Whatcom County Park Plans (Full List)

8/7/2019 Whatcom County Park Plans (Full List)

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Whatcom County Park Plans The following proposals concerning Whatcom County Park & Recreation properties are based on the results of field analysis and workshop planning sessions. The proposal outlines thevision developed for REGIONAL park properties currently owned by Whatcom County for thenext 20 years. The proposals are CONCEPTUAL, in some instances, subject to further study and coordination with public and private participants that may modify the eventual project particulars.

Bay Horizon Park Bay to Baker Trail (Maple Falls/Glacier) Birch Bay Shoreline Properties, Tidelands & Conservancy Area Canyon Lake Community Forest Chuckanut Mountain County Park Deming Homestead Eagle Park Dittrich Park (East Lake Samish) Hovander Homestead Park/Tennant Lake Interpretive Center Lake Whatcom County Park NorthLake Whatcom County Park South (Hegg Park and Zobrist and Richards) Lighthouse Marine Park Little Squalicum Beach Properties Maple Beach Tidelands Monument Park Nugents Corner River Access Olsen Property Ostrom Conservation SitePlantation Rifle RangeSamish Park Semiahmoo Park Silver Lake Park Smith & Northwest Sports Fields South Fork County Park (Acme, Overby & Nesset Farms) Squires Lake Park Stimpson Family Nature Reserve & Anderson Property Sunnyside Landing Sunset Farm Equestrian Center Whatcom County Park Headquarters


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Whatcom County

Bay Horizon Park Alderson Road, Birch Bay

This 68.2-acre decommissioned military radar base and 57,500 square feet of surplus usable facilities are located onAlderson Road in Birch Bay.

The property was acquired throughFederal surplus and is currently leased to the Lions Foundation for a summer camp and recreation site, and to theBirch Bay Lions Club for a hostel.

The site has a commercial kitchen,dining hall, and gymnasium availablefor public use.

The site has been improved to provide a small playground, walking trail, and ball field.

The property does not include the former base single family housing area, a communications building, and Washington State archives building.

Possible improvements In association with Northwest Park & Recreation District, develop the site for a community park.

Restore and enhance the natural drainage features that flow into and through the site.

Demolish and remove buildings that areno longer usable or habitable for park and community use.

Renovate useable buildings that have a functional purpose.

Develop an access trail to Birch Bay, a community playground, recreational courts, and soccer and baseball fields.

Consider developing a community center in the event Birch Bay incorporates and would require administrative and supporting facilities.


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Whatcom County

Bay to Baker Trail (Maple Falls/Glacier) Maple Falls-Glacier, Whatcom County

This historic 118.0-acre Bellingham Bay

& British Columbia (BBBC) Railroad corridor extends 7.8 miles from MapleFalls eastward terminating east of Glacier Creek.

The undeveloped railroad bed adjoins several spur segments. Improvements include a restroom building and parking in Glacier.

Possible improvements Acquire right-of-way to complete themissing 4,000 linear foot trail segment.Also acquire the private cabins located on the trail corridor for trail use and develop a day-use trailhead.

Complete development of themultipurpose hike, bike, and horse trail the complete length of the right-of-way including the river bridges.

Extend the trail improvement east into Mount Baker National Park to the park headquarters, and access to the multipleUS Forest Service and National Park trails therein.

Extend the trail improvement west along the BBBC railroad corridor to Kendall,Deming, and eventually into Bellingham.

Develop spur trail opportunities,trailheads, rest areas, and interpretivehistorical and informational exhibits and signage along the trail and adjacent roadside


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Whatcom County

Birch Bay ShorelineProperties, Tidelands & Conservancy Area Birch Bay Drive, Birch Bay

Shoreline properties - this 56.35-acrecollection of shoreline or near shoreproperties is located along Birch Bay Drive at Cedar Avenue and Beach Way,Cottonwood Drive, Alderson Road, Point Whitehorn Road, Jackson Road, and along Terrell Creek. The various parcels provide 909 linear feet of shoreline.

The parcels have been improved withhand-carry boat access and picnic tables.

Tidelands this collection of tidelands is located along Birch Bay Drive.

