King County voters support Sand Point (later Magnuson Park) aviation on September 17, 1974.

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On September 17, 1974, voters in King County narrowly support continued use of Sand Point (later Magnuson Park) as an airport for light aircraft in a non-binding advisory vote. King County Council members say that the "yes" vote, by 52 percent of the voters, will have no effect since the county doesn't have jurisdiction over the city property.

The vote was not considered an overwhelming endorsement by either side on the issue. "I am not disappointed," said Dave Symington, chairman of the Sand Point Multi Use Initiative Committee, which supported aviation at Sand Point. "But I would have liked to have seen a heavier `yes' vote."

The fight over the airfield was a long-standing one, with private aviation supporters confronting neighborhood groups, such as Friends of Sand Point Park, and elected officials, including Mayor Wes Uhlman (b. 1935) and Senator Warren G. Magnuson (1905-1989).

Aviation supporters eventually lost out and the park was dedicated to more bucolic park-like activities.

Sources:
Svein Gilje, "Sand Point: Advisory-vote Impact Due," The Seattle Times, September 15, 1974, p. D-1; Svein Gilje "The Issue: Best Use," Ibid., September 15, 1974, p. D-1; Svein Gilje, "Airporters Gain Edge in Sand Point Issue," Ibid., September 18, 1974, p. A-10.

By Patrick McRoberts, January 01, 1900

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Sand Point, 1955
Courtesy United States Navy