Year in Review 2017: Blaine Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2

By Heidi Holmes, program manager

Playground equipment, land acquisition and outdoor pickleball courts were just some of the major projects sponsored by the Blaine Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 in 2017.

In the spring of 2017, a new surface was put on the existing basketball court at Bay Horizon Park and volunteers spread asphalt sealer and painted lines to create two outdoor courts for the ever-popular sport of pickleball.

In May, the board approved the allocation of money for a down payment for purchase of 13 acres of land on Drayton Harbor Road. The property was purchased by Whatcom Land Trust which will eventually be developed and turned over to the park district for a potential parking area, bathrooms, watercraft launches and an interpretive trail.

The park district partnered with the Friends of Birch Bay State Park, BP Refinery, Washington State Parks, Drayton Archeology, North Star Landscape and Grounds Care to bring a new playground to Birch Bay State Park. The playground officially opened on October 7 and is used by many locals and visitors.

Group fitness programs continue to remain strong with classes held at the Blaine Pavilion and the Birch Bay Activity Center. New classes offered this year were barre, babysitting skills, Reiki and Qigong meditation classes. Free daycare for class participants was provided this year for parents taking classes.

Programs such as Picnic in the Playground, Pirate Daze and Kids Karnival provided outdoor play and fun for families. Partnership with the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce brought activities to the bay this past summer, such as the Kite Festival and Kids Olympics.

In June, a partnership with the Birch Bay Waterslides brought the World’s Largest Swim Lesson to the community. This was a free, one-hour water safety course encouraging kids 14 and under. The park district partnered with the waterslides to offer day camps for local kids throughout the summer at a discounted price.

In November, voters were presented with a request for a six-year renewal levy for funding of the district’s programs, staffing, capital improvements and other operating expenses. The levy passed with 71 percent voter approval.

Rounding out the year was the Holiday Lights Obstacle Dash where participants ran a 1.5-mile course and encountered holiday or winter themed obstacles spread along the route. Each finisher received a medal upon completion. The event was held in conjunction with the Blaine Holiday Harbor Lights tree lighting in downtown Blaine.