Celebrating the Pioneer Square Habitat Beach

Two figures stand on the shore of Habitat Beach, they are turned away from the camera. One of them has an arm outstretched, pointing to somewhere in the distance.

Visitors look out at the Puget Sound from the rocky shore of Pioneer Square Habitat Beach. Photo by Jo Cosme.

On June 12, Friends of Waterfront Park came together with the City of Seattle, the Suquamish Tribe, and our community partners to celebrate Pioneer Square Habitat Beach and the stunning public artwork, Migration Stage, by Buster Simpson. This beautiful addition to our downtown waterfront is not just a scenic spot, but a crucial environmental and cultural landmark.

A Beach with a Purpose

The City of Seattle designed and constructed Pioneer Square Habitat Beach to resemble the natural coastline from pre-industrial times. This naturalistic design is more than just aesthetic—it plays a vital role in supporting our local ecosystem, particularly the migrating salmon populations. It’s a place where nature and city life intertwine, providing a serene spot for reflection and a habitat for wildlife.

4 figures stand on the rocky terrain of Habitat Beach. Behind them is the brilliant blue of the Puget Sound. In the distance, the King County Water Taxi can be seen, docked at Pier 50.

Photo of Habitat Beach by Jo Cosme.

A Day of Celebration

The celebration drew over 100 attendees, including community partners, city officials, donors, and members of the public. The event featured remarks from several speakers:

  • Angela Brady, Director of the Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects (OWCP)
  • Adiam Emery, Deputy Mayor
  • Lisa Howard, Executive Director of the Alliance for Pioneer Square
  • Joy Shigaki, President & CEO of Friends of Waterfront Park
  • Buster Simpson, Artist of Migration Stage
  • Leonard Forsman, Tribal Chairman of the Suquamish Tribe
From Left to Right: Artist Buster Simpson, Deputy Mayor Adiam Emery, Friends CEO & President Joy Shigaki, and Alliance for Pioneer Square Executive Director Lisa Howard standing side by side.

From Left to Right: Artist Buster Simpson, Deputy Mayor Adiam Emery, Friends CEO & President Joy Shigaki, and Alliance for Pioneer Square Executive Director Lisa Howard. Photo by Jo Cosme.

Director of the Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects Angela Brady standing at a podium. A microphone is held up to her face by a stand.

Director of the Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects Angela Brady. Photo by Jo Cosme.

We were also delighted to have Molly Moon’s join the festivities, offering free ice cream sundaes to everyone, adding a sweet touch to a perfect day by the water!

Two Molly Moon's staff members standing by their ice cream cart. One staff member is offering a sundae to a customer.

Molly Moon’s staff members handing out sundaes. Photo by Jo Cosme.

Engineering a Greener Future

Suquamish Tribal Chairman Leonard Forsman delivering a speech from a podium.

Suquamish Tribal Chairman Leonard Forsman. Photo by Jo Cosme.

Over generations, Seattle has been through many changes and developments, some positive, and some that can be considered missteps in retrospect. Pioneer Square Habitat Beach is an example of a transformation that has a positive impact on the environment and our near shore ecosystem, and just as importantly, a profound impact on how we orient ourselves around the water, our greatest natural resource.

Leonard Forsman, the Tribal Chairman of the Suquamish Tribe, reflected on the importance of the location of the beach for local Tribes and Indigenous folks, both throughout history and here in the present:

“What did this place used to look like? As a Suquamish or a Muckleshoot or a person of First Nations ancestry, you think of that when you walk around. It always seems like you’re above it. And now, we’re with it.”

Join Us in Reliving the Celebration

We invite you to check out the photos from the event and watch the recap video on our social media. Witness the joy and community spirit that marked this special occasion and see how Pioneer Square Habitat Beach is set to become a beloved part of Seattle’s waterfront.

Audience members applauding a speaker.

Over 100 attendees joined us at Habitat Beach. Photo by Jo Cosme.

Our latest Gratitude Report on display. Photo by Jo Cosme.

Giveaways from the Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects. Photo by Jo Cosme.

Artist Buster Simpson taking a photo of the crowd. Photo by Jo Cosme,.

Audience members lean over the beach’s chain link fence to get a closer look. Photo by Jo Cosme.

Two audience members share an excited embrace, sundae in hand. Photo by Jo Cosme.

Friends Public Safety Manager Maria Lopez (Left) enjoying a conversation with a friend while seated on one of the sculptural dolos. Photo by Jo Cosme.

You can find our video recap by watching on Instagram or YouTube!

Additional Resources

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this remarkable addition to our city. We look forward to seeing you at the Pioneer Square Habitat Beach soon!

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