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Warren G. Magnuson Park
Public Art

< Warren G. Magnuson Park < Park Activities & Special Features

Warren G. Magnuson Park Information: (206)684-4946
Park Address: 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115 > directions
Administrative office visiting address: 6310 NE 74th St, bldg 30 southeast offices
Administrative office mail: 6310 NE 74th St., Suite 109E, Seattle, WA 98115

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Fin Art | No Appointment Necessary | NOAA Art Walk and "Sound Garden"

Fin Art in the Winter

"Fin Art"

Next time you're at Kite Hill or the beach, stroll over to see a unique art work, "The Fin Project: From Swords to Plowshares." Made from submarine fins, this sculptural installation is arranged to represent a pod of whales. Dedicated in 1998, this art work was created by John T. Young. It has sparked a diverse mix of comments and interpretations from park visitors. Find "Fin Art" on the eastern foot of Sand Point Head (Kite Hill), just north of the swimming beach. Just a side note: Because of this art project, many people have wondered if Naval Station Puget Sound ever was a submarine port. This is one side that of the peninsula's history that never took form.

For more on "The Fin Project, "see a description from the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs http://www.seattle.gov/arts/publicart/permanent.asp?view=2&img=0&cat=1&item=11.

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"Straight Shot"

In June 2007, the newest piece of public art was unveiled in Magnuson Park. Artist Perri Lynch's design commemorates a survey calibration baseline through the placement of twelve, 6-foot-high limestone columns. The installation, called "Straight Shot," features holes bored through each column that allows visitors to experience what a surveyor does. Since closure of Naval Air Station - Seattle public and private surveyors have used the baseline to verify and calibrate their equipment. The location of the baseline follows the western edge of the main air station runway. The Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs and Seattle Public Utilities commissioned the work in 2005. A surveyors association and a private survey-equipment company also contributed.

For more on "Straight Shot, "see a description from the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs http://seattle.gov/arts/publicart/permanent.asp?cat=6&view=2&img=0&item=9.

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NOAA Art Walk and "Sound Garden"

NOTE: Due to security concerns, access to NOAA and the Art Walk has been restricted. Photo ID is required to enter (such as a student ID, state driver's license, etc.). All visitors must use NOAA's main access road and stop at the security guard station for access. NOAA's main gate is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Visitors can walk in (but cannot drive in) to Art Walk and Sound Garden. Backpacks will be searched; picnic baskets and other large containers are not allowed. NOAA's back gate is open as well Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., so visitors can pass between NOAA property and Magnuson Park. No access on weekends. For more information, contact NOAA site facility manager at (206) 526-6163 or view NOAA's website at http://www.wrc.noaa.gov/

Some art you can hear as well as see. One such piece is part of a public art walk on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) campus, at the northern end of Sand Point Peninsula. While not part of Warren G. Magnuson Park, the NOAA art walk is popular with many park visitors. A half-mile trail gives access to all artworks on the NOAA property.

NOAA's art collection includes six outdoor artworks by nationally recognized artists. Of special interest is the "Sound Garden," located atop a knoll near NOAA's boundary with Warren G. Magnuson Park. This installation features pipes that generate muted tones, with the pitch dependent on the direction and velocity of the wind. In all, the NOAA art collection pleases the eye, challenges the mind and enchants the ear.

» NOAA Art Walk Brochure