BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Several popular parks in Bellingham are getting extra security to combat vandalism.

The City of Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department says Boulevard, Cornwall and Squalicum Creek parks will all have nightly gate closures starting next Thursday (May 1).

The gates will lock at 10:00 p.m. each night and will reopen at 6 a.m.

The department says it’s making the change to address a range of illegal mischief at night including vandalism, overnight camping, fires and other damage done to the parks.

Parks Manager Steve Janiszewski says vandalism at city parks caused roughly $17,500 in damages last year, more than double the cost in 2023.

My Bellingham Now previously reported that a driver caused thousands of dollars in damage when they rode over the turf at Boulevard Park last November.

Parks and Recreation is advising drivers to note the upcoming closure times to avoid locking their car behind closed gates.