BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A couple has donated land to the City of Bellingham in hopes of preserving natural areas inside the city.

The Bellingham City Council accepted the two parcels of land in south Bellingham valued at $680,000 during their Parks and Recreation meeting this week.

Located on 32nd Street in Happy Valley, one of the properties is just over an acre in size and is made up of largely wetlands that backs up to Connelly Creek.

Parks Director Nicole Oliver said during the meeting that the department will do maintenance on the property and, after assessment, may add trail access from the street to the creek…

“We’re very appreciative of [this couple], the Robinsons, who are here. They’re big supporters of parks and wanted to urge that as we move forward on the waterfront that we include more trees and places for people to gather, and not just focus on redevelopment,” Oliver said.

The other parcel encompasses 6.3 acres of forested hill next to Arroyo Park and crosses over Chuckanut Creek.

David and Carol Robinson requested the properties be placed under a permanent deed restriction, designating the land as solely for parks or open space purposes.