Newcastle

Rising up from the southeast shore of Lake Washington is a green hillside, and at its top is the City of Newcastle. This small gem of a city is now known for its greenery, golf course and community living, yet in the past it played a vital role in making Seattle the power-house metropolis it is today. Officially incorporated in 1994, Newcastle has become the perfect place for those who long for a balance between nature and commerce. It is filled with parks, has a modest population of a little more than 15,000, and Newcastle is conveniently located near the industrial centers of Seattle, Bellevue and Renton.

In 1872, the now darling city of Newcastle was the poster child for Pacific Northwest coal mining and railroad production. Each day, between 75 and 100 tons of coal were mined for production. When the mine closed in 1963, over 13 million tons had been extracted and sent via railroad to Seattle for development. This history is remembered with the name of the nearby I-405 exit, Coal Creek Parkway, and at the annual Newcastle Days festival.

The city’s most popular park is the beautiful Lake Boren Park. This 22.6-acre park hosts the city’s 4^th of July celebration, concerts, moonlight movies, science days, and Newcastle Days. The park also features swimming, fishing, beach volleyball, basketball, tennis, bicycling, and offers a play area, picnic shelter and outdoor stage. On the other hand, Hazelwood Park’s 7.3 acres offer more secluded natural walks and scenic views of Lake Washington, Mercer Island, Seattle and beyond. Various mini-parks, including Thomas Rouse Road Historical Park, are scattered throughout the city, and feature tot lots for the little ones, floral gardens, gazebos, and/or miles of peaceful walking trails to enjoy. Nearby Cougar Mountain National Park, features over 3,100 acres of scenic trails and wildlife habitat, and draws hikers and explores from all over the region.

Among the community clubs in Newcastle such as Rotary, Trails, Baseball Club, and Chamber of Commerce, there is one that especially stands out. Weed Warriors is a group comprised of Brownies and Boy Scouts, 4-H, Newcastle Trails, and Starbucks Club members, Hazen High cross-country runners, and more. In 2008, the group logged more than 300 volunteer hours doing such things as blackberry removal at Hazelwood Park, tree planting on Arbor Day, and Earth Day services at Lake Boren Park. Their hard work not only prevents invasive weeds from spreading, it also improves the general aesthetic and recreational quality of Newcastle’s parks. A big thank you to Weed Warriors!

The elite Newcastle Golf Course may offer the most spectacular18 holes of golf you’ll ever play. Located at the top of the Newcastle hillside, it offers beautiful, widespread views of the entire region. Although Newcastle is mostly scenic-residential, there are several recently completed projects which have helped boost commercial appeal. The new community YMCA is a hot-spot, and a brand new library is in its beginning phase of construction.

The Newcastle shopping center features a QFC and Bank of America, and a farm-fresh produce stand is right down the street. Various other attractive amenities are offered to meet the needs of all residents. Not far north are greater shopping opportunities at Factoria Mall and Loehmann’s Plaza.