Blog Summary:
- We officially opened Waterfront Park—a 20-acre public space where the old viaduct once stood—made for joy, connection, and community.
- This park came to life thanks to years of teamwork between the City, community partners, donors, and sponsors (and Friends cheering it along the way!).
- Waterfront Park is here for everyone—to gather, play, and soak in the beauty of Elliott Bay.
On Saturday, September 6, Seattle celebrated a historic moment: the Grand Opening of Waterfront Park. What was once the noisy Alaskan Way Viaduct is now a 20-acre civic waterfront—built for joy, connection, and community.
From the start, this vision has been decades in the making. Friends of Waterfront Park was formed over 13 years ago to help bring it to life—through advocacy, community engagement, fundraising, and partnerships that made the impossible possible. Today, we are honored to serve as the nonprofit steward of this extraordinary public space, ensuring it remains vibrant and welcoming for generations to come.
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- Community members pose for official ribbon cutting at Pier 58. Photo by Jo Cosme.
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- Friends President & CEO Joy Shigaki, Office of Waterfront and Civic Projects Director Angela Brady and Seattle Center Director Marshall Foster pose holding keys to Waterfront Park. Photo by Jo Cosme.
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- Suquamish Tribe arriving from the distance by canoe across the Salish Sea. Photo by Jo Cosme.
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- Suquamish Tribe arrives by canoe to Pioneer Square Habitat Beach. Photo by Jo Cosme.
Gratitude and Partnership
This park was made possible through deep collaboration—between the City of Seattle, Seattle Center, Sound Transit, waterfront businesses, artists, community partners, and thousands of supporters. We give special thanks to our Board of Directors, donors, staff, and the sponsors who have helped us extend a big, warm welcome to the community during this milestone year.
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- We Move to Give energizing Railroad South with Zumba class. Photo by Hannah Te.
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- Brasil in Motion leading the jellyfish lantern procession from Railroad Way South. Photo by Hannah Te.
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- Suquamish Tribal Members performing song and dance. Photo by Jo Cosme.
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- Buffalo Soldiers arriving at Railroad Way South. Photo by Jo Cosme.
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- Daughters of Royalty Drill & Dance Ensemble leading the Waterfront Park Strut Procession. Photo by Brandon Patoc.
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- Northwest Tap Connection performing on Park Promenade. Photo by Jo Cosme.
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- ADEFUA performing on Park Promenade. Photo by Jo Cosme.
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- Mak Fai Lion Association performing on the Park Promenade. Photo By Brandon Patoc.
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- Performers from Melody Institute swerving ribbons in front of a crowd at Pier 58. Photo by Brandon Patoc.
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- Performers from Melody Institute beating drums in front of a crowd at Pier 58. Photo by Brandon Patoc.
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- Crowds of people strolling across the Promenade. Photo by Jo Cosme.
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- Massive Monkees breakdancing in front of a large crowd at Pier 58. Photo by Jo Cosme.
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- Hustle & Soul emcee leading a dance lesson. Photo by Andy Shepard.
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- Double Dutch Divas bringing the energy to the Salish Steps. Photo by Brandon Patoc.
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- Crowds vibing to the pier sounds. Photo by Andy Shepard.
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- Reposado performing on stage at Pier 62. Photo by Brandon Patoc.
A Park for Everyone
Waterfront Park now belongs to all of us. It is a place to rest, to play, to gather with loved ones, and to connect with the natural beauty of Elliott Bay. Our goal is simple: to create the kind of everyday magic that makes people say, “Meet me at Waterfront Park.”
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- New artwork at Railroad Way South. Photo by Jo Cosme.
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- Taking in a quiet moment at Pioneer Square Habitat Beach. Photo by Jo cosme.
Scroll our photo album to relive this historic opening day from performances and festivities to the joy of thousands experiencing their new waterfront.