Warren G. Magnuson Park in Seattle

Dotting the edges of massive Warren G. Magnuson Park is a fine, it somewhat gimmicky, collection of public art installations. They are especially picturesque overlooking, as they do, the rolling orbs of watery currents making up the Puget Sound.

The Fin Project, which resembles the dorsal fins of a passing pod of whales and is made of repurposed submarine wings, had much more impact after I picked up on the naval theme and linked it with the history of the parkland.  This choice piece of waterfront property used to be a U.S. naval base, and the sculptures here comment on that.  There’s Straight Shot, which allows viewers to peer through holes bored in accurately placed columns as if we were ourselves Navy surveyors working at the old air station.

Waltzing along the paths at this gorgeous park wouldn’t be the same without understanding the historical context and visualizing the artists’ interpretation of a city’s answer to misused land.

Good Idea

Think about land use.  Next time you’re on a walk, think about what was there before and how it may have changed over the years.  The city of Seattle has re-imagined many public spaces like Warren G. Magnuson Park and created beautiful, accessible greenery from what was once a Navy stronghold.  They’ve also done this with Gasworks Park and other idyllic spaces.  Understanding what went before gives a new richness and sense of place to what might have otherwise been a simple jaunt from point A to point B.

Deets

Warren G. Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Wy NE, 206.684.4946, open daily from 4a to 11:30p