Halloween aftermath in Bellingham includes severe damage to waterfront park — yet again

Vandalism caused by an off-roading driver at Boulevard Park is shown early Friday.

An off-roading vandal took a Halloween joyride through Boulevard Park, tearing muddy ruts across the lawn near the waterfront.

Vandalism was reported about 2 a.m. Friday, according to the to Bellingham Police Department’s online reports.

It’s the second time in less than a year that the park was damaged by off-roaders, after a similar event in mid-November 2023. In addition, Lake Padden Park suffered damage last year.

Damage in that incident was estimated at $2,000 to $3,000 and spurred Parks Department officials to consider security measures such as gates that can be closed at night.

It wasn’t immediately known if the park gates were closed overnight Thursday.

Boulevard Park is among the city’s most popular attractions, with 35,000 visitors a month or about 420,000 people annually.