One of Bellingham's most distinctive outdoor destinations is getting a visible upgrade this summer. The Bellingham Parks and Recreation department has launched a perimeter fence restoration project at Big Rock Garden Park that is expected to run through September 30, 2026. The work addresses fence components that are decades old and in need of structural repair, while preserving the craftsmanship of the original builder.

Big Rock Garden Park, located in the Birchwood neighborhood of north Bellingham, is one of the city's most unusual public spaces. The park is home to 37 permanent artworks by distinguished international and local artists, displayed across a landscape of flowing water features, native plantings, and carved stone. Entry is free and the park draws visitors year-round, though it is especially popular in summer when the gardens are in full bloom.

What the Project Involves

The original perimeter fence was constructed decades ago by George Drake, who developed much of the park's distinctive character. While many of the existing fence posts remain sound and will be kept in place, the Parks Improvements Team is replacing hundreds of pickets and framing boards throughout the fence line. The roof structure design for the front entrance gate is also being rebuilt to match its original form. Electrical infrastructure in the garden is receiving cleanup work as part of the project as well.

The decision to retain the original posts where possible reflects a preservation approach consistent with the park's history. Big Rock Garden has a character unlike any other Bellingham park, shaped by decades of intentional design and artistic curation. Maintaining that character through the restoration, rather than replacing the fence wholesale with new materials, means the park's visual continuity will survive the update.

Parks staff expect the project to be fully complete by September 30. During the construction period, portions of the perimeter may look incomplete or have temporary barriers in place, but the park itself remains open to visitors throughout the work.

About Big Rock Garden Park

Big Rock Garden opened in 2000 after years of development led by dedicated community volunteers and arts advocates. The park spans about three acres off Sylvan Street near the intersection with Yew Street Road in north Bellingham. Its 37 permanent sculptures range from large carved stone works to metal installations and ceramic pieces, representing artists from across the Pacific Northwest and internationally.

The park is operated by the City of Bellingham Parks and Recreation department and is open daily from dawn to dusk. There is no admission fee, and the grounds are accessible by foot from the surrounding Birchwood and Cordata neighborhoods. Parking is available along the street near the park entrance.

Because the park features water elements and stone pathways, visitors should wear appropriate footwear, especially in wet conditions. Dogs are welcome on leash. The park's garden sections change with the seasons, meaning a visit in late summer looks quite different from one in spring or fall.

Bellingham's Outdoor Art Scene

Big Rock Garden is part of a broader network of public art in Bellingham that includes murals, sculptures, and installation works scattered across downtown and neighborhood parks. The city has invested steadily in public art as a component of its parks and public spaces planning, and Big Rock Garden represents one of the longest-running and most ambitious examples of that investment.

The Bellingham arts and culture scene extends well beyond the garden, with First Friday gallery walks downtown, the Whatcom Museum on Prospect Street, and a year-round calendar of public performances and exhibitions. But for visitors who want free, self-guided art in an outdoor setting, Big Rock Garden remains one of the most rewarding destinations in the county.

The fence project is a reminder that maintaining beloved public infrastructure takes ongoing investment. When the work wraps up at the end of September, visitors will find the same park they have always loved, with a fence that should hold up for another generation. For updates on the project timeline or any temporary closures, check the city's parks page for notifications.