Friends of Waterfront Park is excited to announce that Microsoft has made a $3.5 million gift to support the development and activation of Seattle’s Waterfront Park. This generous contribution is a key part of our $170 million comprehensive fundraising Campaign for Waterfront Park, which will transform the waterfront into a vibrant, inclusive, and accessible space for the community.
As we prepare for the grand opening season of Waterfront Park in Spring 2025, this gift will enable us to support completion of park construction, enhance public safety, and create engaging experiences for residents and visitors alike. Microsoft’s support underscores a shared vision to foster community connections, innovation, and sustainability on Seattle’s waterfront.
Waterfront Park Promenade 2024. Photo by Erik Holsather
Microsoft announced this special gift today to kick-off its “One Future, One Sound” campaign, celebrating the company’s 50th anniversary. As part of this milestone, Microsoft is honoring the people and organizations that help make the region such a vibrant center of innovation, creativity, and inclusion
“Microsoft gives back to honor the people and places that make Puget Sound a hub of innovation, creativity, and inclusion,” said Kate Behncken, Corporate Vice President, Global Head of Microsoft Philanthropies. “This gift to Friends of Waterfront Park is a tribute to the culture and beauty of the Puget Sound and will help leave a physical legacy for the community to enjoy for generations to come.”
Joy Shigaki, President and CEO of Friends of Waterfront Park, echoed the excitement, saying, “This gift from Microsoft will have a lasting impact on our ability to create a welcoming, inclusive park for all. It strengthens our efforts to build a legacy of community engagement and restores our city’s connection to the waterfront.”
The $170 million Campaign for Waterfront Park is designed to bring Waterfront Park to life with ongoing programming and initiatives that reflect Seattle’s rich cultural heritage. Microsoft’s investment supports these goals, ensuring the waterfront becomes a premier public space for the region.
August Spotlight at Waterfront Park Khmer Amarak on Pier 62. Photo by Jo Cosme.
Overlook Walk – the connection between Pike Place Market and Seattle communities with the Waterfront. Photo by Erik Holsather
As Friends of Waterfront Park continues to work in partnership with the City of Seattle, this contribution from Microsoft brings us closer to realizing a shared dream of a lively, accessible waterfront where community and innovation intersect.
Stay tuned for more announcements as we approach the grand opening season, and join us at Waterfront Park, where Seattle’s future meets its stunning natural backdrop.
Pier 62 Waterfront Block Party. Photo by Erik Holsather.
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