Major parcels include properties located north of Cottonwood Drive, north of theintersection of Harborview and Birch Bay Drive, Evergreen Lane south past Cedar Lane, and north of Alderson Road.

Birch Bay conservancy area this 45.0- acre undeveloped wildlife conservancy area is located along Point WhitehornRoad.

Possible improvements Acquire additional tidelands for public access and develop a multipurpose trail

and park along the shoreline inconjunction with other shorelineimprovement projects..

Develop additional access amenities including picnic tables and shelters, rest stops, interpretive signage, and restrooms at appropriate street-end parcels.


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Whatcom County

Canyon Lake Community Forest Canyon Lake, Whatcom County

This 2,266.0-acre conservancy site

includes 45 acres of water surface onCanyon Lake jointly owned with WesternWashington University.

The forested site has been improved witha trailhead, 8.7 miles of hiking trails around the lake to overlooks and an old growth forest.

Possible improvements Acquire logging and development rights to the lands located within the viewshed west of the lake to the ridgeline.

Acquire land and/or logging and development rights from DNR and private parties to the lands located southand west from the edge of the lake along Canyon Creek.

Develop a hand-carry boat access withfloating dock at the western edge of thelake.


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Whatcom County

Chuckanut MountainCounty Park Between Chuckanut Drive and Old Samish Highway, Bellingham

Whatcom Countys 999.8-acre portion of the Chuckanut Mountain Recreational area is located between Chuckanut Driveand Old Samish Highway. The total landholding includes the Departments of Fish & Wildlife (DFW), Washington StateParks & Recreation Commission (P&RC),and City of Bellingham properties.

County lands include Pine & Cedar Lakes trailhead and access, Teddy Bear Cove,and the easement from Puget Sound Energy (PSE) for the Interurban Trail.

Pine/Cedar Lakes Unit includes 147.0 acres and provides 20 acres of water surface and 5,000 linear feet of shoreline on the 2 lakes with fishing access, primitive campsites, and 2.0 miles of hiking trails.

Teddy Bear Cove includes 9.5 acres and 1,250 linear feet of shoreline onChuckanut Bay accessed fromChuckanut Drive.

To the south, DNRs 3,500-acreBlanchard Forest located in Skagit County also provides recreational opportunities in a working forest setting.

Possible improvements Complete trail connections called for inthe Chuckanut Mountain Trail Master Plan.

Acquire property and develop a trail connection between Teddy Bear Coveand Bellingham property (Woodstock Farm) to the north.

Develop a trail connection from Teddy Bear Cove through the Chuckanut trail system to Samish Park.


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Whatcom County

Deming Homestead Eagle Park Truck Road, Deming

This 33.0-acre conservancy property

provides 2,500 linear feet of shorelinealong the North Fork of the Nooksack River accessed from Truck Road.

The site has been improved with a trailhead, picnic tables, covered bench,walking path for wildlife viewing and river access.


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Whatcom County

Dittrich Park (East LakeSamish) East Lake Samish Drive, Bellingham

This undeveloped 25.21-acre park

property (formerly known as East LakeSamish Park) is located on East LakeSamish Drive on Lake Samish south of Bellinghams city limits. The site includes 1,600 linear feet of shoreline along theeast shore of the lake.

Site improvements include a 1,200 square foot home and shed,, and 2 homes dating from the 1930s measuring 1,100 and 1,800 square feet,and a barn.

Possible improvements Develop a swimming beach, hand-carry boat launch, and dock on the shoreline,and trailer parking area with picnic tables, shelter, and restroom at the edgeof the woodlands.

If feasible, reuse the existing house and barn for active recreational uses including day-use picnic and activities.

Develop a shoreline and upland trail system along the waterfront and around the grassy area located in the center of the site.

Develop a day-use parking lot and trailhead at the north end of the grassy area with picnic tables and shelters.

Extend the shoreline and upland trail around the wetlands, develop a swimming beach, and install natureexhibits and interpretive information.


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Whatcom County Hovander Homestead Park/Tennant LakeInterpretive Center Neilson Avenue and Hovander Road,Ferndale

This 333.4-acre conservancy, historic farmstead, and park property is located on Neilson Avenue and Hovander Road on the Nooksack River adjacent to Ferndale city limits. The property includes 11,450 linear feet of shorelineon the west shore dike of the Nooksack River.

