Embedded Files
1981 - Gardens of Art
1981 - Gardens of Art
George and Mary Ann Drake founded a garden and nursery in 1981, offering educational opportunities in horticulture to youth with developmental disabilities. They later opened the park to exhibits by local artists which was the beginning of the permanent collection.
1993 - Purchased
1993 - Purchased
In 1993, the City of Bellingham purchased the 2.5 acre garden and surrounding 11 acres of land from the Drakes.
1998 - Public Park
1998 - Public Park
In 1998, the City of Bellingham opened the 2.5 acre former nursery as a public sculpture garden now called Big Rock Garden Park.
2019 - Marshall Gallery
2019 - Marshall Gallery
In 2019, the Park received an additional four sculptures for its collection from the estate of sculptor David Marshall. The addition of these Marshall sculptures prompted the creation of the Marshall Gallery along the western side of the park.Â
2025 - Friends of BRGP
2025 - Friends of BRGP
Since 1998, community volunteers have been an integral part of the park's maintenance and vibrancy as Park Stewards. The current group of committed volunteers formed and registered as a non-profit in 2025 in order to better advocate for the park, raise funds and complete projects. Friends of Big Rock Garden Park continue to volunteer as Park Stewards in addition to their Friends commitments.
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