BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The City of Bellingham added 42 acres to its parks and open spaces in 2022.

The Parks and Recreation Department says the properties were paid for with Greenways levy funds and park impact fees.

The largest parcel was 20 acres of forested wetlands added to the East Bear Creek Open Space between Northwest and Aldrich Road.

Another 17.5 acres extends the greenway east of Sunset Pond.

Other purchases were made around the city.

The department says they expand existing parks, improve trail connectivity and permanently protect wildlife.