The site includes the 6,800 square foot historic 1890s Hovander Home, 576 square foot observation tower, 340 square foot milking parlor, 384 squarefoot drying shed, 1,375 square foot blacksmith shop, and 10,900 squarefoot barn. The homestead is listed on theNational Register of Historic Places. Thebarnyard is furnished with antique farmimplements and equipment, and a collection of farm livestock and fowl.

Other structures include a 2,000 squarefoot open picnic shelter, playground,demonstration gardens, 112 square foot restroom building, 324 square foot office and visitor information building,and a 1,225 square foot shop and service building. The site also has a 1,200 square foot rental house and 1,650 square foot managers residence.

The Tennant Lake conservancy area (former Nielsen Farm) has beenimproved with a 780 square foot 2-story observation tower, 11,500 square foot boardwalk into the wetlands, and 4,600 square foot interpretive center and meeting facility.

Year-round interpretive programs arepresented in the center. Adjoining thesite is the Fragrance Garden an award- winning garden for the visually impaired featuring fragrant flowers and herbs.

Possible improvements North end footbridge and campground expand the boat launch, boat launchramp, and trailhead parking area at thenorth edge of the property between theNooksack River and Neilson Avenue. Theboat launching facilities would increaseaccess to a water trail system in theNooksack River extending upriver to Deming and downriver into BellinghamBay. The trailhead would provide access


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to an expanded Nooksack River trail to be located on top of the river dikethrough Hovander Park.

Develop a multipurpose trail over theNooksack River between this site and Ferndales Pioneer Park. The footbridgewould provide access to a walking trail located on the west shore of theNooksack River creating a trail loop extending the length of the river fromthe footbridge to Slater Road and back.The footbridge would also combinePioneer and Hovander Park facilities and resources into an integrated regional park complex.

Develop a tent and recreational vehiclecampground adjacent to the boat launchand trailhead facilities behind a bermed buffer extending along Nielson Avenue.The campground would increase themulti-use potentials of the park in a location that is otherwise impacted by adjacent industrial and commercial developments. It would also provideadditional day-time users of the park that would not impact the historical integrity of the farmstead or visual character of Tennant Lake.

Middle site special events area develop a special event and activities area of the portion of the park sitelocated north of Hovander Road and west of the woodlands extending along Nielson Avenue.

Improvements could include anamphitheater or performance area and special events field with designated grass-covered seasonal or special event parking areas, picnic tables and shelters, and restrooms.

The special event staging area would provide activity for an otherwise under- used portion of the park and relocatethis activity away from the activity area and viewscape of the Hovander farmstead complex.

South end historic farmstead

designate a large grass-covered seasonal or special event parking area from infront of the Hovander farmstead to thewest side of the home and the location of the picnic shelter and restroom.

The relocated special event parking area would allow major events at thefarmstead but reduce parking and visual impacts on the historic complex.


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Develop the upper floor of the barn for a special event and meeting facility that compliments the historic and farmrelated programs conducted at the site.Expand farm-related programs and activities in the barn and the adjacent pasture area.

If practical, relocate the office and visitor information center, and maintenance buildings to preserve thehistorical and visual integrity of thefarmstead site.

North Tennant Lake acquiredevelopment right to the farmstead and open space properties located on NeilsonAvenue, Scout Place, and Hovander Road north of Tennant Lake. Preserve theecological and visual integrity of theTennant Lake wetlands.

The acquisitions would preserve and buffer Tennant Lake and prevent encroachment from commercial and industrial land uses developing along theNielson Avenue entry into the park complex


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tables and shelters, local trails, and other activity areas.

Acquire additional properties in LakeWhatcom watershed for protection and recreational use.

NoteLake Whatcom serves as the drinking water supply for over half of thecountys residents and as such, all proposed park activities must beevaluated in the context of their impact on water quality. In addition, parks activities need to be consistent withexisting goals and policies of the Joint Lake Whatcom Management Program.


