Annual Walk for Water Event

​​​The United Nations’ World Water Day, internationally recognized on March 22 each year, highlights the importance of freshwater and the sustainable management of freshwater sources. The City of Bellingham honors World Water Day each March with an annual Walk for Water event, which raises awareness of the global lack of access to clean water and educates Bellingham citizens on the annual World Water Day theme. This walk symbolizes a portion of the approximately 3.7 miles that millions of people worldwide frequently have to travel to collect water for household use.

Walk for Water 2018

The theme of the 2018 World Water Day is Nature for Water. In support of this, Bellingham’s Walk for Water event will highlight a number of City restoration and stormwater projects that protect our water sources by restoring and mimicking natural systems. Educational signs along the 2.2-mile route will teach participants about these projects and other water-related topics. This is a free, family-friendly event. Organizations will host informational booths and activities in the Fairhaven Village Green before and after the walk for all ages to enjoy. Unaccompanied youth under the age of 18 must bring a signed Youth Liability Release Form to participate in the Walk for Water event. 

Date: Saturday, March 24, 2018

Time: 10 a.m. to noon

Length: 2.2 miles

Location: Meet at the Fairhaven Village Green (1207 10th Street) to sign in before the walk.

Route: The walk will start at the Fairhaven Village Green and travel along Padden Creek to the Padden Creek Daylighting project. Participants will also stop at the Harris Avenue Water Quality Facility on Harris Avenue and the Padden Creek Estuary. The walk ends at the Fairhaven Village Green.*

Participants are encouraged to carry jugs filled with water during the walk to simulate the work that many individuals in developing countries (mostly women and children) do every day to obtain water. You can bring your own jug or grab a pre-filled jug at the event. The first 50 participants will receive a free stainless steel water bottle after completing the walk.

*This route travels along a gravel path and is not easily accessible by wheelchair. The Padden Creek Daylighting project, Harris Avenue Water Quality Facility and the Padden Creek Estuary, as well as the educational displays at the Fairhaven Village Green, are all wheelchair accessible. See more information below.

Restoration and Stormwater Projects

City staff will be located at the Padden Creek Daylighting Project, the Harris Avenue Water Quality Facility and the Padden Creek Estuary to provide more information about the projects and answer questions. The Padden Creek Daylighting project is located near the Trailhead for the Interurban Trail at 1815 Old Fairhaven Parkway. City staff will be available to talk about the Harris Avenue Water Quality Facility at the corner of 8th Street and Harris Avenue. The Padden Creek Estuary is located just across the street from the Harris Avenue Water Quality Facility.

Resources

Contacts

​Public Works Natural Resources (360) 778-7800