We spoke to Amanda Grove, Recreational Coordinator at the City of Bellingham Parks & Recreation Department, about the new concert series and the future of Maritime Heritage Park .
The batting order of musicians looks amazing ! How did you get so many especial top-shelf local acts to sign on ?
We are truly excited about the performers coming to both our lunchtime Levitt AMP Bellingham Music Series and our Saturday flush concerts. honestly, I was surprised at the great answer from performers given this is a new, unproved venue. I view the big reception from performers as testimony that musicians and artists are in truth interested in enriching public spaces and build community.
Reading: Music in Maritime Heritage Park
MHP is a fantastic placement that many citizens avoid because they have safety concerns. What is the city doing to ensure the park is condom and healthy ?
Maritime Heritage Park is a beautiful gem in our downtown area ! I believe the biggest barrier to revitalizing this park is the populace ’ second perception. The City has taken a broad approach to addressing guard. The Parks and Recreation Department has made this park a precedence. aggressive pruning and cleaning has taken locate over the last class. signage has been posted to clarify park rules. We have been working closely with the new Neighborhood Police Officers to address guard concerns. Bicycle patrol patrols occur more frequently and police will be present at some of our larger events to ensure a class friendly environment. Our department has hired two Park Stewards for the summer who will be assisting with diversion program, monitoring park activity and writing reports to track trends, and providing some park killing related to events. We are aspirant that having the Parks Stewards supernumerary arrange of eyes on the ballpark seven days a week/ten hours a day will serve to making the ballpark tactile property safe to our community.
Read more: What is the Maritime Industry?
Could you speak to the partnership with Levitt Pavilions ? How did that come about ?
We were approached by Downtown Bellingham Partnership with this great opportunity to apply for this national grant in our efforts to revitalize and improve our downtown and Maritime Heritage Park. Bellingham was one of ten cities awarded support by Levitt Pavilions whose mission is to “ strengthen the social fabric of America though the might of complimentary, live music. ” This summer Levitt AMP Bellingham will support Downtown Sounds and our new Friday lunchtime series at Maritime Heritage Park. here is a connect to the Levitt web site for more specifics : hypertext transfer protocol : //concerts.levittamp.org/bellingham
What future events or improvements can we expect for MHP ?
For 2015, we are addressing some capital improvement projects at the park including replacement and repairing the amphitheater seat, replacing the walk light up and benches, and increasing access to the park for City maintenance vehicles, food trucks and other event relate vehicles. We have put out a call for Mural Art to bring a mural art installation event and new cool mural to the amphitheater, respective events that are hosted by our department or cosponsored with other agencies. Events include the DBP ’ s Throwback Thursday Kickball League Tournament, a Pet Parade, a scavenger hunt, Food Truck Fridays, a Children ’ s Art Festival, The Community Food Coop Annual Party, Re-Sources Bellingham GreenDrinks and more. We are in the process of entering all events on the City web page, www.cob.org ( type in Maritime in the search measure ) or you can “ Like ” us on Bellingham Parks and Recreation ’ s Facebook page .
