Community Boating Center Completes Wheelhouse Building

Submitted by Bryan Rust, Director, Community Boating Center
Bellingham, WA – [4.27.2024] – The Community Boating Center (CBC) is thrilled to announce the completion of its long-awaited Wheelhouse Building Project, marking a significant milestone in the organization's journey to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in recreational boating.

The Wheelhouse Building will provide fully accessible, heated spaces with real restrooms and showers, along with classroom and community facilities to support our ever expanding programs. These programs offer the chance for people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities to get out on the water, learn safe boating skills, and build confidence and community, while promoting marine stewardship through therapeutic recreation.

The project, which broke ground last fall, has been made possible through the generous support of donors and partners, including Exxel Pacific, the Port of Bellingham, the Rotary Club of Bellingham, and a long list of subcontractors, suppliers and design professionals; Christensen Design Management, Andgar Mechanical, Mt Baker Roofing, Express Electric, Bellingham Millwork, Exterior Plus Northwest, Mutual Materials, Birch Equipment, GeoTest Services, Price & Visser Millwork, Bouwman Masonry, Henifin Painting, PSE Survey, Spectrum Plumbing, Builders Alliance, Sustainable Flooring, Jensen Lee Construction, Coast Insulation, Langco NW, Titan DFJ, VanBeek Drywall, Louws Truss, Cowden Gravel, Mobility Concepts Inc, De-El Window Blinds, VPI Quality Windows, WB Framing, Morse Steel Reinforcing, Eco-Pan, WRS, KA Construction, Materials Testing, & Consulting, Bennett Engineering, Wilson Engineering, Kingworks Structural Engineers, Builders Alliance, Spectrum Plumbing, Simpson Strong Tie, Taiga Exterior Wood, and Sherwin-Williams. With their commitment and contributions, the CBC is almost across the finish line with fundraising. However, we are still working to close a $70,000 gap, with $20,000 of matching funds left from the Whatcom Community Foundation. All gifts made by the end of May will be matched 1:1!

The completion of the Wheelhouse Building is just the first phase of CBC's vision for the future. With plans to incorporate adaptive boats and equipment and electric safety boats, the CBC is committed to further enhancing its ability to better serve all community members. These phase two initiatives will align with the future completion of the Port of Bellingham's Small Watercraft Dock adjacent to CBC’s campus. This will be the first accessible dock north of Everett, to offer unprecedented access to the water for all.

To celebrate this milestone and to support CBC's continued growth, the organization will be hosting its first annual “Seize the Bay” event on June 23rd. Folks will have the opportunity to get on the water and try out our boats and activities. And after your fun on the water, you can enjoy a food truck and onsite beer garden. We will be celebrating our “Seize the Bay” beer release with Stones Throw Brewing. Learn more details by signing up for our newsletter or following us on social media.

Our fundraising campaign represents a significant investment in CBC's mission to expand access to the bay and provide transformative experiences on the water. As founding board member Deb Dempsey remarked, “This hasbeen a community effort in every sense, with an amazing number of wonderful people contributing whatever they can to make the project a success. We are so grateful for everyone’s support.” The completion of the Wheelhouse opens up a host of new possibilities for the CBC to expand access to the bay and inspire marine stewardship. With your support, we’re working toward a future where nobody is left onshore!

For more information about CBC and to support the Wheelhouse Building

Project, please visit www.boatingcenter.org/wheelhouse.

About the Community Boating Center:

The Community Boating Center (CBC) is a non-profit organization based in Bellingham, WA, dedicated to providing accessible and inclusive recreational boating opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities. Through its programs and initiatives, CBC aims to promote marine stewardship, foster community engagement, and empower individuals to experience the transformative power of being on the water.