Overview

The Natatorium at Alki Point in the West Seattle neighborhood of Seattle, WA, was in operation by the summer of 1905. It was part of the Luna Park Amusement Park, that stood on a broad wooden pier above the waters of Elliott Bay. Visitors in 1908 would make it to West Seattle by mosquito fleet ferry, landing at the Ferry House located at the intersection of what was called Railroad Avenue and Ferry Avenue.

Building History

West Side Story, a local history written on the West Seattle neighborhood in 1987 said of the Luna Park Natatorium: "In July 1905, the [West Seattle] Tribune reported that a natatorium at Alki was a 'wonderful success' in its first season of operation. The 'bathing tank'--130 feet long, 53 feet wide and from 22 inches to 9 1/2 feet deep--was filled directly from the Sound each day, kept at 74 to 76 degrees and 'equipped with all the gymnasium paraphernalia that is required in a place of its kind,' while the adjacent pavilion hosted 'social dances' every Saturday evening." (See West Seattle Herald/White Center News, West Side Story, [Seattle: West Seattle Herald/White Center News, 1987], p. 42.)

The natatorium continued in operation until at least 1917.

PCAD id: 23291