BELLINGHAM, Wash. — The city of Bellingham is moving forward with construction on two beach areas at Boulevard Park that aim to improve public access and address climate impacts.
The restoration area includes the shoreline south of the Woods Coffee, according to a map in city documents.
Storms in 2021 caused significant erosion to the shoreline, which led staff to install a hazard fence and signage. Rising sea levels caused by climate change could cause further coastal erosion in the future.
“If you’re at the park, you’ll see it looks like this,” project engineer Gina Austin told council members at an Oct. 21 meeting, pointing to photos of a rocky revetment and high-grade trail. “You’re up high and you’re on the trail. You don’t feel like you’re at the beach, and we’re going to create that beach area.”
The planned work includes removing rock armor and failing revetments from the beaches. New backshore planting on the higher elevations will help mitigate erosion impacts. Crews will also add a stable trail to increase public access to the beach. Educational signage will also be installed.
“These new soft beaches are resilient and preferred and better for habitat and people than a rock revetment or a concrete wall,” Austin said.
Bellingham City Council members unanimously approved a contract for the work on Oct. 21. The contract was awarded to Premium Services Inc. for $835,355.84.
The Washington Recreation and Conservation Office awarded the city a $500,000 grant that will cover half the cost of the project. Bellingham's Greenways Program, which is funded through a property tax levy, will pay for the other half.
Austin said this project completes beach creation at the part, although an area north of the playground and beach that was created in 2013 is earmarked for future cleanup.
