The sidewalk at the museum demonstrates the benefits such as textural interest and separation of public spaces from the road provided by low-impact stormwater management.

Downtown Bellingham

The sidewalk at the museum demonstrates the benefits such as textural interest and separation of public spaces from the road provided by low-impact stormwater management.

Include tour of facilities outside the downtown core for a 4-mile tour.

4-mile tour could take up to 2 hours.

The Downtown Bellingham Discovery Tour is an opportunity to learn how the City is managing stormwater runoff and reducing water pollution in this area. The downtown core is a highly urbanized area that drains to Whatcom Creek. For that reason, infiltrating as much of the stormwater occurring in this area is imperative for water quality in the creek. This tour will introduce you to seven different types of stormwater facilities including: engineered rain gardens, permeable pavers, a bioswale, and a sand filter. The Downtown Bellingham Discovery Tour also includes additional sites outside of the downtown core.

The Downtown Improvement Gardens (DIG) have been treating stormwater runoff from over 80 urban acres which has improved Whatcom Creek water quality. The project installed 36 engineered rain gardens in strategic locations downtown that are both effective and cost-effective as compared to large centralized stormwater treatment methods. Many of Bellingham’s rain gardens in the downtown area have been adopted by local residents and businesses. These Rain Garden Stewards volunteer to do light maintenance including weeding, litter pick up, and reporting clogs.

approximate distance

assets_icon-distance

0.5

miles

approximate time

30

minutes

Include tour of facilities outside the downtown core for a 4-mile tour.

4-mile tour could take up to 2 hours.

Stormwater facilities are scattered around downtown. All are accessible by wheelchair, bike, or pedestrians. Handicapped parking is mostly available in the downtown core area.

This tour is accessible with a wheelchair.

Use this button below to open map in Google Maps or skip map

A

During times of high runoff, this drain allows excess water to flow away. The grate shown here prevents leaves and larger debris from entering the stormwater system below.
During times of high runoff, this drain allows excess water to flow away. The grate shown here prevents leaves and larger debris from entering the stormwater system below.

B

Water flows through the curb cut at the top of the photo and flows through the plants and soil. The drain removes any excess water that doesn't soak in.
Water flows through the curb cut at the top of the photo and flows through the plants and soil. The drain removes any excess water that doesn’t soak in.

C

This bioswale was incorporated into the design for the nearby roundabout. It helps to beautify the intersection, improve safety, and treat stormwater runoff.
This bioswale was incorporated into the design for the nearby roundabout. It helps to beautify the intersection, improve safety, and treat stormwater runoff.

D

Seating and plants enhance the atmosphere of the public market. The rocks slow the stormwater down so sediment can settle out.
Seating and plants enhance the atmosphere of the public market. The rocks slow the stormwater down so sediment can settle out.

E

Instead of laying solid concrete or asphalt, permeable pavers here provide a durable and pleasing hardscape and keeps the surface dry for all users.
Instead of laying solid concrete or asphalt, permeable pavers here provide a durable and pleasing hardscape and keeps the surface dry for all users.

F

This engineered rain garden collects road runoff at this busy intersection. What doesn't infiltrate flows down into under-drains to underground stormwater pipes.
This engineered rain garden collects road runoff at this busy intersection. What doesn’t infiltrate flows down into under-drains to underground stormwater pipes.

G

Permeable pavers not only remove pollutants by allowing stormwater to soak into the ground, but they provide structure and textures to urban spaces and sidewalks.
Permeable pavers not only remove pollutants by allowing stormwater to soak into the ground, but they provide structure and textures to urban spaces and sidewalks.

H

Permeable pavers alongside the asphalt street also clearly define the parking area. The linear concrete strip holds the pavers in place.
Permeable pavers alongside the asphalt street also clearly define the parking area. The linear concrete strip holds the pavers in place.

I

The grate covering the planter box keeps garbage out and protects the soil media below.
The grate covering the planter box keeps garbage out and protects the soil media below.

J

Engineered rain gardens like this one are found in many places effectively infiltrating stormwater and reducing pollution to Whatcom Creek.
Engineered rain gardens like this one are found in many places effectively infiltrating stormwater and reducing pollution to Whatcom Creek.