Waypoint Park in Bellingham is one of the first tangible signs of the city's waterfront redevelopment of the former Georgia-Pacific paper mill site, and an exciting harbinger of things to come for the property. It also adds to the already long list of parks available to kids.
Arguably the most eye-catching part of the park is the Acid Ball, a public art sculpture created from a retired piece of paper mill equipment that was once used to help break down timber into wood pulp.
A studio in Seattle transformed the piece of industrial equipment into a work of art by coating it in tiny glass beads. The new exterior coating reflects light in the daylight and night time, allowing it to change colors for different occasions.
For the best experience, visit the Acid Ball at night with a flashlight or phone camera - and snap a photo.
Alongside the Avid Ball sculpture is grassy area to run and play, as well as a beach where you can skip rocks or look for sea life. Landscaping includes benches and well-placed rocks for perching upon and enjoying the sun and the waterfront scenery.
Recently the park has won two awards for its design: 2019 Local Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award from the Seattle section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and a 2019 Best Restored Beach award from the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA).
The playground at Waypoint Park is unique in its design. It has a working waterfront vibe with tall logs sunk into a spongy cyan play surface, making it look like pilings rising up out of the water. The equipment appeals to toddlers and elementary grade ages alike.
Adjacent to the playground is the historic Granary building, which has been refurbished and is beginning to fill with retail and other businesses.
Start at Waypoint and bike along Roeder Avenue and head toward the Bellwether and Zuanich Point Park. Along the way, stop near the Coast Guard station to explore the Waterfront Trail and maybe take a break at the small pocket beach before pedaling down to Zuanich Point Park to watch some kite flying, play on the playground or check out the boats in the marina.
On the return trip, make a stop at a hidden gem, the Marine Life Center, to explore the touch tank and peek in on the marine creatures in residence there. If you’re lucky, they’ll have a Giant Pacific Octopus among their “guests.”
Adjacent to Waypoint Park is the Granary Building, a new retail and office space center that offers stunning views of the waterfront in east reach of downtown, all in a renovated historic building.
Businesses in the Granary Building include Artivem Mead, where you can taste and purchase an assortment of locally made craft meads. You'll also find a coffee shop, an ice cream parlor, a yoga studio, and a salon.
The Portal features five local businesses creatively operating out of metal shipping containers. It's also family and pet friendly!
