The Alabama Hill neighborhood has two parks, St. Clair and Highland Heights. The neighbors and users of Highland Heights Park have recently started a blog to try and get others interested in helping to get the city to make some needed upgrades to the park.
It seems like some of the park equipment has been breaking down and is being removed by the city. The good news is that the city has said that new playground equipment and professional service and design for the park are part of the 2009 city budget. The actual construction phase is in the 2010 budget. The bad news is that the city is projecting a budget deficit and they're looking for places to make budget cuts. The city had approved improvements to 2 parks in 2009, the other park has been removed from the plans leaving only Highland Heights. But considering the financial strains of the times, it probably wouldn't take much to take the park improvement off the budget.
The Alabama Neighborhood Association is trying to come up with ideas to help get the park improved. Their suggestions include a fundraiser, maybe a garage sale in spring, or some other creative way to come up with some funds to show the city that the neighborhood is serious about upgrading the park. With money on the table to help the city is less likely to remove the park improvement project from the budget. If you're interested go to http://highlandheightspark.ning.com/ and help make Highland Heights Park one our kids can really enjoy.

Labels: Alabama Hill Market, Alabama Hill Neighborhood, Alabama Hill Parks

The Alabama Hill neighborhood is named for the major arterial street that bisects the neighborhood, Alabama Street. It is perched on the Hill where many of the homes in this neighborhood take full advantage of the beautiful views of the city, Bellingham Bay and the islands beyond, with fantastic sunsets like the picture to the left available to many of the neighborhood residents. Most of the homes were built during the 60s and 70s.

 

Whatcom Falls Park is at the south end of the neighborhood, there are a few small neighborhood parks like St. Clair and Highland Heights Park and one of Bellingham's hidden treasures Big Rock Garden Park with its beautiful array of outdoor sculptures. The neighborhood also borders below Bloedel-Donovan Park and access to Lake Whatcom. The popular Railroad Trail winds through the neighborhood as well.

Students in this neighborhood attended Roosevelt elementary, Whatcom Middle School and Bellingham High School.

Labels: Alabama Hill Neighborhood, Alabama Hill Parks, Alabama Hill Trails

Whatcom Falls Park is located at the southern edge of the neighborhood and can be accessed by bicycle and pedestrian traffic. This beautiful, forested park runs along Whatcom Creek and features several miles of hiking trails. The park also has basketball and tennis courts, two playgrounds, a fish hatchery, fishing area and two shelters near the parking lot on its southern side. (Automobiles must drive around to the Whatcom Falls Neighborhood to reach this park.)

St. Clair Park is a small neighborhood park located adjacent to Whatcom Falls Park at the southern end of St. Clair St. It has a small playground and grassy area perfect for younger children.

Highland Park is a small park located on Vining St. in the northern section of the neighborhood.

Railroad Trail runs through the middle of the Alabama Hill Neighborhood. It is a 3-mile long pedestrian and bicycle path connecting Bloedel Donovan Park to Memorial Park in the Sunnyland Neighborhood. This trail runs adjacent to Roosevelt Elementary School and the Barkley Village shopping area to the west of the neighborhood. The pedestrian bridge over Alabama Street (right) is part of the trail and provides a safe connection between the northern and southern sections of the neighborhood. The bridge offers a great view of the city and Bellingham Bay.

Labels: Alabama Hill Neighborhood, Alabama Hill Parks, Alabama Hill Trails