recreation coordinating with Public Works for this plan? I think it would be a good opportunity to implement some of the proposed multimodal changes to Lakeway, Lincoln, and Meador. It would be a shame to miss out on opportunities to create more robust connections between the complex and adjacent neighborhoods (including south of Lakeway). 2. I am very pleased to see a disc golf course being proposed for the woods. Is it possible these types of low cost improvements could be prioritized to help activate the space early on? 3. This is just a comment: I was happy to read that field turf mixes are being considered. I will miss the natural fields if completely removed and hope staff continue to consider keeping surfaces natural wherever possible. Bellingham lacks a central park type space, so any open green areas that are pleasant for sitting in the warmer months is welcome. on Twitter Share I have a couple of questions: 1. Is Parks and Recreation coordinating with Public Works for this plan? I think it would be a good opportunity to implement some of the proposed multimodal changes to Lakeway, Lincoln, and Meador. It would be a shame to miss out on opportunities to create more robust connections between the complex and adjacent neighborhoods (including south of Lakeway). 2. I am very pleased to see a disc golf course being proposed for the woods. Is it possible these types of low cost improvements could be prioritized to help activate the space early on? 3. This is just a comment: I was happy to read that field turf mixes are being considered. I will miss the natural fields if completely removed and hope staff continue to consider keeping surfaces natural wherever possible. Bellingham lacks a central park type space, so any open green areas that are pleasant for sitting in the warmer months is welcome. on Linkedin Email I have a couple of questions: 1. Is Parks and Recreation coordinating with Public Works for this plan? I think it would be a good opportunity to implement some of the proposed multimodal changes to Lakeway, Lincoln, and Meador. It would be a shame to miss out on opportunities to create more robust connections between the complex and adjacent neighborhoods (including south of Lakeway). 2. I am very pleased to see a disc golf course being proposed for the woods. Is it possible these types of low cost improvements could be prioritized to help activate the space early on? 3. This is just a comment: I was happy to read that field turf mixes are being considered. I will miss the natural fields if completely removed and hope staff continue to consider keeping surfaces natural wherever possible. Bellingham lacks a central park type space, so any open green areas that are pleasant for sitting in the warmer months is welcome. link

    I have a couple of questions: 1. Is Parks and Recreation coordinating with Public Works for this plan? I think it would be a good opportunity to implement some of the proposed multimodal changes to Lakeway, Lincoln, and Meador. It would be a shame to miss out on opportunities to create more robust connections between the complex and adjacent neighborhoods (including south of Lakeway). 2. I am very pleased to see a disc golf course being proposed for the woods. Is it possible these types of low cost improvements could be prioritized to help activate the space early on? 3. This is just a comment: I was happy to read that field turf mixes are being considered. I will miss the natural fields if completely removed and hope staff continue to consider keeping surfaces natural wherever possible. Bellingham lacks a central park type space, so any open green areas that are pleasant for sitting in the warmer months is welcome.

    Nick Sotak asked 3 days ago

    Great questions!

    1. Yes, we’re working with all City departments on this plan. We agree about aligning multimodal improvements when it comes time to make changes along those streets. The City team will definitely consider how to leverage these opportunities. 

    1. We’ll consider that suggestion about phasing the disc golf. 

    1. Thanks for this input. We’ll keep it in mind as we consider field surfaces. 

  • Share Can you please add to my survey response under other recommendations? Covered bike parking areas. on Facebook Share Can you please add to my survey response under other recommendations? Covered bike parking areas. on Twitter Share Can you please add to my survey response under other recommendations? Covered bike parking areas. on Linkedin Email Can you please add to my survey response under other recommendations? Covered bike parking areas. link

    Can you please add to my survey response under other recommendations? Covered bike parking areas.

    JHR asked 3 days ago

    Great idea! We’ve seen this in other responses, too, and we’re making note of it for the final plan. 

  • Share Why or why are we continuing to turf over our natural fields? I'm dismayed that our school district and city aren't able to figure out drainage of natural turf. Please reconsider any use of artificial turf for school playfields. It's a shame that we're trending towards our children growing up running around on plastic... on Facebook Share Why or why are we continuing to turf over our natural fields? I'm dismayed that our school district and city aren't able to figure out drainage of natural turf. Please reconsider any use of artificial turf for school playfields. It's a shame that we're trending towards our children growing up running around on plastic... on Twitter Share Why or why are we continuing to turf over our natural fields? I'm dismayed that our school district and city aren't able to figure out drainage of natural turf. Please reconsider any use of artificial turf for school playfields. It's a shame that we're trending towards our children growing up running around on plastic... on Linkedin Email Why or why are we continuing to turf over our natural fields? I'm dismayed that our school district and city aren't able to figure out drainage of natural turf. Please reconsider any use of artificial turf for school playfields. It's a shame that we're trending towards our children growing up running around on plastic... link

    Why or why are we continuing to turf over our natural fields? I'm dismayed that our school district and city aren't able to figure out drainage of natural turf. Please reconsider any use of artificial turf for school playfields. It's a shame that we're trending towards our children growing up running around on plastic...

