Longing for a peaceful retreat? Matthews Beach Park is calling your name. It is located in northeast Seattle. It is nestled on the shore of Lake Washington.
Matthews Beach Park spans twenty-two acres. It is Seattle’s largest freshwater bathing beach. But the beach is only one part of the park’s charm. You will find picnic spots here. Grassy meadows invite relaxation. Play areas entertain children.
Matthews Beach Park has a direct connection to the Burke-Gilman Trail. This trail crosses Sand Point Way NE. It does so at NE 93rd Street. Thornton Creek flows into Lake Washington here. Matthews Beach marks its final outlet. You can see the creek along the park’s access road.
The Matthews family played a crucial role in the park’s history. They willingly shared their land with neighbors. This led the area to be known as Matthews Beach in the 1920s. The city of Seattle was first asked to buy the property in 1928. Ironically, the Parks Department opposed the purchase. Some wanted more parks in Seattle. Others preferred to maintain existing ones.
The Matthews family could have redeveloped or sold the land. They showed great stewardship. North Seattle community clubs and activists also helped. Finally, in 1951, the city purchased Matthews Beach.
John G. Matthews was a key figure. He was born in Barbourville Kentucky in 1864. He moved to Seattle in 1910. Before that, he was a district attorney. He was also president of a bank. Additionally, he operated a coal mining business.
The Alaska-Pacific-Yukon Exposition might have inspired Matthews. It took place in 1909. It showcased the growing opportunities in Seattle. Matthews moved his family to Seattle. He continued his law practice. He also invested in coal and timber.
By 1916, John G. Matthews became president of Matthews Motor Car Co. In 1921, Matthews represented loggers. He argued for “auto logging.” This involved transporting logs via truck.
In 1923, Matthews built a house on his Lake Washington property. This area later became Matthews Beach. He moved there.
The year 1926 brought growth to northeast Seattle. Electricity and water utilities were installed. This attracted more residents. Matthews participated in community activities. He subscribed to the Northeast Transportation Service bus company.
People remember Mr. Matthews riding the bus. He chatted with other riders. He seemed to be in semi-retirement.
The Great Depression and war years put civic projects on hold. The Matthews estate was also on hold. After John G. Matthews died in 1937, his family kept the lakefront property.
John G. Matthews’ wife, Amy, never divorced him. She had legal ownership rights to the property. In 1950, Amy Matthews died in Seattle.
In 1951, John G. Matthews Jr. resolved the estate issues. The city of Seattle purchased the beach and park. Residents of northeast Seattle greatly appreciate it today.
The Matthews Beach Park bathhouse was built in two phases. It happened between 1957 and 1961. Lamont & Fey designed it. The city acquired the property in 1951. By 1894, the Maple Saw Mill stood on the cove’s northern shore. In the early 1920s, John G. Matthews purchased the former cove area. He began to plat his land.
In 1928, the Seattle City Council allocated funds to acquire the Matthews property. They wanted to establish a public bathing beach. The city annexed areas north and northeast of the city limits. This included the Sand Point neighborhood in 1953.
Today, Matthews Beach Park offers a down-to-earth charm. It has a strong sense of community. People gather for potlucks and BBQs. Life moves at a gentler pace.
Matthews Beach Park is more than just a park. It’s a place where history and community intertwine. It is a place where you can create lasting memories.