A Locals' Guide to Bellingham's Treasures

Zuanich Point Park is combed daily by soft breezes off Bellingham’s bay. Benches are set along the perimeter footpath facing the breakwater, those spilled puzzle rock walls that watery winds burst upon. Truly, each bench faces the wrong way. Yes, a sunset in slow explosion is a marvel, but look over your shoulder at Zuanich Park to see what wind can do. Above the crisscrossing walkers, bikers, rollerbladers and dogs fly a flurry of flapping kites. Trick kites tethered to two hands twirl and dive between dragon-tailed and diamond-winged fliers. Like a good fishing hole turned upside down, dozens of taut lines reach toward the sky. The trick kites are expertly maneuvered low to the ground, while long-tailed kites become specks hundreds of feet above the park. This scene of twirling colors over a whitewater bay captures the true feeling of living in Bellingham. A meadow of masts in nearby Squalicum Harbor offers the perfect backdrop of coastal living. Add to that a scattering of sailboat leisurely coming home and Zuanich Park is postcard perfect display of Bellingham life. Atop the small rise in the park is a free viewing telescope to scan the San Juan Islands or look across to the Western Washington University campus. This view of Bellingham dwellings cascading down from the Sehome Hill Arboretum has long been a favorite of mine. Anytime friends or family visit my little Northwest berg I must take them to Zuanich Park to behold the shoreline from downtown to Old Fairhaven. Along this landscape one can gain a true appreciation of Bellingham’s beauty. All aspects of our town’s appeal are within view: sunsets, sailboats and snow-peaked mountains. A giant plastic boat set in the children’s play area adds to the overall appeal of this park among the dozens within city limits. Any warm and shiny day is well spent lounging on the soft lawns at Zuanich Park. Either working your way through a good book, or building your body doing laps on a bike, take a moment to look up and around. Bellingham flutters with color between gray rain showers. Be sure not to miss it.

Jason Small jason@bellinghamplaces.com

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