Bellingham in Whatcom County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
The Legacy of Byron Elmendorf
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, October 9, 2019
1. The Legacy of Byron Elmendorf Marker
Boulevard Park and Taylor Dock were just a few of the many efforts led by Byron Elmendorf, the first Director of the Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department. Under his leadership, determination and collaboration efforts, Bellingham's park system is regarded as one of the best in the nation.
During his tenure, the Parks and Recreation Department received the National Gold Medal Award for the quality of parks and recreation services. Elmendorf oversaw the development of 17 new park facilities, the Arne Hanna Aquatic Center, and the renovation or expansion of almost all existing parks.
The system increased in size to over 2400 acres and 70 miles of trails. Elmendorf succeeded in securing millions of dollars in grants, local tax levies and private donations.
RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS
Honor Fellow & Distinguished Service Award /Washington Recreation & Parks Association, 1993
Paul Harris Fellow Award / Bellingham Bay Rotary Club, 1989
Outstanding Service to the City of Bellingham / Bellingham City Council on his retirement in 2000
William Dittrich Award /Whatcom Parks and Recreation Foundation, June
this page online
Erected 2019.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical month for this entry is June 2019.
Location. 48° 43.54′ N, 122° 30.425′ W. Marker is in Bellingham, Washington, in Whatcom County. It is on South Bay Trail west of Taylor Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bellingham WA 98225, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Washington’s Puget Sound Region. It is also on the American Pacific Coast, in the Pacific Northwest, and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, in the Cascade Range, in the Inside Passage, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: It Takes A Community (here, next to this marker); Fairhaven Canning Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Fairhaven (approx. 0.4 miles away); Early Bellingham Bay (approx. 0.4 miles away); Original Inhabitants of the Area (approx. 0.4 miles
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, October 9, 2019
2. The Legacy of Byron Elmendorf Marker - wide view
More about this marker. The marker is located at the north end of the covered rest area that is just to the north of the Taylor Dock.
The marker was dedicated on September 21, 2019.
Also see . . . Byron Lee Elmendorf. Legacy website entry (Submitted on January 13, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 19, 2019, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 456 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 19, 2019, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
