Matthews Beach Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Matthews Beach park |
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| Matthews Beach | |
Lake Washington as seen from Matthews Beach
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| Type | Urban park |
| Location | Seattle, Washington |
| Area | 22 acres (0.089 km2) |
| Created | 1951 |
| Operated by | City of Seattle |
| Status | Open year round |
| Website | www.seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?id=347 |
Matthews Beach Park is a fun 22-acre park in the Matthews Beach area of Seattle, Washington. It's a favorite spot for swimming in the summer. But guess what? It's open all year round! Every New Year's Day, brave people take a chilly "Polar Bear Plunge" here. This cool event is put on by Seattle Parks and Recreation.
Where is Matthews Beach Park?
Matthews Beach Park is located in a neighborhood right on the edge of Ponitac Bay. This bay is part of the big Lake Washington. The park has the Burke-Gilman Trail on its west side. On the east, you'll find Matthews Beach itself. The whole Matthews Beach, Seattle neighborhood is named after this beach. A stream called Thornton Creek flows into Lake Washington at the park's southern end.
A Look Back: History of Matthews Beach
People have lived in this area for a very long time. They settled here after the last Ice Age. The groups living around Lake Washington were known as the hah-choo-AHBSH. This means "People of the Large Lake." Another group, the doo-AHBSH, lived closer to Elliott Bay. Both of these groups were part of the Duwamish Tribe. They spoke a language called Lushootseed. A village named too-HOO-beed was located near what is now Thornton Creek. This was close to the modern-day Matthews Beach.
In the 1880s, a pioneer named John G. Matthews settled here. The park and the beach are named after him. Matthews Beach Park officially became part of Seattle Parks and Recreation in 1951.
What Can You Do at Matthews Beach Park?
The best part of the park is the swimming beach! It's open during the warm summer months. When it's swimming season, there's a diving platform out in the water. Plus, two lifeguards are always on duty to keep everyone safe. The park also has a fun playground for kids. You'll find locker rooms to change in. There are also picnic tables and barbecue pits for outdoor meals.
