FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 30, 2007
Contact: Ann Grimm
Port of Bellingham
(360) 676-2500 Freeman Anthony
City of Bellingham
(360) 676-6961
Marine Park Scheduled To Close
During City Outfall Construction Project
[Bellingham, Wash.] The Port of Bellingham's Marine Park in Fairhaven will be temporarily closed for the month of September while the City of Bellingham completes work upgrading the city's sewer system. Beginning Tuesday Marine Park will be closed both to vehicles and pedestrians.
The city began working to replace its secondary outfall piping in July and has structured this project so that it would require just one month of park closure. The city's Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant Alternate Outfall Replacement Project involves installing a larger alternate outfall pipe from Post Point. The new pipe will accommodate future expansion of the wastewater treatment plant to handle high flows during rainstorms. The original alternative outfall pipe, built in 1949 is an overflow outfall designed to function only when the primary outfall is nearing its capacity.
During the closure, the gates to the park will be locked and the park will be closed to both vehicle and foot traffic while the upland construction is completed.
"We know how popular Marine Park is with the community and we appreciate everyone's patience while the city completes this essential project," said Port Executive Director Jim Darling. "We will re-open the park as soon as possible."
In addition to Marine Park, the port also operates Zuanich Point Park, Tom Glenn Common, Marine Drive Trail, Blaine Public Fishing Pier, and numerous waterfront trails and promenades.
