Bender Recreation Facility Expansion

Category Overview

Local Parks grants help protect these symbols of vibrant communities, providing places for families to gather and play and promoting a healthy and active lifestyle in an era when people spend increasing amounts of their time inside. The WWRP is the largest source of local parks funding in Washington, helping communities fund the acquisition, development, and renovation of vital recreation areas and green spaces.

Project Highlights

This project is to acquire 20 acres of land immediately north of existing Bender Field Recreation Facility. The current facility consists of eight lighted softball fields, four additional practice fields that double as soccer fields, and Bocci ball courts. Bender Field Recreation Facility serves the City of Lynden, Lynden and Lynden Christian School Districts, as well as the surrounding communities of Everson, Nooksack, Sumas, Ferndale, and Bellingham. Expanded facilities will provide the city the opportunity to diversify current recreational options including the addition of dedicated soccer fields, a regulation baseball diamond, basketball and tennis courts. If the city does not purchase the property, it will be developed residentially, and public access will be lost.

Quick Facts

WWRP Applicant: Lynden Regional Park District Category: Local Parks WWRP Grant: $500,000.00 Applicant Match: $564,000.00 Project Type: Acquisition County: Whatcom Legislative District: 42 Status: Closed Completed RCO Project # 98-1102

Location Details

Exit 256 from I-5, travel north on SR 539 (Guide Meridian) approximately 12 miles to SR 546 (East Badger Road), turn right & travel west for approximately 2 miles, turn right on Bender Road, Turn left on Aaron Drive, and site is located south of Aaron Drive and north of the existing Bender Field facility.

What is the WWRP

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) is a state grant program that creates and conserves local and state parks, wildlife habitat and working farms. The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers WWRP grants, and the legislature funds the program.