Lake Union was given its name by Thomas Mercer, who believed that the lake and canals —“a union of waters”— would someday link Lake Washington to Puget Sound. An array of pleasure craft ply its waters, from paddle boards, kayaks, and rowing shells to day sailers and cabin cruisers. Seaplanes take off from the south end of the lake. Floating house boats line its eastern and western shores. Yet these two views remind us that the body of water just north of downtown Seattle remains a working lake with dry docks and other boat repair facilities, particularly along the north shore.