A recent master plan update for the Park was approved by the Bellingham City Council in 2012. Future improvements included in the master plan consist of new stormwater facilities to treat existing runoff, removal of a concrete bulkhead, and construction of a new boathouse. The Parks Department is coordinating stormwater improvements with the City of Bellingham Public Works Stormwater Division through a grant funded by the Washington State Department of Ecology.
Here are some activities planned at Bloedel Donovan Park for April 2013:
1. Land surveying of the park (no anticipated impacts to park use)
2. Geotechnical borings (minor temporary impacts to park use)
Geotechnical information is needed in order to assess the type of stormwater improvements that will be implemented at the park. We have received a shoreline exemption for this work (see attached) and permission from the Public Works and Planning Directors to work inside the watershed. Work will most likely occur during the workweek and is only expected to take a few days.
In January 2013, Parks and Recreation sent out letters regarding upcoming stakeholders meetings. Stakeholder’s meetings will be scheduled during key stages of the design process. The purpose of the stakeholder workgroup is to review the project design, have an open dialog, and convey information to local organizations and park user groups. No meetings have been scheduled yet.
Design and permitting of stormwater retrofits and other improvements at the park is ongoing. Construction activities at the park are tentatively planned for summer and fall of 2014. Temporary impacts at the park could include construction noise, use of existing parking stalls for construction access and staging, and temporary closures of portions of the lawn and shoreline area.
Additional project updates will be emailed or mailed to the interested parties list as the project progresses. Feel free to call and email with any questions.
Gina G. Austin, P.E., MSCE
Project Engineer
City of Bellingham - Parks/Design & Development Division
3424 Meridian, Bellingham, Washington 98225
Phone: (360) 778-7000 / Fax: (360) 778-7001 / TTY (360) 738-7366
Email: gaustin@cob.org
Web: www.cob.org
City of Bellingham - Parks/Design & Development Division
3424 Meridian, Bellingham, Washington 98225
Phone: (360) 778-7000 / Fax: (360) 778-7001 / TTY (360) 738-7366
Email: gaustin@cob.org
Web: www.cob.org
