Drivers on one of Bellingham’s main drags are sure to notice the splash of brightness on even the dreariest Pacific Northwest days: the rainbow colors on the railings at the Northwest Avenue Bridge leading into Birchwood.
The span over Squalicum Way is ablaze on both sides in the seven colors of the rainbow, the result of a volunteer effort meant to lift community spirits.
The project was organized in July 2018 by Jared Jones-Valentine, who owned a nearby barber shop, said Joy Patterson, who helped paint the bridge and is now vice president of the Birchwood Neighborhood Association.
While the work was done when Bellingham celebrates Pride Month, the rainbow is not, strictly speaking, about LGBTQ+ pride, Patterson said.
“You can take it for whatever you want,” she said. “It’s simply a symbol of hope, resilience and unity for our community.”
Organizers widely understood the paint job had the blessing of then-Mayor Kelli Linville. The city Public Works Department, however, wasn’t informed in advance. But it has let the rogue project slide.
“It really brightened everybody’s day, and it still does,” Patterson said. “I’m still excited to cross that bridge.”
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Ralph Schwartz is CDN’s local government reporter; reach him at ralphschwartz@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 107.
