BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Bellingham City Councilmembers have approved the purchase of more land from the Washington Department of Natural Resources.

City Council approved a measure on June 3 to allow Mayor Kim Lund to close on the over $2.1 million deal, which is funded through the Greenways levy.

The 116 acres of land is located just north of the Mount Baker Highway.

Bellingham Parks Development Director Laine Potter says that the sale, which is expected to close by the end of 2024, will transfer the ownership of the land from the state DNR to the City of Bellingham. Potter added that part of the land could be developed as part of the Bay to Baker trail extension, with additional paths leading to Sunset Pond Park.

Councilmember Michael Lilliquist says that while it’s a steep cost upfront, the purchase will serve as a long-term benefit for all.

“These are some pretty large parcels, but if you look at them and the past purchases we’ve done recently, you’ll find one thing in common. We are buying up riparian areas where rivers and creeks run through our community,” Lilliquist said. “Why? They’re lousy places to do development, you usually can’t develop them they’ve got things like wetlands in them. But they’re beautiful perfect places for public ownership for parks and for trails.” 

Lilliquist referred to another 42 acres of land purchased by the City of Bellingham in 2022. Park development in some of those areas is still ongoing.