Whatcom County is home to activities for everyone, no matter your skill or activity level. That includes people with limited mobility, for whom there is no shortage of fun things to do throughout the summer. Here are just a few ideas worth trying:
Eat lunch at Senior Day in the Park: This annual event has been on hiatus for a couple years, but it’s back this summer! The “picnic with a purpose” is set for Wednesday, Aug. 3, at Hovander Homestead Park in Ferndale. Not only can you enjoy lunch, lawn games and music, but there also will be a resource fair with more than 50 local businesses and programs representing housing, education, recreation and health. Learn more from Whatcom Council on Aging.
Grab a treat and watch life happen: Edaleen Dairy (wonderful ice cream), Sirena Gelato (tasty dairy-free sorbet) and the Colophon Cafe (cinnamon rolls, scones and other treats) are three of many excellent options in Fairhaven for a tasty treat. Then, sit on one of the many benches surrounding the Fairhaven Village Green for a fun hour of people-watching.
Pack a picnic for seaside birdwatching: Pack your basket and head to Birch Bay, where you can enjoy an easy stroll along the new Birch Bay pedestrian path, with ryegrass blowing in the breeze and birds swooping to pick up food from the tide pools. The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce on Alderson Road offers public restrooms and great advice (The chamber has recently moved, so if it’s been a while, be sure to head to the new location!). The newly paved path along the bay is smooth and easy to navigate for those in wheelchairs or who have limited agility.
Cheer on local youth: Bender Fields in Lynden, right across the street from CHCC, is home to plenty of youth sports — baseball, soccer, lacrosse and more — throughout the summer. Pick up a pastry and cold-brew java at Woods Coffee in Bender Plaza and then take a short walk in the sun to Bender Fields while enjoying the sounds of summer.
Grill in your own backyard: Invite an elderly friend, family member or neighbor to your home for a backyard barbecue. Enjoy conversation, fun and sun in the convenience of your own home.
Listen to music at a low-key summer concert: Elizabeth Park in Bellingham’s Columbia Neighborhood plays host to musical entertainment every Thursday evening though the end of August. The concert series, produced by the Eldridge Society for History and Preservation, takes place in one of Bellingham’s most beautiful settings, with fun for the entire family.
Relive old farming days — without the work: This year marks the 50th Vintage Farming Days, put on by the Puget Sound Antique Tractor and Machinery Association at Berthusen Park in Lynden. The event, one of the largest steam and gas engine shows in the state, will take place the first weekend in August.
Whatever you choose to do this summer, we hope you have a lovely time with your elderly loved ones.