The park's signature 'Acid Ball' was formerly used to process wood chips into pulp during the mid-20th century.
The project included a large-scale environmental remediation effort to clean up industrial contaminants from the former mill site before the park could open to the public.
The landscape architecture utilizes native plantings designed to manage stormwater runoff naturally before it reaches Bellingham Bay.
The park provides direct, non-motorized boat access to the Whatcom Waterway, a key corridor for local marine wildlife.
It is the first major completed park within the larger Bellingham Waterfront District redevelopment plan.
Waypoint Park is a 3-acre waterfront public space situated on the site of a former Georgia-Pacific pulp and paper mill in Bellingham, Washington. The park is anchored by a massive, brightly painted 1920s-era chemical processing structure known as the Acid Ball, which has been repurposed as a landmark sculpture. It serves as a critical connection point for the Bellingham Waterfront Trail, linking the downtown district to the surrounding bayfront. The area features a sandy beach specifically designed for human-powered watercraft launching, such as kayaks and paddleboards. A distinct sculptural playground incorporating nautical themes sits adjacent to the primary promenade. The park acts as a catalyst for the ongoing redevelopment of the surrounding waterfront district, integrating industrial history with modern recreational infrastructure. Visitors can access expansive views of the Salish Sea and the San Juan Islands from the gravel paths and wooden boardwalks.
The base of the Acid Ball sculpture looking toward the bay during the golden hour.
Bring water shoes if planning to wade into the water, as the beach contains sections of smooth, natural pebbles.
Check the tide charts before visiting, as the beach area expands significantly during low tide, offering more room for sitting and exploring.
Utilize the nearby public bike racks if arriving via the South Bay Trail, as parking can be limited during peak sunny weekends.
Attempting to climb or scale the industrial Acid Ball structure, as it is strictly off-limits for safety reasons.
Leash your dogs at all times and stay on designated paths to protect restored native shoreline vegetation.
