BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Lake Whatcom visitors should prepare for some construction near the water this summer.

A section of Bloedel Donovan Park will be roped off as crews work on electrical upgrades to the community building.

Existing mechanical systems will be replaced by more efficient electrical units and the building’s roof will be replaced as well. The upgrades will allow the city to install a single EV charging station at the park, with the possibility of more coming in the future.

Project engineer Gina Austin told the city council in March that she expects the construction to take place intermittently between June 1 and Sept. 30. She acknowledged that is the busiest time of year for the park, so the city will take steps to make sure key services aren’t interrupted.

“We’re going to take extra care with the contractor and make sure that we can get people moving around; keep the restrooms open, boat ramp open and allow people an accessible route to the water along the east side of the building.”

Signs and flaggers will be in place to guide traffic around the construction work. The city says the construction might cause additional congestion, so it’s advising the public to use alternative transportation.

Courtesy of the City of Bellingham