When I received the invitation to contribute a neighborhood feature for Community Connect magazine, I was excited to dive into the history of Magnolia Park—especially since my family hasn’t lived here for long. I wanted to learn more about the roots of our little corner of the world and hear from longtime neighbors about what makes this place so special.
As I explored various historical sources, I uncovered a few fascinating tidbits about the neighborhood’s origins. The official agreement between Port Blakely, King County and the City of Issaquah was signed on May 29, 1996, clearing the way for construction to begin in Issaquah Highlands. (And let’s all breathe a sigh of relief that Paul Allen decided against building a stadium for the Seattle Seahawks right here!)
Just three months later, developers broke ground. By 1998, the first homes in the new community were completed, setting the stage for what would become a vibrant and thriving neighborhood.
Fast-forward to 2005, when Magnolia Park was established—and the year Soo and John Holt moved into their home. At the time, John was working for The Burnsteads, the builders of our neighborhood homes, and knew of the development in the Issaquah Highlands. He and Soo decided to leave their North Bend home to be closer to the Eastside. They saw the appeal of living in a master-planned community and knew Magnolia Park was the perfect place to settle down and grow their family.
The Holts have enjoyed living in the neighborhood for many reasons, from the stunning natural beauty to the strong bonds they’ve formed with neighbors. Their home, which backs up to a greenbelt across from the park, offers both privacy and breathtaking views, not to mention the occasional visit from a deer or coyote.
They’ve seen many neighbors come and go over the years, but the friendships that have stuck are what they cherish most. The diversity of the neighborhood’s residents is another aspect they appreciate deeply. For Soo and John, staying active is an important part of life, and they’ve made it a habit to walk daily—morning and evening. These walks have been a wonderful way to meet neighbors.
“We’ve formed many lasting friendships over the years,” John said. “And if you see an Asian lady and an older Caucasian man out walking, don’t be shy—come say hello!”
Next, I had the pleasure of interviewing the Chen family, who are newer to the neighborhood. Catherine and Childon Chen moved to Magnolia Park in the summer of 2022, bringing along their adorable dog, Happy, who was in need of more space to run and play. Catherine, originally from Taiwan, and Childon, from China, chose Magnolia Park to start their family because of the quiet, safe environment and the spaciousness of their new home. They also love the proximity to the park—especially the basketball court, which has become one of their favorite spots.
Finally, I’d like to share a bit of my own story. My name is Mary Harris, and my family moved to Magnolia Park from Daphne Park in the summer of 2023. Long before that, we lived in Capitol Hill in Seattle.
My husband, Devon, and I first discovered Issaquah Highlands in 2018 when we were searching for a new home for our growing family. We had never heard of the area, but the moment we drove up Highlands Drive, we were captivated by the beauty of the neighborhood. The mix of craftsman-style homes and unmatched amenities immediately stood out. We were also thrilled to learn about Grand Ridge Elementary and the fact that our kids would be able to ride their bikes to school safely.
What we love most about Magnolia Park—and Issaquah Highlands in general—are the people. Whether it’s walking around the neighborhood, chatting with neighbors on the front porch, borrowing a cup of sugar or gathering for dinner parties, it’s the sense of community that truly makes this place feel like home. We are incredibly grateful to live in such a beautiful area, surrounded by neighbors who genuinely foster a sense of inclusion and harmony.
Mary Harris is a Magnolia Park resident and volunteers on the Highlands Council Communications Committee.
As published in the winter issue of Community Connect magazine >>>
