Several Bellingham parks will have nightly gate closures starting in May

Starting May 1, Bellingham will enforce nightly gate closures at Boulevard, Cornwall, and Squalicum Creek parks to combat vandalism and illegal activities. The gates will lock at 10:00 p. m. and reopen at 6:00 a. m.

to deter nighttime mischief, which includes vandalism, overnight camping, and fires. Parks Manager Steve Janiszewski revealed that vandalism inflicted approximately $17,500 in damages last year, a figure that more than doubled compared to 2023. A significant incident highlighted the issue when a driver caused extensive damage by driving over the turf at Boulevard Park last November. The Parks and Recreation Department encourages park visitors to plan accordingly to avoid being locked in after hours. This policy change reflects a proactive approach to enhancing park security and maintaining the integrity of community spaces.

By addressing these concerns, the city aims to foster a safer environment for residents and visitors alike.