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Whatcom County

Lake Whatcom County Park South (Hegg Park and Zobrist and Richards Properties South Bay Road, BellinghamThis undeveloped 80.3-acre multi-usepark property is located on thesoutheast shoreline of Lake Whatcomaccessed from South Bay Drive. The siteincludes 6,141 linear feet of shoreline onLake Whatcom.

Possible improvements Southwest end restore and enhanceBrannian Creek through the site and into Lake Whatcom. Conserve the woodlands and wetlands in the south portion of thesite along the creek corridor and along

South Bay Road.Develop boat launch ramps, dock, and pier into the Lake Whatcom shoreline to support water trails on the lake.

Develop a swimming beach, picnic area,and group day-use of the waterfront activity area. Recruit concessionaires to provide canoe and kayak, crew, and other hand-carry watercraft use of theshoreline and lake.

Develop rustic cabins, recreational vehicle campground, and possibly a lodge facility with meeting rooms,educational exhibits, and other family and large group retreat activities.

Develop a trailhead to provide parking for boat launch facilities, the waterfront beach, and access to trail opportunities along the shoreline.

Hertz Trail develop a multipurposetrail through the park and along theshoreline and north on Blue CanyonRoad to Hertz Trail and north along thelake shoreline to Lake Whatcom County Park - North.

Camp Road 2 - develop a trail access across South Bay Road to Camp Road 2 Railroad Property then south on a multipurpose trail towards Squires Lakeand Anderson Mountain in Skagit County.

Southeast end develop a water-access site for a water trail along the shorelinefrom the park site north to LakeWhatcom County Park North. Install


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anchoring buoys, landing platforms, and other improvements to support shared access to trailside picnic tables and shelters, local trails, and other activity areas. Consider designating a portion of the site for water trail overnight camping for hand-carry watercraft.

NoteLake Whatcom serves as the drinking water supply for over half of thecountys residents and as such, all proposed park activities must beevaluated in the context of their impact on water quality. In addition, parks activities need to be consistent withexisting goals and policies of the Joint Lake Whatcom Management Program.


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Whatcom County

Lighthouse Marine Park Marine and Edwards Drive, Point Roberts

This multi-use 20.5-acre park site is located on the southwest point of Point Roberts on Marine and Edwards Drivewith 2,320 linear feet of shoreline on theStrait of Georgia.

The park has been improved with a 52,000 square foot boardwalk and performing stage, 870 square feet of restroom, interpretive center, and concession stand, 18 covered picnic sites providing 3,262 square feet of covered space, a 1,200 square foot park officeand managers residence, 300 squarefoot restroom and showers.

The park also provides a 2-lane boat launch ramp with a 140-foot long

seasonal dock into the Georgia Strait for day use.

The park has 25 recreational vehiclecampsites, a combination group camp and picnic area, playground, shorelinewalk, kitchen shelter, observation tower,and picnic areas.

Possible improvements Northwest end - acquire adjacent property and expand the boat launchand boardwalk parking lot to accommodate peak season week park users without encroaching onto neighboring properties or congesting Marine Drive. Reconfigure the entry road to separate boat launch traffic fromother park uses.

Middle site renovate the viewing platform or replace it with anappropriate structure.

Southeast end construct a picnic shelter to accommodate group use and provide shelter from the winds.

Northeast end acquire property northof the site and expand the recreational vehicle campground to accommodatepeak season park use. Install trees, a playground, restroom and shower, and other campground amenities.


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Whatcom County

Little Squalicum BeachProperties Little Squalicum Beach, Bellingham

These 12.8-acre conservancy properties

are located in Little Squalicum Creek ravine and Bellingham Bay shoreline.The property is located adjacent to therailroad spur to the Cement Plant Pier recently acquired for park use by Bellingham.

The site is currently leased to BellinghamParks for park development subject to a master plan.


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Whatcom County

Maple Beach Tidelands Bay View Drive, Point Roberts

These second class tidelands properties with 2,000 linear feet of shoreline arelocated in Point Roberts on Bay View Drive on Boundary Bay.

Bay View Drive right-of-way provides access to the tidelands for beachwalking, swimming, and shell-fishing.

Possible improvements In association with the Point Roberts Park & Recreation District and WhatcomCounty Public Works, develop additional parking and local trail access systems from adjacent residential areas.