    Nick Sotak asked 12 months ago

    Thanks for your feedback. When we begin designing the improved fields, we will consider a variety of turf materials, including options like cork. Non-grass turf allows kids (and adults) to stay active outdoors during shoulder season weather that typically closes down natural turf fields.

  • Share Hello, Where will the bellingham co-ed softball teams play when Geri fields are removed? on Facebook Share Hello, Where will the bellingham co-ed softball teams play when Geri fields are removed? on Twitter Share Hello, Where will the bellingham co-ed softball teams play when Geri fields are removed? on Linkedin Email Hello, Where will the bellingham co-ed softball teams play when Geri fields are removed? link

    Hello, Where will the bellingham co-ed softball teams play when Geri fields are removed?

    ms2320 asked about 1 year ago

    Hi, and thanks for your question. The Geri fields aren't removed in these development scenarios, with the exception of field 3, which could be converted into a wetland interpretation area. Geri 3 is very wet and is used mostly as a practice field right now. All site scenarios which show "new/replaced Recreation Amenities" over Geri 1 and 2 are labeled that way to indicate those fields are due for significant upgrades. 

    ballfields
    ballfields
  • Share Dear City of Bellingham, I am writing to provide feedback on the Civic Athletic Complex Master Plan, specifically regarding the preservation of mature trees on the site. I strongly support the City's efforts to preserve the central mature forest area within the complex, as this forest contains several Landmark Trees that are crucial to the health of our urban environment. However, I am concerned about Option 2, which could threaten Landmark Trees located directly north of the Sportsplex. It is essential that the final design of this option takes these trees into account and ensures they are fully protected from any development impacts. These trees are not only valuable for their environmental contributions but also for their historical and aesthetic significance to our community. I urge the City to commit to protecting all Landmark Trees at the Civic Athletic Complex, in line with the protections required of residents and private developers in public development projects. Preserving these trees is critical for maintaining Bellingham’s green spaces and urban ecosystem. Thank you for considering my input. on Facebook Share Dear City of Bellingham, I am writing to provide feedback on the Civic Athletic Complex Master Plan, specifically regarding the preservation of mature trees on the site. I strongly support the City's efforts to preserve the central mature forest area within the complex, as this forest contains several Landmark Trees that are crucial to the health of our urban environment. However, I am concerned about Option 2, which could threaten Landmark Trees located directly north of the Sportsplex. It is essential that the final design of this option takes these trees into account and ensures they are fully protected from any development impacts. These trees are not only valuable for their environmental contributions but also for their historical and aesthetic significance to our community. I urge the City to commit to protecting all Landmark Trees at the Civic Athletic Complex, in line with the protections required of residents and private developers in public development projects. Preserving these trees is critical for maintaining Bellingham’s green spaces and urban ecosystem. Thank you for considering my input. on Twitter Share Dear City of Bellingham, I am writing to provide feedback on the Civic Athletic Complex Master Plan, specifically regarding the preservation of mature trees on the site. I strongly support the City's efforts to preserve the central mature forest area within the complex, as this forest contains several Landmark Trees that are crucial to the health of our urban environment. However, I am concerned about Option 2, which could threaten Landmark Trees located directly north of the Sportsplex. It is essential that the final design of this option takes these trees into account and ensures they are fully protected from any development impacts. These trees are not only valuable for their environmental contributions but also for their historical and aesthetic significance to our community. I urge the City to commit to protecting all Landmark Trees at the Civic Athletic Complex, in line with the protections required of residents and private developers in public development projects. Preserving these trees is critical for maintaining Bellingham’s green spaces and urban ecosystem. Thank you for considering my input. on Linkedin Email Dear City of Bellingham, I am writing to provide feedback on the Civic Athletic Complex Master Plan, specifically regarding the preservation of mature trees on the site. I strongly support the City's efforts to preserve the central mature forest area within the complex, as this forest contains several Landmark Trees that are crucial to the health of our urban environment. However, I am concerned about Option 2, which could threaten Landmark Trees located directly north of the Sportsplex. It is essential that the final design of this option takes these trees into account and ensures they are fully protected from any development impacts. These trees are not only valuable for their environmental contributions but also for their historical and aesthetic significance to our community. I urge the City to commit to protecting all Landmark Trees at the Civic Athletic Complex, in line with the protections required of residents and private developers in public development projects. Preserving these trees is critical for maintaining Bellingham’s green spaces and urban ecosystem. Thank you for considering my input. link

