Awe. It’s the word that best describes how I feel when I see the near-daily changes happening along the waterfront. I am constantly amazed by the progress and thrilled that the vision is becoming reality. The dramatic upgrades along Alaskan Way and the Park Promenade, the sheer amount of new greenery being planted at Stadium Plaza, and the construction progress on the stunning Overlook Walk connecting the waterfront to Pike Place Market allow us to see our city’s future emerging before our eyes. These changes have been a long time coming, yet they feel surprising and invigorating—as if we’re accelerating toward that promised moment in 2025 when the majesty and ingenuity of Waterfront Park will be fully unveiled for the public to experience.

Friends of Waterfront Seattle is looking ahead to the grand opening and our critical role in the coming decade and beyond. Alongside park supporters and champions, we are the stewards and managers of this place. Pier 62 has become more than just a proof of concept—it’s a place where everyone can experience what is to come along the entire waterfront. In 2022, we welcomed 384,543 total visitors to this revitalized public space, more than 81,000 of them for free summer events reflecting the diverse cultures, creativity, and joyful resilience of our city—more than double the in-person attendance in 2021. Friends has a new office on Pier 56, we have a new partnership with Seattle Center to help manage public safety and maintenance on the waterfront, and we’re working closely with the city to help open new pieces of the park, including the Union Street Pedestrian Bridge, Elliott Way/Dzidzilalich, and Pioneer Square Habitat Beach.