Install interpretive signage, rest stops,benches, and other shoreline amenities.


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Whatcom County

Monument Park Marine Drive, Point Roberts

This 6.9-acre undeveloped park site and overlook is located on the US/Canadianborder on the northwest shoreline of Point Roberts on Marine Drive.

The property includes 466 linear feet of shoreline on the Strait of Georgia

Possible improvements In association with the Point Roberts Park & Recreation District, develop local trail access systems from adjacent residential areas to the shoreline.

Install interpretive signage, rest stops,benches, and other shoreline access and amenities.


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Whatcom County

Nugents Corner River Access Mount Baker Highway, Foothills

This 14.0-acre Public Works property

providing walk-in access to the Nooksack River is located off the Mount Baker Highway at Nugents Bridge.

Site improvements include a picnic table,parking area, and residence leased for wildlife rehabilitation purposes.

Possible improvements Develop hand-carry launch site and parking area to compliment water trail development of the Nooksack River.

Expand picnicking and other day-usepotentials including tables, shelters, and restrooms.

Eventually, consider developing a primitive campsite to compliment development of the Nooksack River water and multipurpose trail developments.

If appropriate, develop a wheelchair accessible fishing site and platform.


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Whatcom County

Olsen Property Lake Louise Road, Bellingham

This 368.7-acre conservancy site co- owned with Bellingham is located off Lake Louise Road on Lookout Mountain.

The site has trailhead access to upland hiking trails on Lookout Mountain.

Possible improvements Develop a trailhead parking area onLake Louise Road and trail access to and through the site with other trail opportunities on Lookout Mountain.


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Whatcom County

Ostrom ConservationSiteSouth Pass Road, Everson

This 38.7-acre conservancy site is

located off South Pass Road east of Everson. The site is leased to theNooksack Valley School District for outdoor education purposes.

The forested property provides trail access and parking.

Possible improvements Designate a the trailhead parking area on South Pass Road and link trail access to and through the site with other trail opportunities on Sumas Mountain.


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Whatcom County

Plantation Rifle RangeSamish Way, Bellingham

This 60.0-acre indoor/outdoor shooting range is located on leased land onSamish Way southeast of Bellingham.

The facility provides a 1,600 square foot range control building for a 20-300- yard, 15 covered firing station high- power outdoor rifle range and trap field.

The facility also provides a 9,600 squarefoot building housing a 25-yard small- bore rifle and pistol indoor range with12 firing positions, a 100 meter outdoor training rooms, and meeting facilities.

Local law enforcement agencies, practiceand competition shooting by gun clubs and enthusiasts use the facility from a

multi-county area.Possible improvements Acquire the 60.0-acre site and buffer area.


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Whatcom County

Samish Park North Lake Samish Drive, Bellingham

This 30.6-acre multi-use park property is located on North Lake Samish Drive onthe north shoreline of Lake Samish southof Bellingham.

The park provides 1,214 linear feet of lake shoreline that has been improved with a swimming beach, playground, 0.7 miles of hiking trail, 1,272 square foot boat dock, 700 square foot fishing dock,700 square foot shop, boat and canoerentals, and picnic tables.

The park has also been improved with a 1,750 square foot day-use lodge with a food service area, meeting room, and outdoor decks.

The property also provides a 1,350 square foot rental home.

Possible improvements Acquire adjacent property and expand the parking lot to accommodate peak season users without encroaching onto neighboring properties or congesting North Lake Samish Drive.


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Whatcom County

Semiahmoo Park and Tidelands Semiahmoo Spit, Blaine

This 17.9-acre park and tidelands is

located on Semiahmoo Spit betweenSemiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor inBlaine. The property includes 8,812 linear feet of shoreline and tidelands that provide access to extensiveclamming beds, picnicking,beachcombing areas, fishing, and hand- carry boat access.

The site has been improved with a 1.5 mile paved multipurpose trail extending from the south end of the spit east to Semiahmoo Resort and the original Alaska Packers Cannery site.

Several Alaska Packers Associationcannery buildings were relocated to thesouthwest edge of the spit from thenortheast spit cannery site.

