Magnuson Park Beach

Discover a great urban park which includes pieces of Seattle’s military past and eco-friendly future! Warren G. Magnuson Park sits on a splendid mile-long stretch of Lake Washington’s shoreline in northeast Seattle. At 350 acres, it is Seattle’s second largest park. This former Navy airfield has transformed into a unique combination of features and activities for you to enjoy: recreation and leisure—boating, tennis, swimming, walks, kite flying, to name a few; sports fields; natural areas; and a historic campus. Warren Grant "Maggie" Magnuson (April 12, 1905–May 20, 1989) represented the state of Washington in the United States Senate from 1944 until 1981. When he left the Senate he was the most senior member of the body. His connections to the City of Seattle included, secretary of the Seattle Municipal League from 1930-31; special prosecuting attorney for King County in 1931.  His political career began as a member of the Washington State House of Representatives from 1933-1934.  This was followed by serving as a United States district attorney in 1934 and then again as a prosecuting attorney for King County from 1934-1936. During the Second World War he served in the United States Navy and attained the rank of lieutenant commander and served for almost one year on the USS Enterprise. Magnuson served as a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing the Washington's 1st congressional district from 1937 to 1944. Senator Magnuson introduced several bills to the U.S. Congress that would have increased the significance of naval activities on the Sand Point peninsula.  In 1938, he unsuccessfully backed a bill to establish a second Naval Academy on Puget Sound.  In 1940 and 1945 he attempted to make NAS Seattle an upper division academy for the west coast.  These proposals were also not carried forward.  In May 1950, it was reported that Senator Magnuson along with Representative Henry M. Jackson, met with the Naval Air Station Civic Development Association to discuss ways to keep the station open.  However, it was also reported that Senator Magnuson was “quietly working with the University of Washington” to develop the framework for transferring the station to the university for an expanded campus In 1976, the City Council authorized the initial development of Sand Point Park (CB 97246) in the eastern portion of former Naval Air Station, Seattle.  In May 1977, Sand Point Park was renamed for Senator Magnuson, who helped to secure federal funding for developing the park.