Serving Queen Anne & Magnolia Since 1919 www.QueenAnneNews.com
JANUARY 14, 2026
VOL. 107, NO. 2
Magnolia Community Center Reopens After Nearly Two-Year Closure SEATTLE PARKS AND RECREATION
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fter nearly two years behind closed doors, the Magnolia Community Center has officially reopened, marking the return of a long-standing gathering place for Magnolia residents. Originally built in 1952 and physically connected to Catharine Blaine Elementary School, the community center has served generations of families as a hub for recreation, classes, and neighborhood connection. Over the decades, it became a familiar venue for everything from
youth activities and fitness classes to casual drop-in sports like pickleball and tennis. As the building aged, however, residents and staff began to raise concerns about accessibility, aging utilities, and the overall condition of interior spaces. While these issues were generally minor at first, they accumulated over time, prompting Seattle Parks and Recreation to begin planning for a major renovation as early as 2017. Despite those early plans, construction did
Center has resumed a full slate of programming. A variety of paid classes are now available for registration through Seattle.gov, including ballet, basketball, yoga, pottery, and taekwondo. These programs are designed to serve a wide range of ages and interests, reflecting the center’s role as a multi-generational space. Free drop-in programs have also returned. Drop-in pickleball is scheduled for early afternoons on Mondays and Thursdays and is open to adults ages 18 and older. The program is beginner-friendly, with no equipment required, allowing newcomers to try the sport in a low-pressure setting. Tot Gym has resumed on Wednesdays and Fridays, offering children ages five and under a safe indoor space to play with age-appropriate toys and equipment. While not all pre-closure drop-in programs have returned yet, staff anticipate that offerings will continue to expand in the coming months as the center fully settles back into operation. The reopening represents more than the completion of a construction project. It restores a shared space that has long played a role in daily life, community wellness, and neighborhood connection. With updated facilities and renewed programming, Magnolia Community Center is once again positioned to serve as a cornerstone of community activity for years to come.
What Anyone Can Do to Honor the Memory of Martin Luther King Jr.
I-5 Closures on Ship Canal Bridge Expected to Last Through 2027
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SEATTLE MUNICIPAL ARCHIVES
Interstate 5 is a vital artery through Seattle, carrying hundreds of thousands of people each day. Because of this constant use, repairs are necessary—repairs that, in some areas, have not been made for more than 50 years. Created in 1960, I-5 was originally expected to last about 25 years before requiring major repairs. Instead, it served roughly twice that span, carrying millions of drivers over the decades. By the 2010s, the Washington State Department of Transportation determined that longoverdue renovations were needed, leading to the creation of the Revive I-5 program. Revive I-5 has already completed
not begin until spring of 2024. Once work was underway, the scope of the project expanded as crews uncovered more extensive wear and damage than originally anticipated. Renovations focused largely on interior improvements, including seismic upgrades, expanded wheelchair accessibility, remodeled program rooms, updated electrical systems, new fire sprinklers, and improved ventilation throughout the building. Because much of the work was interior-focused, some outdoor activities were able to continue intermittently, but the facility itself remained largely inaccessible to the public. Unexpected delays extended the closure well beyond initial projections. One of the most significant setbacks occurred when contractors discovered severe damage to the gym floor, requiring an unplanned emergency replacement. That repair alone added considerable time to the project, contributing to a total closure period of nearly 20 months. Construction was ultimately completed in fall 2025, and the center quietly reopened in December for a soft launch. During that period, staff focused on testing utilities, ensuring safety systems were functioning properly, and preparing spaces for public use. The formal grand reopening took place just days ago, officially welcoming the community back into the revitalized building. With the reopening, Magnolia Community
improvements both in and around Seattle, primarily during the early 2020s, and plans to continue work into the 2030s. The program focuses on replacing and repairing pavement and expansion joints, improving drainage systems, and strengthening bridges to better withstand earthquakes. The most recent phase of the project involves preservation work on the Ship Canal Bridge, a critical stretch of I-5 that carries more than 240,000 vehicles each day.
I-5 CLOSURES, 5 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
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SEATTLE, WA PERMIT 1271
artin Luther King Jr. was one of the most influential and inspirational figures of the twentieth century. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 15, 1929, King’s life, tragically cut short when he was assassinated in Memphis on April 4, 1968, is now celebrated annually across the United States and beyond on the anniversary of his birth. Though Martin Luther King Jr. lost his life more than half a century ago, there is still much people can do to promote and secure the more equitable and just society he longed for. Honoring his memory and legacy is a good place to start, and the following are some ways to commemorate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. DISCUSS HIS LEGACY WITH YOUNG PEOPLE There’s much competing for people’s attention as the world finds itself nearing the end of the opening quarter of the twenty-first century. That can make it easy to overlook the efforts of influential individuals like King who helped the world become the place it is today. Parents and educators can utilize Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a catalyst to open a dialogue with their children and students about King’s life and legacy. Highlight the injustices King fought against and emphasize his commitment to peace in the face of those challenges.
WATCH A FILM OR FILMS ABOUT THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT Historians may dispute the timeline, but the civil rights movement in the United States is generally considered to have taken place between 1954 and 1968. Many films, including dramas and documentaries, examine important individuals and moments during this pivotal period in American history. “Freedom Song” (2000), “Ghosts of Mississippi” (1996), “Malcolm X” (1992), and “Selma” (2014) are just a handful of the many films that shed light on the African American experience during the civil rights era. EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE ERA While King was front and center during the civil rights era, many other brave men and women risked their lives in an effort to combat segregation and discrimination. Any effort to more deeply understand the civil
rights era and the issues that African Americans were fighting to overcome can ensure the struggle that ultimately cost King his life was not for naught. Countless books and documentary films offer invaluable insight into the civil rights era, making them a great resource for individuals who want to honor King and promote his message. LISTEN The simple act of listening can be a great way to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Sadly, many of the issues King fought against during his lifetime remain unresolved today. Individuals from all walks of life can honor King by listening to those who have taken on his mantle and continued the fight for a more just, equitable society. Martin Luther King Jr. is honored each year in the United States on the anniversary of his birth. Individuals can honor his enduring legacy in various ways.