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Rental Facilities--Meetings, Programs & Events
Group Picnic Areas

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Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Rental Facilities

 

Looking for the perfect place for your meeting, program or event?  Check out Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Rental Facilities for an ideal place for your business retreat, wedding, performance, class, reception, and much more.

Bellingham Senior Activity Center

315 Halleck Street, Bellingham

Easily accessible and centrally located, the Bellingham Senior Activity Center has rental spaces that are adaptable for many uses.

Auditorium

Features:

  • Capacity--150; 20 tables/120 chairs
  • Kitchen facilities available by negotiation with Whatcom County Council on Aging.

Great Room/Coffee Bar Lounge

Features:

  • Capacity--50; 5 tables/25 chairs

Smaller Rooms

Features:

  • 6 individual rooms are available.
  • Capacity--10 to 60, depending on room. 1 to 5 tables available.

Directions:

  • Take I-5 Exit #253--Lakeway Drive
  • Turn right at end of ramp, following King Street to Lakeway
  • Turn right on Lakeway and continue to Ellis Street.
  • Turn right on Ellis.
  • Turn left on York Street.
  • Turn right on Cornwall Avenue.
  • Turn left on Halleck Street
  • Turn left into the Bellingham Senior Activity Center parking lot in one block.

Payment, Cancellations, and Rules for Rental Use of Bellingham Senior Activity Center

Call 360-733-4030 for availability and reservation information.

 

Roeder Home

2600 Sunset Drive, Bellingham

The Roeder Home was completed in 1908 by Victor Roeder, the son of one of the founders of Bellingham.  The structure exemplifies the highest quality of wood and stone craftsmanship. The house was given to Whatcom County Parks & Recreation in 1971  by Mrs. Donald Keyes for use as a cultural arts and social center. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the house preserves the elegance of the era, a distinctive touch that has made it a popular wedding venue.

Features:

  • Capacity--125; folding chairs for 50-60 people.
  • Outside use is permitted, with restrictions.
  • Complete kitchen
  • No utensils

Directions:

  • Take I-5 Exit #255 Sunset Drive
  • Go west on Sunset Drive
  • Turn right on Illinois St.
  • Turn left at Cornwall Ave.
  • Turn right on Broadway
  • The Roeder Home is located at the junction of Broadway and Sunset on the right.
  • WTA Routes 3 and 4 provide access to the intersection of Cornwall Ave. and Broadway.

Special Use Rules for the Roeder Home:

  • Renters must have the home cleaned and vacate the building by 11:00pm. If renters are not out by this time the security alarm will sound and users will be charged for an extra day.
  • Dancing is not allowed in the home.
  • High heeled shoes may not be worn in the house, to protect the wood floors.
  • No smoking in the house or on the grounds.
  • Guests must park on Broadway directly west of the home.  No parking is allowed in the alley.  Cars illegally parked will be towed away.
  • No furniture may be moved without prior permission, except chairs.  No property or equipment shall be removed from the home for any purpose.
  • Outdoor Use:  No amplified music.  If neighbors complain, your party will be required to move indoors. Outside use is restricted to the front and west side yards. No barbecues.

Payment, Cancellations, and General Rules for Rental Facilities

Check availability online, then call 360-733-2900 for reservations. 

 

Samish Park Day Lodge

673 North Lake Samish Drive, Bellingham

The rustic Day Lodge in Samish Park has a great atmosphere for a small wedding, family social or business meeting. This location is available in the off season only (approximately the day after Labor Day in September through mid June).

The lodge highlights a picturesque view of Lake Samish and the Chuckanut Mountains framed by the Northwest style wood interior featuring a cosy fireplace (wood provided).

Features:

  • Capacity--60; tables and chairs for 36 with extra folding chairs available
  • Outside deck and tables available to the public
  • 15 foot food service counter
  • Commercial coffee maker with filters and coffee pots provided
  • Refrigerator/freezer
  • Microwave
  • Stove/oven, for re-heating only
  • Brooms, sponges, mops
  • No utensils

Directions:

  • Take I-5 Exit #246--North Lake Samish
        Southbound: Turn Left at Stop sign.
        Northbound:  Turn Right at Stop sign. Cross the freeway.
  • Proceed down North Lake Samish Drive for 0.8 miles, then veer right at the "Y" in the road.
  • Continue along lakeside. Samish Park is on the right just before crossing the bridge.