The buildings include a 1,040 squarefoot building used for an interpretivecenter and museum, 1,040 square foot building used for restrooms, storage,and meetings, and a 2,000 square foot 2-story building used as a meeting hall.

Possible improvements Restore the original cannery buildings to support expanded use for retreats,meetings, and interpretive exhibits.

Redevelop the playground area behind the buildings to provide picnic tables and shelters, bird watching blinds, and access to the beach.

Expand trailhead parking at the westernend of the spit adjacent to the original cannery buildings and at the east end of the spit adjacent to the condominiums to increase access to the trail and beach.Link the park to the Blaine trail systemacquiring property when available.


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Whatcom County Silver Lake Park Silver Lake and Black Mountain Roads,Sumas

This 412.1-acre conservancy, historic farmstead, and recreational park is

located on Silver Lake and Black Mountain Roads on Silver Lake east of Sumas. The site provides 5,699 linear feet of waterfront along the west and south shores of Silver Lake on what had been a private resort, early-day homestead, and logging site.

The active park area includes a 5,699 square foot building housing a concession area and kitchen, meeting room, restrooms, office, apartment, and 3-bedroom overnight lodge. Attached to the building is a 2,700 square foot outdoor deck.

The active area also includes 6 lakesiderental cabins totaling 2,350 square feet,a boat landing, picnic areas,playground, swimming beach, launchdock, parking, and 3,025 square foot picnic shelter.

Camping is provided in 3 separate areas of the park and includes the main 65- site recreational campground with 35 improved sites with electricity and water, a 200 square foot bunkhouse,shower and restroom buildings, and sanitary dump station.

An equestrian camp in the northernportion of the park has 28 improved campsites, 2 each 29-stall horse stables totaling 7,000 square feet, and 2 each675 square foot covered kitchenshelters.

The group camp area has water and electrical hookups for 30 units and a 1,500 square foot kitchen shelter.

The park has a 2,850 square foot storage barn, 2,970 square foot barnand shop, and 1,050 square foot equipment shed. Other site

improvements include 4 small employeecabins totaling 1,010 square feet and 2 park manager residences totaling 2,880 square feet. Restrooms and vaulted toilets have been developed throughout the park site.

The Gerdrum Home/Museum is located west across from the main park entrance and is the site of the original Gerdrum Homestead. The 1,540 square


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foot 2-story home was built in the1890s.

The Black Mountain Forestry Center is located on adjoining leased park property. The Center is operated by volunteers and provides outdoor educational displays of historical logging equipment with 7 small exhibit buildings focusing on forest management practices.

Possible improvements Lakeside expand the rental cabinoffering to include more cabins and yurts with lakeside views or access.

Increase the meeting opportunities offered in the main building to cater to off-season weekend retreats for families and corporations.

Trail linkage expand trail access between the active area, south lakefront,group camp, equestrian camp, and Black Mountain.


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Whatcom County

Smith & Northwest Sports Fields Smith & Northwest Roads, Ferndale

This 35.0-acre county property is located

on the southeast corner of Smith and Northwest Roads east of Ferndale city limits.

The site includes the historic county hospital that has been converted into anannex for the Public Works and Planning Departments.

The Whatcom Soccer Association (WSA) and Boys & Girls Club lease and operate25 acres providing 12 grass soccer fields, 4 grass 60x200 foot Little Leaguebaseball fields, and a T-Ball field.

The Bellingham Gun Club also leases and operates a skeet and trap range. A 1.1- mile walking trail has been developed around the fields.

Possible improvements Extend trail systems around thecomplete perimeter of the property including the wetlands located south of the Little League fields. Install interpretive signage, rest stops, and other trailside amenities.

Consider permitting development of additional fields in the open spacelocated in the southwest corner along Northwest Road.

Consider developing a limited stay tournament-related camping capability in the southwest corner of the property along Northwest Road to support athletic tournaments at the site.


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Whatcom County

South Fork County Park (Acme, Overby, and Nesset Farms) Mosquito Lake Road, Acme

These 3 farmsteads totaling 603.0-acres are located on the South Fork of theNooksack River off Mosquito Lake Road.

East Acme Farm includes 262.2 acres with 8,425 linear feet of river shoreline.

