Zuanich Point Park

Former Port of Bellingham, Washington Commissioner Peter Zuanich Sr. surprised port officials last week. He announced he’s donating $20,000 to the Port for a children’s play structure -- in the shape of a ship – to be located at Squalicum Harbor’s Zuanich Point Park.  At the March 7 Port Commission meeting the park’s namesake said he likes the way the park has turned out and wants to help enhance the family experience on the waterfront.  Current Port Commissioner Scott Walker, who voted to name the park in honor of Zuanich five years ago, said Peter Zuanich turns possibilities into realities. “I’ve always admired Zuanich’s commitment to the community and to this port,” said Walker. “The way he supports our community is phenomenal - - I’m proud we named the park after Pete.” Philanthropy is nothing new for Pete Zuanich. In 1993 he contributed $85,000 toward the Bellingham Aquatic Center.  Those funds came from a savings account established by Zuanich when he began his tenure as Port Commissioner.  All compensation he received as a Commissioner, between 1953 and 1996, was set aside with the intent that the money would some day be contributed to a worthwhile community project. Peter Zuanich Sr. became a Port Commissioner in 1953. His 43 years of elected service is considered the longest tenure of a Port Commissioner in the United States.  The park-at-the-point on the north shore of Bellingham Bay was built in 1993. Zuanich Point is the site of the Fisherman's Monument in Bellingham, Washington. Enter the park by turning up Coho Way and the Squalicum Mall, thread through the fisherman's storage and park your car next to a green park with the most fantastic views; Eldridge area homes, all of downtown Bellingham, the hills that surround town, Fairhaven, and down the San Juan Islands toward Seattle. Bring a jacket, for there is always a stiff breeze. In the summer months it is a warm wind. There are benches placed along the park so you can sit and enjoy the sights, accompanied by the sounds of Bellingham's waterfront and a host of seabirds. Eugene Fairbanks did the plaques that surround the fisherman's monument in 1998. With sea spray in your hair, you can read the words ''Home Port' A safe Haven. Honor the courageous Native American fishers during past centuries. They have provided for their people. Let the sea yield its' bounty. Navigating by sight, instrument and satellite seeking distant venture.' The monument was just dedicated in 1999. It is an impressive sight. To your right, there are a sea of fishing boat masts, your left all the yachts, ahead is the sea; with dolphins, buoys and the islands. The sea smell is everywhere and an impressive place to bring a visitor to this area. On the way out you pass a large anchor with a wooden monument, 'To all the Fishermen of Whatcom County who have gone to sea, never to return.' It is the best view in town, with lots of places to sit down and think about it all. (Internet 2000)