Payment, Cancellations, and General Rules for Rental Facilities

Check availablility online, then call 360-733-2900 for reservations.

 

Semiahmoo Cannery Day Lodgewedding

9261 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine

Whatcom County Parks & Recreation's newest rental facility has a history that goes back a long time.  This building served as a bunkhouse and business office for the Alaska Packers Association Semiahmoo Cannery before being moved to Semiahmoo Park in 1981.  The buildings and park were remodeled and upgraded in 2008 to provide improved facilities.  Be sure to walk the boardwalks to beach overlooks and access.

Features:

  • Capacity--63, tables and chairs for 63
  • 15 foot food service countertables
  • Refrigerator/freezer
  • Microwave oven
  • Stove/oven, for re-heating only
  • Brooms, sponges and mop for cleanup
  • No Utensils

Directions:

  • Take I-5 Exit #270--Birch Bay-Lynden Road
  • Follow Birch Bay-Lynden Road west
  • Follow road signs for 7 miles to Semiahmoo Park.

Payment, Cancellations, and General Rules for Rental Facilities

Check availability online, then call 360-733-2900 for reservations.

 

Silver Lake Day Lodge

9006 Silver Lake Road, Maple Falls

Overlooking the waters of Silver Lake, the Day Lodge at Silver Lake Park is a focal point for visitors to the park. After Labor Day weekend and on through the fall, winter and spring until Memorial Day weekend, the lodge can be rented on a daily basis. It’s a unique setting for weddings, reunions, retreats, business seminars, or just gathering friends together for a party. The dining room easily seats 40 people and there is also outside seating on the surrounding deck if weather permits. With lake and mountain views on three sides and a large central fireplace, the Day Lodge is a beautiful and dramatic location for your event.

Features:

  • Dining room with tables & chairs, seating for 45+
  • Outside seating for 15+ on deck overlooking lake
  • Large masonry fireplace, firewood & kindling are provided
  • 15 ft. serving counter
  • Commercial coffee maker with filters, coffee pots provided
  • Microwave oven
  • Refrigerator/freezer
  • Large triple sink
  • Stove/Oven for warming only, exceptions may be authorized by manager
  • Brooms, sponges mop and cleaning supplies provided
  • No utensils

Directions:

  • Take I-5 Exit #255--Sunset Dr./Mt Baker
  • Follow Mount Baker Highway east 28 miles to Maple Falls
  • Turn left on Silver Lake Road and follow signs approximately 3 miles to the park.

 

Payment, Cancellations, and General Rules for Rental Facilities

Check availability online, then call 360-733-2900 for reservations.

 

Payment, Cancellations, and General Rules for Rental Facilities

Payment of Fees & Charges

  • All fees are due at the time the reservation is made.
  • Weekend rental rates apply to all holidays.
  • Reservations may be made for the following year beginning December 1.
  • Payment may be made by telephone (360-733-2900) with Visa or MasterCard, in person at the Parks & Recreation Headquarters (3373 Mount Baker Highway, Bellingham), or a tentative reservation may be made online and Park Office staff will call back with confirmation.

Cancellations

  • Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to arrival will result in refund of the fee less a $25 accounting fee.
  • Cancellations made less than 30 days prior to arrival will result in forfeiture of the fee, unless the facilities are rebooked, less a $25 accounting fee.

Alcohol

  • The use of alcohol will require a signed alcohol agreement, a $60 alcohol use fee to Whatcom County Parks & Recreation and may require a banquet permit from the Washington State Liquor Control Board.
  • Alcohol possession and/or consumption is restricted to the rental facility
  • Alcohol is prohibited in the restrooms, parking lot, or outside areas.
  • Kegs are not permitted

Damage & Cleanup

  • It is the responsibility of the renter to maintain the facility in a safe and sanitary condition.
  • Remove all decorations and clean tables and floors.
  • Check surrounding outside areas for litter.
  • Place trash in provided dumpster or other receptacle.
  • Turn off all lights
  • Doors, and windows shall be secured and fireplace screens and doors properly placed and closed.
  • Renters will be billed for all damages and cleaning costs if the above taks are not completed.

