Our Mission
To improve the quality of life in Columbia Valley by providing the community with access to diverse parks and recreational opportunities.
Our District
The Columbia Valley is an area of outstanding natural beauty in the foothills of the North Cascade Mountains in East Whatcom County. The valley is surrounded by mountains, which contributes to its charming and isolated nature. Parks and recreational spaces are vital to the quality of life and sense of place for Columbia Valley residents.
Parks and recreation areas within our community will provide easily accessed designated spaces in which community members can engage with the natural environment alone or with their friends and families, connect with neighbors and develop stronger ties to the community.
The CVPRD consists of the Urban Growth Area in the map below and serves the Columbia Valley population.
CVPRD Comprehensive Plan
Our comprehensive plan for developing parks in Columbia Valley is available for review by the public. If you have questions about our comprehensive plan, please contact us at cvparksandrec@gmail.com.
Meet the Commissioners!
CVPRD Commissioner Pos. #1
Carl is currently involved in several projects to improve the Columbia Valley area and enhance the lives of the people who live here. Of all the projects, he is most excited about the prospect of a series of parks in the area for all the residents to enjoy. He plans to use the parks with his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids and to enjoy socializing with his wonderful neighbors.
CVPRD Commissioner Pos. #2
Richard Whitson has been working on several projects to enhance the community. He is looking forward to creating local parks, which he believes are one of the building blocks of a vibrant community.
CVPRD Commissioner Pos. #3
Cindy has lived in the community since 2005. Her favorite outdoor activities include hiking, paddle boarding, skiing and snowboarding, and birding. She is looking forward to walking to her local park with her two daughters where she can meet more families in the community.
CVPRD Commissioner Pos. #4
Gretchen Norman Woody
Former Comissioners
Vern Yaden
Jessica Bee
Rebecca Boonstra
Tracy Ann
Melonie Ancheta
History of the CVPRD
The CVPRD was formed by popular vote in November 2016 in order to address the desire for accessible parks within the area. While there are many parks and recreational spaces in Whatcom County, there are currently no parks and minimal recreational opportunities within the boundaries of Columbia Valley. As the most densely populated area in Whatcom County, it is important that we provide safe, healthy green spaces for all our local residents.
In January 2017, the five elected commissioners met on the 2nd Thursday at Kendall Chapel at 5 PM. After the first year, meetings were moved to the Peaceful Valley Country Club building. Commissioners continued to hold open public meetings at this established time and place until the COVID-19 Pandemic; currently we hold hybrid meetings so you can attend in person, or join us online. Please see our Public Meetings page for the most up to date meeting information. The community the CVPRD serves is always invited, encouraged, and welcome to attend these meetings.
During the summer and fall of 2020, the CVPRD developed a Comprehensive Park Plan, through community input process with the support of a partnership with Western Washington University’s Sustainable Communities Partnership, which is housed within WWU’s Office of Sustainability. This partnership was supported by a grant from First Federal Community Foundation.
In 2022, CVPRD purchased our first of 5 properties that will become community parks. At 7916 Santa Fe Trail, the property has a small creek running through it for which it is named Creekside Park. Improvements, including clearing brush, removing dangerous fallen trees, and more continue at Creekside Park, we encourage you to visit it and enjoy the amenities that are already in place.
In the coming years the objective of the CVPRD is providing the community with safe, healthy, fun spaces for all ages and abilities to enjoy. Each park will be placed within Columbia Valley so that when you step out your door, there will be a park within a 10 minute walk.
Columbia Valley Park & Recreation District 