Sudden Valley, Washington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sudden Valley, Washington
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Location of Sudden Valley, Washington
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| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | Whatcom |
| Area | |
| • Total | 8.1 sq mi (21.0 km2) |
| • Land | 6.2 sq mi (16.1 km2) |
| • Water | 1.9 sq mi (4.8 km2) |
| Elevation | 673 ft (205 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 6,354 |
| • Density | 784/sq mi (302.6/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| Area code(s) | 360 |
| FIPS code | 53-68200 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1514482 |
| Website | http://suddenvalley.com/ |
Sudden Valley is a special kind of community called a census-designated place (CDP). It's located right outside of Bellingham in Whatcom County, Washington. In 2020, about 6,354 people lived there.
Sudden Valley is one of the biggest homeowner associations in western Washington. It's home to over 7,000 residents. The community has lots of cool features for everyone to enjoy.
You can find eleven neighborhood parks, many miles of hiking trails, and beautiful beaches along Lake Whatcom. There are also two swimming pools, sports fields, tennis courts, and a basketball court. The recreation center has a full gym, and there's an 18-hole golf course. Plus, you'll find a library and a marina!
Contents
History of Sudden Valley: How it Started
The area known as Sudden Valley today began as a place called "the Ranch." The first owner was Banning Austin. In 1949, he sold the land to Glen and Betty Corning, who lived there with their kids.
From "The Ranch" to a Community Idea
In 1968, the Cornings sold 1,200 acres of their property. The new owner was Ken Sanwick, who owned a company called Sudden Valley Inc. Sanwick had a big idea: he wanted to create "Sudden Valley Undevelopment." This meant building homes while still protecting the beautiful natural surroundings.
By 1969, local officials approved the first plan for homes. The very first property owner was Mae Schatz, who bought a lot in May 1969.
Changes and Community Ownership
The 1970s brought some changes in who owned Sudden Valley. A company called SunMark Inc. took over in 1973. Then, in 1975, Continental Mortgage Investors became the developer, but they didn't last long.
In December 1976, the community itself took control! The new group was named the Sudden Valley Community Association (SVCA). Roger Ufkes, whose mother was the first property owner, helped create the first Board of Directors for the SVCA.
Ufkes was important because he encouraged residents to buy the golf course and all its related facilities. The residents voted to pay a one-time fee to make this happen. From that point on, the SVCA owned all the roads, parks, green spaces, recreation facilities, the marina, and the country club. This was a huge step in making Sudden Valley the community it is today.
Sudden Valley Today: A Vibrant Place
Since it began in the late 1960s, Sudden Valley has grown into a thriving community. Over 7,000 people, along with lots of wildlife, call it home.
The community offers many activities for all ages. You can enjoy the marina, the library, various parks, and playgrounds. There are also miles of hiking trails to explore. Golf fans can play on the 18-hole golf course, which was designed by a famous architect named Ted Robinson.
The community center has a modern fitness center and a large outdoor swimming pool. There's also a "quiet pool" located near the library, perfect for relaxing.
Images for kids
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Rufus Creek Falls in Lookout Mountain Preserve, which is within Sudden Valley. Rufus Creek is a tributary to Beaver Creek, which flows to Lake Whatcom.
See also
In Spanish: Sudden Valley (Washington) para niños
