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Draft:Bellingham Boardwalk

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Bellingham Boardwalk
Bellingham Boardwalk from Boulevard Park in 2024
Map
TypeBoardwalk, Pier
LocationBellingham, Washington
Coordinates48°43′49.4″N 122°30′13.7″W / 48.730389°N 122.503806°W / 48.730389; -122.503806
Area0.6 miles (0.97 km)
Operated byCity of Bellingham
StatusPublic
Websitecob.org

Bellingham Boardwalk is a 0.6 miles (0.97 km) Boardwalk in Bellingham, Washington, United States. The Boardwalk is is flanked by the Bellingham Bay, with Boulevard Park and Bellingham to the North, Fairhaven to the South, and the Bellingham Boulevard to the East.

It is frequented by locals and visitors alike and is known for its scenic views of the Bellingham Bay, and the Downtown Bellingham Skyline. It is considered one of the top-rated landmarks in the Bellingham Metropolitan Area.[1]

Attractions

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The Boardwalk from Boulevard Park to Fairhaven is one of Bellingham's most scenic and popular attractions. Stretching along the waterfront, this picturesque path connects two of the city’s most beloved outdoor destinations: Taylor Dock and Boulevard Park.

The Boardwalk offers un-disturbed views of Bellingham Bay and the surrounding mountains such as Mount Baker, making it a favorite for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. It provides a relaxing, accessible way to experience the natural beauty of the area while connecting Boulevard Park with the historic Fairhaven district.

Visitors can explore Taylor Dock, a historic pier known for its recreational opportunities such as boating, kayaking, fishing, and crabbing. The dock is also a popular spot for picnicking, sunbathing, and birdwatching, with panoramic views perfect for photography.

At the other end of the boardwalk lies Boulevard Park, a green space offering picnic areas, walking trails, and access to the waterfront for fishing and crabbing.

The Boardwalk provides a direct connection between these two destinations.[2]

History

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Boulevard Park and South Bay Trail underwent a transformative enhancement with the renovation of Taylor Dock and the establishment of the Boardwalk, extending the trail into the park area. Commencing in 1988, a initiative was initiated to repurpose this former industrial dock for public access, linking it to the trail that leads into the park. This endeavor underwent numerous iterations before reaching completion in 2006.[3]

Bellingham Boardwalk from Taylor Dock

The Taylor Dock and Boardwalk, which is attached to the Bellingham Boardwalk includes a Statue, a recreational dock and a gazebo. Originally placed without permission at Taylor Dock in 2011, 'Grace,' a sculpture created by an artist who later removed it, has resurfaced along the boardwalk in Bellingham on several occasions over the years.[4] The "rogue" statue last reappeared in 2021 and has remained in place ever since.[4] [5]

Henry King incident

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In Early 2023, a Homeless man named Henry King was murdered while on the Boardwalk, his death sparked sadness and outrage across the community. A local man organized a fundraiser for a Memorial Bench to install at the Bellingham Boardwalk.[6] [7] BPD Detectives arrested a suspect in December of that same year.[8] Coincidently Immediately following the news of an arrest, the City of Bellingham broke ground on the Memorial bench project and once it was installed it read "In Loving Memory of Henry Howard King - Donated by The Loving People of Whatcom".[9] [10]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Sitting on the Dock on the Bay - Taylor Dock and Boulevard Park in Bellingham". bellingham.org.
  2. ^ "Taylor Dock Bellingham". September 20, 2021.
  3. ^ "Fairhaven History".
  4. ^ a b https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/local/article249612618.html
  5. ^ "Walk, Drink, Eat: Fairhaven to Bellingham via the South Bay Trail". March 18, 2019.
  6. ^ "Memorial bench for Henry King installed at Boulevard Park".
  7. ^ "City installing memorial bench to honor Henry King".
  8. ^ Anderson, Audra (March 16, 2023). "Man found dead at Taylor Dock remembered for kind, loving heart | Cascadia Daily News". www.cascadiadaily.com.
  9. ^ https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/local/article283896188.html
  10. ^ Staff, A. O. L. (December 10, 2023). "Memorial bench will honor Henry King, who was slain at Bellingham's Boulevard Park". www.aol.com.
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Category:Parks in Washington (state) Category:Geography of Bellingham, Washington Category:Parks in Whatcom County, Washington Category:Tourist attractions in Bellingham, Washington