This past year proved to be a successfully active year at the waterfront, with over seventy free music events, cultural performances, and fitness and wellness classes hosted on Pier 62. Many of which were made possible by our generous community supporters and partnerships.

With the grand opening of the full 20-acre Waterfront Park just around the corner, we invited one of our earliest supporters to share why she chose to invest in Waterfront Park and Friends’ work to make it vibrant and accessible. Melissa, who lives near the waterfront, has witnessed firsthand the transformation that’s almost complete!

How did you first learn about Waterfront Park and the changes happening? 

I’ve been a Seattleite for 30 years and have lived in downtown Seattle since 2018. Once I learned about the investments in the waterfront, alongside other positive things happening in the city, I got excited realizing that our waterfront is going to be one of the best in the world when it’s done.  I’m totally bought into the vision.

What are you most excited about/what do you love most about Waterfront Park? 

I’m most excited about Overlook Walk, having connections to Pike Place Market and the Aquarium, I walk up the stairs every day and having a new more gradual walkway will be a gamechanger. The floating dock on Pier 62 is also one of my favorite things. Whenever I have friends and family come over, I always take them on the floating dock and encourage them to take pictures because it’s so gorgeous and one of the best photo ops in the city.

Why was it important to you to support Waterfront Park and Friends with a monthly gift?

This is my community, and I want to be part of its revitalization and future. This is a long-term investment, something that will be available for generations to come. I’m proud of the changes that are already visible. I love seeing people gathered on Pier 62 and the diverse communities that come out to enjoy it. For example, this summer, there was a Latin music event. People were singing, dancing and so into it. We can all be part of the revitalization of the city. This is an amazing opportunity to come together to continue making Seattle a beautiful, inspiring place to live and visit.

What would you say to someone who hasn’t seen the new waterfront yet or who is unfamiliar with Waterfront Park?

I encourage everybody to donate to these efforts if they can, but also to come out and enjoy the park – bring your friends and family, because that’s what it’s there for!  We love the outdoors here, and the waterfront is like a portal to the mountains and water, it brings everything together.

Join Melissa in leaving a mark on Waterfront Park! Make a gift of any size today.