Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Exploring Bellingham: Zuanich Point Park


Zuanich Point Park in Bellingham, Washington.
There are many parks and trails in Bellingham, Washington. During our stay in town over these pandemic months, we've taken advantage of several. And the good news, there are many more to explore.

We took my car to the Mazda dealer for it's first inspection. We were south of town, so on the way back we decided to visit Zuanich Point Park next to the Squalicum Harbor where we used to keep the Bayliner 2452 that is now in Powell River.


Looking across Bellingham Bay to the Fairhaven neighbourhood.


David checking out the kayaks during the 2011 Ski to Sea race.
Zuanich Point Park is well known as the launch point for the kayak portion of the annual (except this year) Ski to Sea race. We went one year with our good friend David who was visiting from California.

Zuanich Point Park's history is linked to the harbor's development. In the 60s, the Port of Bellingham acquired waterfront parcels for development. Squalicum Harbor was expanded to support industry, fishing and recreational boating. In 1990, an acre was set aside for a kite flying park.

The park was expanded and named Harbor Point Park in 1994. In 1995, it was renamed Zuanich Point Park in honor of retiring Port Commissioner Pete Zuanich, Sr.

The entrance to Squalicum Harbor and the Bellweather Hotel.

Today Zuanich Point Park covers 4.4 acres and includes free parking, the Squalicum Boathouse available to rent, grass for lounging and picnics, paved trails for walking between the recreational and commercial harbours, a nautical themed children's play area, a small dock for water access, and of course, room to fly a kite.

The Anchor Memorial to lost fishermen.
There are two memorials within Zuanich Point Park to honour the fishermen who went to sea and did not return.

The first is large anchor that was moved to the park on dedication day in 1995 as a memorial to fishermen lost at sea between 1943 and 1975. Names on the plaque were supplied by a society of widowed wives.

The park was redesigned and improved in 1998.


"Safe Return" Fishermen's Memorial.
The bronze Fishermen's Memorial statue “Safe Return” was installed and dedicated on Memorial Day in 1999. It overlooks the entrance to Squalicum Harbor.

We walked the park's paths and sat on a bench to enjoy the sun, relax and read. It was also a great spot to people watch. There were walkers, joggers, families on the grass and children playing nearby. It felt good, like we are starting to emerge into a new kind of normal.

You will find Zuanich Point Park at 2600 North Harbor Loop Drive on Bellingham’s waterfront.  Nearby are nautical stores, restaurants and the Bellingham Yacht Club. Dine with a harbour view and watch commercial fishermen tend to their boats.

What kinds of parks are you visiting these days? -- Margy

10 comments :

  1. Lovely picturres. The entrance to the harbour is a beautiful view.

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    1. It is a beautiful spot, with or without a boat. - Margy

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  2. Bellingham looks like a peaceful place along the bay. I love Nara City where I live now, but sometimes miss the sea and bay area because Nara is surrounded by mountains and I’m from a coastal city. I can feel people’s prayers contained in the “Safe Return” monument.

    Yoko

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    1. I grew up near the coast, but not as close as we are either here or in our BC home in Powell River. - Margy

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  3. The park looks like a good place to spend some time. More and more people are opting for walks and time in the open like parks etc and it's good in many ways

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    1. We try to walk every day. For our power walks we use the sidewalks around the shopping mall next door before stores open. - Margy

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  4. Thanks for sharing your visit to that park! Love the photos of the harbor and the view across the bay!

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    1. You are welcome. It's so much fun seeing places from around the world. - Margy

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  5. Thanks for taking us along on your trip. I like the memorials.

    'My Corner of the World' is happy to see you this week! Thanks for linking.

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  6. WOW! The park is beautiful!

    Love the photos!

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Thanks for stopping by. Comments, questions, and suggestions are always welcome. - Margy