Matthews Beach Park

Matthews Beach Park is a 22-acre public park located in northeast Seattle along the western shore of Lake Washington. The park is home to Seattle's largest freshwater bathing beach, making it a popular summertime destination for swimming and sunbathing.

The park is named after John G. Matthews, who homesteaded the site in the 1880s. It was acquired by the City of Seattle in 1951 and developed into a public park. The Burke-Gilman Trail, a major biking and walking path, runs along the western edge of the park.

Matthews Beach Park features grassy areas for picnicking and recreation, as well as a playground for children. The swimming beach has a diving platform anchored offshore during summer months, and lifeguards are on duty during peak swimming season. At the southern end of the park, Thornton Creek empties into Lake Washington through a small delta that has been partially restored as a wildlife habitat area.

In addition to swimming, the park is used for other water activities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. The park hosts an annual "Polar Bear Plunge" on New Year's Day, where brave swimmers take a dip in the chilly lake waters. With its mix of recreational amenities and natural areas, Matthews Beach Park serves as a valued green space and gathering place for northeast Seattle residents.