    Dear City of Bellingham, I am writing to provide feedback on the Civic Athletic Complex Master Plan, specifically regarding the preservation of mature trees on the site. I strongly support the City's efforts to preserve the central mature forest area within the complex, as this forest contains several Landmark Trees that are crucial to the health of our urban environment. However, I am concerned about Option 2, which could threaten Landmark Trees located directly north of the Sportsplex. It is essential that the final design of this option takes these trees into account and ensures they are fully protected from any development impacts. These trees are not only valuable for their environmental contributions but also for their historical and aesthetic significance to our community. I urge the City to commit to protecting all Landmark Trees at the Civic Athletic Complex, in line with the protections required of residents and private developers in public development projects. Preserving these trees is critical for maintaining Bellingham’s green spaces and urban ecosystem. Thank you for considering my input.

    Meredith asked about 1 year ago

    Thank you for your feedback. The City of Bellingham is obligated to adhere to all applicable development permitting regulations for City projects, including the Landmark Tree Ordinance. 

    trees
    trees
  • Share Why take down mature trees without a plan to work around some of them? Save the landmark trees on Facebook Share Why take down mature trees without a plan to work around some of them? Save the landmark trees on Twitter Share Why take down mature trees without a plan to work around some of them? Save the landmark trees on Linkedin Email Why take down mature trees without a plan to work around some of them? Save the landmark trees link

    Why take down mature trees without a plan to work around some of them? Save the landmark trees

    smitichtracck asked about 1 year ago

    Thanks for your comment! The City of Bellingham is obligated to adhere to all applicable development permitting regulations for City projects, including the Landmark Tree Ordinance.

    trees
    trees
  • Share Greetings - I was not able to attend the Civic Complex plan open house, but I'd like to add my feedback. Overall, I like the idea and look forward to receiving more updates and opportunities to provide feedback, but I'd like to also see a Senior Center be included in the plan to be in the complex. I realize there are plans via Whatcom and Bellingham to relocate a Senior Center in the northern part of town in several years, but having a Senior Center in the vicinity of the complex where there are better and more bus stops and next door with the Lakeway centers provides for a better location and services. Please give it some consideration and thanks for the opportunity to provide feedback. on Facebook Share Greetings - I was not able to attend the Civic Complex plan open house, but I'd like to add my feedback. Overall, I like the idea and look forward to receiving more updates and opportunities to provide feedback, but I'd like to also see a Senior Center be included in the plan to be in the complex. I realize there are plans via Whatcom and Bellingham to relocate a Senior Center in the northern part of town in several years, but having a Senior Center in the vicinity of the complex where there are better and more bus stops and next door with the Lakeway centers provides for a better location and services. Please give it some consideration and thanks for the opportunity to provide feedback. on Twitter Share Greetings - I was not able to attend the Civic Complex plan open house, but I'd like to add my feedback. Overall, I like the idea and look forward to receiving more updates and opportunities to provide feedback, but I'd like to also see a Senior Center be included in the plan to be in the complex. I realize there are plans via Whatcom and Bellingham to relocate a Senior Center in the northern part of town in several years, but having a Senior Center in the vicinity of the complex where there are better and more bus stops and next door with the Lakeway centers provides for a better location and services. Please give it some consideration and thanks for the opportunity to provide feedback. on Linkedin Email Greetings - I was not able to attend the Civic Complex plan open house, but I'd like to add my feedback. Overall, I like the idea and look forward to receiving more updates and opportunities to provide feedback, but I'd like to also see a Senior Center be included in the plan to be in the complex. I realize there are plans via Whatcom and Bellingham to relocate a Senior Center in the northern part of town in several years, but having a Senior Center in the vicinity of the complex where there are better and more bus stops and next door with the Lakeway centers provides for a better location and services. Please give it some consideration and thanks for the opportunity to provide feedback. link

    Greetings - I was not able to attend the Civic Complex plan open house, but I'd like to add my feedback. Overall, I like the idea and look forward to receiving more updates and opportunities to provide feedback, but I'd like to also see a Senior Center be included in the plan to be in the complex. I realize there are plans via Whatcom and Bellingham to relocate a Senior Center in the northern part of town in several years, but having a Senior Center in the vicinity of the complex where there are better and more bus stops and next door with the Lakeway centers provides for a better location and services. Please give it some consideration and thanks for the opportunity to provide feedback.

    Sam13 asked about 1 year ago

    Thank you for this feedback! We will consider your suggestion in our final plan.

Page last updated: 11 Dec 2025, 04:30 PM