Just like every year, the Army Corps of Engineers has closed and emptied the large lock at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks for annual maintenance. Crews will scrape barnacles off the walls and check all the mechanical systems. It’s always fascinating to see what lies 55-feet down — both in the lock and inside the …
The Ballard Locks will host an art opening at the administration building this Thursday. As part of the Ballard Night Out every third Thursday of the month, the exhibit will include a number of pieces inspired by the Centennial of the Ballard Locks. The art show will be on August 17 from 6 to 8 …
In honor of the Ballard Locks centennial, Seattle Channel released this hour-long piece on the history of the Locks, and the monumental effort it took to build it. Produced by Vaun Raymond and narrated by Seattle historians Paul Dorpat, Jennifer Ott, David Williams and others, the documentary tells the story of both the Locks and the Lake …
The Metropolitan King County Council celebrated the Ballard Locks’ 100th anniversary this week, issuing a nostalgic statement of recognition (full statement is below). “The Ballard Locks are a local treasure for residents, visitors and school classes,” Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles said in statement. “History and function come together at the Locks to create an experience that can …
The Lake Washington Ship Canal is nearly 100 years old; its opening celebration was July 4, 1917. But the idea to connect the Puget Sound to Lake Washington was proposed 63 years prior by Thomas Mercer (1813-1898). According to HistoryLink.org, it took five decades to decide where to build it and how to pay for it. …
The renovation plans for the fish ladder viewing area at the Ballard Locks are ticking along, with a recent $400,000 grant and upcoming fundraiser to help fund the improvements. Several years in the making, the fish ladder redesign project will transform the viewing area, changing it from an “abysmal dungeon” to a theater-like viewing center with …
Locals are invited to take part in the Locks Centennial 5k Fun Run/Walk on Sunday, May 7. The event will benefit Discover Your NW and the Renovation of the Ballard Locks Fish Ladder. The Kids Dash (free registration) will kick off at 9:10 a.m. with the Fun Run/Walk shortly after at 9:30 a.m. See below for the cost …
Songwriting finalist performances, historical societies and other group displays will kick off the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Hiram M. Chittenden Locks Centennial commemoration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, February 18, through, Monday, February 20. The locks officially opened on July 4, 1917. Rainer Valley and Fremont Historical Societies, History Link and Friends …
Hiyu, the smallest ferry in the Washington State Ferries fleet, officially changed hands on Wednesday and was towed through Ballard Locks en route from Eagle Harbor to Lake Union. According to KOMO News, the vessel was bought by Menagerie Inc. for $150,000 who have plans to turn it into a floating entertainment venue. The Hiyu is the smallest …
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers team rescued a 6-foot white sturgeon during the annual maintenance pump out at the Ballard Locks earlier this month. Each year, Corps natural resource and maintenance staff, fish biologists, scientists and volunteers go on a fish-rescue mission when the locks are drained. Although de-watering is done during low tide, some …
The view at Ballard Locks is an interesting one this month as the Large Lock is completely drained for the crew to perform scheduled maintenance. The large lock at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks is closed to all marine traffic until 8 p.m., on Wednesday, November 23, for annual maintenance. The chamber is currently drained …
Update 1:19 p.m.: According to Facebook post on the Ballard Locks’ timeline, the maintenance team has resolved the electrical issue and the small lock has reopened. Original Post 12:30 p.m.: The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks are out of service for vessels due to an electrical issue in the small locks. The large locks were closed …