Nestled quietly among the whispering evergreens just west of Edmonds, the Woodway Park neighborhood is a living tapestry of history, tradition, and cherished community values. Though often described as “The Quiet Place,” Woodway Park’s roots run deep, and its story is one of careful preservation, architectural grace, and natural beauty.
A Woodland Vision: The Origins of Woodway Park
The story of Woodway Park begins in the early 1900s, when visionary real estate developer David Whitcomb purchased hundreds of acres of forested land along what is now Woodway Park Road. Whitcomb, inspired by the lush woodlands and sweeping Sound views, envisioned an exclusive enclave that would provide “a way through the woods”—a phrase that gave Woodway its distinctive name.
By the 1920s, Whitcomb had begun designing a master-planned, park-like setting. Early deeds included strict covenants aimed at preserving the woodland setting: no business, no billboards, and large lots to maintain the area’s pastoral charm. These foundational decisions would shape Woodway Park’s future, ensuring that towering Douglas firs and leafy green space remained at the heart of the community.
The Naming of Woodway and Its Park
The name “Woodway” directly reflects the community’s origins: a wooded pathway, a haven apart from city bustle. "Park" was added to distinguish this storied core within the broader Woodway area, describing both its natural layout and the ethos of shared stewardship. Streets like Woodway Park Road, Timber Lane, and Maple Lane still evoke Whitcomb’s original vision—each one winding gracefully beneath towering pines, with homes thoughtfully set back from the road.
Historical Milestones and Growth
Woodway’s official incorporation came in 1958, partly in response to threats of annexation by more urbanized neighbors. This move galvanized residents around a shared mission: preserving Woodway Park’s distinctive woodland identity. This protectionist spirit has endured, even as the Puget Sound region has grown and changed.
Key historical milestones for the neighborhood include:
- The construction of the original Woodway “Castle” (c. 1922): Built by Whitcomb as his personal residence on Woodway Park Road, this stone mansion—with its castle-like turrets and secret gardens—quickly became a local landmark and, for a time, a local social gathering spot.
- Development of the Woodway Park Estates: Through the mid-20th century, carefully controlled development continued. Large parcels were divided judiciously, resulting in a patchwork of gracious homes—many custom-built with an eye toward blending into the natural scenery.
- Protection of green spaces: Unlike many suburban areas, Woodway Park has never allowed commercial development, and strict zoning laws maintain low density even today. This has helped preserve not only the community’s quietude, but also vital wildlife habitats.
Notable Landmarks and Beloved Places
Woodway Park boasts several noteworthy addresses and features that residents hold dear:
- The Historic Woodway Castle — While now privately owned and sometimes hidden from the casual passerby, the original Whitcomb mansion remains a symbol of Woodway Park’s origins. Its turreted silhouette, visible from certain vantage points, evokes the mystique and ambition of the neighborhood’s founders.
- The Town Hall (23920 113th Place W): Serving as the gathering place for local meetings, celebrations, and social events, the Town Hall is a beloved community anchor within walking distance of many homes.
- The Old Water Tower: An iconic relic of early civic infrastructure, the old water tower just off Timber Lane is a quiet reminder of the self-sufficiency that defined early Woodway days.
- Secluded Pathways: Residents treasure the leafy footpaths meandering through stands of maple and cedar, especially those between Sycamore Lane and Willowick Road. Seasoned locals recall these as childhood adventure routes, connecting friends and neighbors well before paved roads came to dominate.
Evolving with the Times
While Woodway Park has striven to preserve its heritage, the neighborhood has also evolved to meet the needs of successive generations.
- Architectural diversity: Though traditional Craftsman and Tudor homes are still common, newer residences incorporate eco-friendly materials and modern design, all while honoring the mandate to “live among the woods, not above them.” Many homes utilize local stone and timbers, echoing the original style of the Woodway “castle.”
- Generational continuity: Lifelong residents pass stories of the neighborhood to children and grandchildren, with many family homes remaining in the same hands for decades. New arrivals are welcomed into a tradition of neighborliness and shared celebration, marked by annual block parties and seasonal potlucks.
- Community activism: Protecting Woodway Park’s peaceful, green character has required collective effort. Through the years, residents have worked to resist annexation, monitor development proposals, and restore habitats along natural creek beds. The Woodland Park Council, an informal but influential body, continues to steward the area’s values.
Today’s Woodway Park: An Enduring Spirit
In a rapidly changing world, Woodway Park remains a sanctuary for those who cherish heritage, nature, and close community ties. Streets like Woodway Park Road, Timber Lane, and 238th Street SW still wind quietly through dense forest, their homes half-hidden among green. Children play where streams used to trickle, and wildlife is part of everyday life.
The magic of Woodway Park is best summed up by its residents: “We’re stewards more than owners,” one longtime neighbor says. “The beauty of this place isn’t just in the trees or the views—it’s in the way we look out for each other, and for the woods themselves.”
Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of the old estate path or simply enjoying the hush at dusk, Woodway Park’s story continues—rooted deeply in the past, yet ever alive to the future.