2014 Year in Review: Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2

By Heidi Holmes

New faces and a new name started off the 2014 season for the Northwest Park and Recreation District 2. We welcomed Sheli Moore onto the board of commissioners; outgoing commissioner Ted Morris was selected by the board to act as the volunteer director for the district.

The commissioners signed a resolution in January to adopt a new name, Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2), to better represent the district that it serves. The name became official in February after approval by Whatcom County Council.

The Birch Bay Activity Center saw many new faces and growth of some popular activities, such as Zumba, pickleball and line dancing. Potluck line dancing dinners were held in the gym, featuring music by The Bounty Hunter.

We added a weekly yoga program to the schedule, and purchased a professional volleyball system, which is available at the center for club use or adult leagues. Local softball and basketball leagues rented the center for practices as well as many private rentals for birthday parties.

During the school year, the gym was available for free during the Blaine school district learning improvement day for the kids to participate in activities and games. Summer programs offered to school age children included the Thursdays in the Park series, Pirate Daze and Family Fun Run. In conjunction with the Bellingham Power Squadron, the district offered a free boating safety course to children, followed up with a ride on the historic Plover ferry.

BBBPRD2 is working with the city of Blaine this year to help install a new playground at Blaine Marine Park. The board approved $150,000 towards the pirate-themed playground structure. The board also awarded grants to help repair a birding shelter at Marine Park and to Drayton Harbor Maritime to assist in the restoration of a sailboat.