Overby Farm property includes 234.8 acres with 7,145 linear feet of river shoreline.

The Nesset Farm includes 106.0 acres with 5,200 linear feet of river shorelinealong with the historic Nesset homestead that includes the home, barn, garage,

restored barn, and various sheds.

Possible improvements Develop access and parking for thecombined park complex.

Develop trailheads and a system of shoreline and woodland access trails between the properties.

Develop a waterfront campground and trailhead with picnic tables and shelter on the East Acme farm adjacent to theriver.

Restore the Nesset homestead and usethe site and buildings for agricultural interpretive programs.

Acquire easement and DNR property to link the north and south portions of thepark.


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Whatcom County

Squires Lake Park Old Highway 99, Whatcom County

This 84.2-acre park property is located off Old Highway 99 on Squires Lake onthe Whatcom/Skagit County line.(Approximately 57.2 acres of the site arelocated within Skagit County.)

The site includes a 10-acre lake with3,300 linear feet of shoreline.

The site has been improved with 3.5 miles of trail and several rest areas around the lake perimeter.


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Whatcom County

Stimpson Family NatureReserve & AndersonProperty (Lake LouiseNRCA) Lake Louise Road, BellinghamThis 350.0-acre resource conservationarea is located off Lake Louise Road east of Bellingham city limits and includes theLake Louise Natural ResourceConservation Area (NRCA)..

The reserve is a cooperative project by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Washington StateParks & Recreation Commission,Bellingham, Whatcom Land Trust, and Whatcom County and is managed by Whatcom County Parks & Recreation.

The site has been improved with a 4.0- mile trail, trailhead, pond overlook, and benches.

Possible improvements Link trail access east and west throughthe site with other trail opportunities onLookout Mountain and install a vault toilet.


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Whatcom County

Sunnyside Landing North Shore Drive, Bellingham

This 6.2-acre multi-use park property is located on the northeast shoreline of Lake Whatcom and accessed from NorthShore Drive. The park site includes 700 linear feet of shoreline along the route of the historic Bellingham Bay & EasternRailroad (BBE) right-of-way.

Possible improvements Develop a multipurpose trail on the BBE railroad grade and trestle along theshoreline connecting the site to LakeWhatcom Park North and the Hertz Trail.

Develop a small day use area withparking for the multipurpose trail and to provide access to the Lake Whatcom

water trail system.NoteLake Whatcom serves as the drinking water supply for over half of thecountys residents and as such, all proposed park activities must beevaluated in the context of their impact on water quality. In addition, parks activities need to be consistent withexisting goals and policies of the Joint Lake Whatcom Management Program.


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Whatcom County

Sunset Farm EquestrianCenter Blaine Road, Birch Bay

This 69.5-acre special purpose park is

located on Blaine Road in Birch Bay. Theproperty includes wetlands, open fields,and woodlands.

The property contains a 3,060 squarefoot stable, 1,180 square foot garageand shop, and 1,600 square foot residence.

The site has been improved with riding trails, open riding areas, jumps, a round pen, and a large outdoor arena.

The property is currently managed and operated as a special purpose park providing equestrian facilities and services including horse boarding,training, and limited competitions by theon-site concessionaire.

Possible improvements In association with a concessionaireand/or agreement with an equestrianuser group, develop additional equestrian facilities and services including more stables and corrals,outdoor training and competition riding areas, and equestrian trail linkages withsurrounding sites of interest in Birch Bay and along the Centennial Trail.

Restore and enhance the natural drainage features and wetlands that flow into and through the site.

Develop an access trail to Birch Bay, and consider developing a day-use area inthe woodlands with nature trails and exhibits, picnic tables and shelters.


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Whatcom County

Whatcom County Park Headquarters Mount Baker Highway, Foothills

This 4.5-acre park headquarters

complex is located on Mount Baker Highway in the Foothills area. Thecomplex also serves as a visitor information center along the Mount Baker Highway.

The site houses the Parks Departments 3,300 square foot administrative offices,3,500 square foot equipment garage,4,300 square foot maintenance shop,and 1,900 square foot paint and storageshed.

An adjoining 1,700 square foot building is leased to the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Documents

Whatcom County Park Plans (Full List)