Waypoint Park Next Phase Development
Consultation has concluded
Design of the next phase of Waypoint Park is underway
Waypoint Park, redevelopment of Central Pier, and the addition of new arterial streets within Bellingham’s Waterfront District are just the beginning of a long-term plan to provide public access to this unique site.
The next phase of park development is a continuation of the work completed at the award-winning Waypoint Park, which includes completing the waterfront trail connection from Roeder to Laurel Avenue.
Watch the video, ask a question!
The public is invited to view exciting new images of the park design in an online presentation prepared by City staff and the lead designer for the project.
Design elements for this next phase of park development include a new waterfront trail, overlooks, seating areas, and shoreline planting. Flexible lawn space, a restroom building, and opportunities for art are also planned. Comments, questions, and kudos are welcome. Feedback on the conceptual design images for this next phase of the park will be considered as design and permitting continues through the end of this year.
Coordination with other agencies and the adjoining property owners is also underway to ensure a seamless and integrated design with private development and other public spaces and plazas connecting to the park.
The Port of Bellingham and City of Bellingham are partners in the overall master planning and redevelopment of this Brownfields site. The Port of Bellingham acquired the waterfront property from the Georgia Pacific Company. In 2013, the City officially began designing and permitting of over 1.5 acres of public space, which soon would be known as Waypoint Park.
For more information, check out the project website at:
https://cob.org/project/waypoint-park-waterfront-trail
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Who's Listening
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Project Manager
Bellingham Parks & Recreation Department, Design & Development Division
Phone (360) 778-7000 Email gaustin@cob.org -
Phone (360) 778-7000 Email noliver@cob.org
Watched the video and it looks really great! I think the bathroom as presented is great and very needed. I also would suggest that concept drawings be updated to continue the trail to southwestern edge of work as the trail is planned further beyond the limits.
Where are the public restrooms?
I would love to live at Waypoint as I am getting old and would like to stop driving. Waypoint is ideal for bicycles, pedestrians, and buses. Cars are outdated and unneeded.
The sinking / tilting of the Millenium Building in San Francisco. -
This newsclip may not be available long but the coverage certainly will be. It made me think of the concerns around the Bellingham waterfront utilization and Waypoint..
https://youtu.be/HiA5ffnu3c8
I want to echo & expand on Carrie's comment here, regarding the pump track. In just a few months, the pump track has become a cultural center for my family. As a new parent, I was already looking forward to taking my child there as they grow up, and am dismayed to hear that it is not intended to be permanent. It's an inspiring place that encourages confidence and social growth, as well as a sense of identity helping establish Bellingham as a world-class mountain biking town. It means a lot that we would take such central real estate and use it for something so clearly fun and unique. It is truly the vibrant, iconic space that our development efforts should aim to create. Removing this element would make me less excited to be a Bellinghamster: I am asking you to alter the plans and make the bike track permanent.
Cheers,
Jason
It wasn't clear from the presentation whether or not additional parking or streets are planned for the area. I could see ROWs outlined, but that's not always indicative of use. My main concern is the area gets developed similar to how Point Ruston in Tacoma got developed, with much of the space devoted to parking and streets for cars. Limited vehicle access and plenty of pedestrian space and robust bike parking will enhance the experience and allow for better use of the available space.
I'm disappointed that the proposed waterfront narrative continues to highlight the industrial history of the area. Are we really going to ignore the fact that GP left a legacy of toxic waste behind? Isn't it time to shift from a narrative of a predominately white settler perspective to a broader, more holistic perspective of place? I'd love to see a Nature/Cultural Center that provides opportunities to learn about and engage with the natural history of the Salish Sea and the relationship we; people of all cultures and backgrounds, have with it.
Jennifer D
You haven't really mentioned the number of restrooms there will be down here and that is a concern area for me as a woman with interstitial cystitis. There are usually too long of a wait for restrooms, especially women's (public buildings offer men more toilets + urinals than they do for women, and it takes longer to use stalls). The metal toilet room you showed in the presentation that will be at the new park doesn't seem safe to me as it would be easy for people to peek in. That would make me uncomfortable.
I know I, and the nearly 500 members of the Whatcom Disc Golf Club, would really appreciate and use a couple of disc golf baskets to practice on and enjoy the waterway. If you want this area to be used and not abused by those looking for a place to shoot up, disc golf would be a great option.
I like the games idea a lot, and the overlooks if they actually overlook something interesting...
Hi there,
My husband and I live in Bellingham and own property in the Lettered Streets neighborhood that overlooks the waterfront. We love the pump track and would like to see that become part of the permanent park. For future use of land in the area, it would be incredible to have something like the Pybus Public Market in Wenatchee that was made possible by the Port of Chelan County. It houses a farmers market and cafes and shops with outdoor spaces as well. A public market facility like this along the waterfront would be an incredible addition and attraction for Bellingham and all of Whatcom County to showcase local businesses and agriculture.
Thanks,
Carrie
I am so excited about the expansion of Waypoint. Our family already enjoys this park so much. It is a perfect destination bike ride from our house. Would your committee please, please consider installing some outdoor concrete ping pong tables in this next phase? There are no outdoor tables at any Bellingham parks and I think it would be a huge hit with the public to have a beautiful place on the waterfront to meet up for matches with friends or strangers. Table tennis is surging in popularity right now and is a great way for people to engage in this space.