Use & Policies

  • Renters must be supervised by an adult over 21 years of age.
  • A park employee must be present if users have access to supplies and equipment.
  • Facilities may not be left unsecured.
  • Smoking is not allowed in buildings or on decks.
  • Pets are not permitted in buildings. Pets must be leashed in all park areas.
  • No park property or equipment shall be removed for any purpose.
  • Amplified music is only allowed inside buildings, and may not disturb other park visitors. Acoustic music is permitted in outside areas.
  • Rice, birdseed, or confetti are not permitted.
  • Firearms and fireworks are prohibited in parks.
  • Cutting and removal of vegetation is not allowed.
  • Park only in designated sites.
  • Hovander Homestead Park is closed and locked at sunset.

 

Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Group Picnic Areas

Whatcom County Parks & Recreation has just the right place for your family picnic, reunion, company or class picnic, quinceanera, outdoor wedding and more.  Call now to reserve a place to create some lasting memories.

Hovander Homestead Park Main Picnic Shelter

5299 Nielsen Avenue, Ferndale

Located at the edge of a forest grove and open grassy fields in Hovander Homestead Park, this stone and timber shelter offers the quintessential park venue for celebrations and large picnics.

Features:

  • 30' x 60' covered picnic site
  • Stone fireplace--firewood available
  • 20 tables
  • Two 3' x 3' grills (one wood, one briquettes)
  • Electric cooking elements
  • Sinks
  • Also Available:  Portable BBQ Grill, Volleyball Set, Horseshoes, Stock Tub for beverages.

Payment, Cancellations, and General Rules for Rental Facilities

Check availability online, then call 360-733-2900 for reservations.

 

Hovander Homestead Park Water Tower Area

5299 Nielsen Avenue, Ferndale

Located in the center of the park, this site has easy access to the playground, farm animal display area, and the historic Hovander Barn.

Features:

  • 20' x 20' canopy
  • 8 tables
  • 3' x 3' barbecue grill
  • Water spigot at site
  • Electrical outlet in adjacent tower (bring your own extension cord)
  • Also Available:  Portable BBQ Grill, Volleyball Set, Horseshoes, Stock Tub for beverages.

Payment, Cancellations, and General Rules for Rental Facilities

Check availability online, then call 360-733-2900 for reservations.

 

Hovander Homestead Park Red & Blue Picnic Areas

5299 Nielsen Avenue, Ferndale

These sites feature lots of grassy open space for running, playing, or just hanging out.  There is no covered area or electricity available at these sites.

Features:

  • 4 tables in each area
  • 18" grill in each area
  • Open fire ring in Red Area
  • Water spigot at site
  • Also Available:  Portable BBQ Grill, Volleyball Set, Horseshoes, Stock Tub for beverages.

Payment, Cancellations, and General Rules for Rental Facilities

Check availability online, then call 360-733-2900 for reservations.

Hovander Homestead Park Orchard Area

5299 Nielsen Avenue, Ferndale

This is an open space area near the historic Hovander Orchard.  No facilities are provided.

Also Available:  Garden Arbor, Portable BBQ Grill, Volleyball Set, Horseshoes, Stock Tub for beverages.

Payment, Cancellations, and General Rules for Rental Facilities

Check availability online, then call 360-733-2900 for reservations.

Silver Lake Park Group Picnic Shelter

9006 Silver Lake Road, Maple Falls

Snuggled in a grove of trees near the lakeshore, this facility provides easy access to everything at Silver Lake Park, including restrooms, boat launch, trails and swimming.

Features:

  • Covered seating for up to 75 people
  • Large central fireplace (firewood available or bring your own)
  • Food Service Counter
  • Coin-operated 4 burner electric cooktop
  • Double sink
  • Electrical outlets
  • 24" x 48" outdoor barbecue
  • Ample parking

Directions:

  • Take I-5 Exit #255--Sunset Dr./Mt Baker
  • Follow Mount Baker Highway east 28 miles to Maple Falls
  • Turn left on Silver Lake Road and follow signs approximately 3 miles to the park.

Payment, Cancellations, and General Rules for Rental Facilities

Check availability online, then call 360-733-2900 for reservations.

Contact Us
Whatcom County Parks & Recreation
3373 Mount Baker Highway, Bellingham, WA 98226 USA
Telephone: (360) 733-2900
E-mail: parks@co.whatcom.wa.us
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.