Photo courtesy of the City of Seattle and Tim Rice Aerials
Your Guide to Waterfront Park
Scroll through our guide to learn all about the exciting transformations and activations coming to downtown Seattle’s iconic Waterfront, as we count down to the Park’s Grand Opening in 2025!
Photo from Salmon Homecoming 2023 by Jo Cosme
An attendee weaves raffia and cattail fibers into a medallion at the We Are Water Weaving Workshop in 2023. Photo by Raven's Tale Studio.
Flags from a flag-making activity at We Are Water 2023, facilitated by Raven Juarez, flying high at Pier 62. Photo by Jordan Remington.
Dzidzilalich: A Coast Salish Waterfront
Land Acknowledgement
Waterfront Park is situated on the land of the Coast Salish Peoples, who have resided here since time immemorial and continue to thrive. With respect and humility, we acknowledge the history of the waterfront, the dispossession of land from the Coast Salish people, and most importantly, the strength and resilience of the native people and their culture through this history to the present.
This acknowledgment serves only as a first step in honoring the land that we occupy and the first peoples of that land. Friends recognizes that this will be long and evolving work to build and repair relationships with Native communities.
What is Dzidzilalich?
The City has given Alaskan Way and Elliott Way, between Pioneer Square and Belltown, the honorary name Dzidzilalich (pronounced: dzee-dzuh-lah-leech) to honor the lands and shared waters of the Puget Sound Coast Salish People.
Per the Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects, “Dzidzilalich means ‘little crossing-over place’ in Lushootseed, one of the languages of the Coast Salish people, and refers to one of the several villages that once stood here.” The Suquamish and Muckleshoot Tribal Councils provided guidance to the city of Seattle’s Mayor’s Office, the Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects and the Seattle Department of Transportation in the process of selecting Dzidzilalich as the honorary name for this roadway. Follow the links below to learn more.
Left: Overlook Walk. Image by Field Operations, courtesy of the City of Seattle. Right: The waterfront shortly before the Alaskan Way Viaduct was removed in 2019.
Photo courtesy of the City of Seattle and Tim Rice Aerials
The Alaskan Way Viaduct in 2009. Image by Nick Brown.
Demolition of the Alaskan Way Viaduct in 2019.
20 Acres Connecting City and Sound
Waterfront Park serves as a new public space where the Alaskan Way Viaduct once stood. From its southernmost tip in the Stadium district, to the northern end in Belltown, Waterfront Park is gradually becoming a space for all to gather and reconnect with one another and the environment.
Scroll down to read more about the different sections of the park, upcoming activations and features, and see what’s been going on since things opened up in 2020!
Photo by Land Morphology, courtesy of the City of Seattle.
Working in Partnership
Waterfront Park is made possible thanks to the collaboration of multiple organizations. To help make sense of the different entities you may encounter throughout this page, here’re some brief descriptions of the major groups who’re bringing Waterfront Park to life.
- City of Seattle’s Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects leads the “Waterfront Seattle” effort: a multi-year investment by the City to construct new waterfront infrastructure such as the park promenade and Overlook Walk, rebuild Pier 58 and Pier 62, and improve east-west connections between downtown and Elliott Bay.
- Friends of Waterfront Park is the 501c3 not for profit responsible for fundraising, stewarding, and programming at Waterfront Park alongside our community – today and into the future.
- Seattle Center manages operations, maintenance, and public safety along the public promenade, Overlook Walk, Pier 58, and Pier 62 at Waterfront Park.
Be sure to visit the links above to learn more about what each organization does to support this project.
Waterfront Park Overview
-
A tree-lined pathway connecting the Waterfront to the stadium district and its neighbors, the Chinatown-International District and Pioneer Square.
Notable Features:
- Lumen Field
- Stadium Plaza
- King Street Station
-
Lush, green east-west connections between a historic neighborhood the Waterfront.
Notable Features:
- Improved pedestrian pathways
- Washington Street Boat Landing
- Local vendors
-
Downtown residents have a new escape from the hustle and bustle of the city thanks to a serene pocket beach, just south of the King County Water Taxis.
Notable Features:
- Beach access
- Elliott Bay Seawall
- Art & Play: Buster Simpson Sculpture
-
A link from the downtown core to ferries, water taxis, and Puget Sound.
Notable Features:
- Art: George Tsutakawa
- Colman Dock
- Marion St. Pedestrian Bridge
- Art: Oscar Tuazon & Collaborators
-
Featuring the Seattle Great Wheel, restaurants, and shops, the historic piers offer year-round opportunities to eat, drink, and play.
Notable Features:
- Boardwalk
- Union St. Pedestrian Bridge
- Art: Haddad|Drugan
- Art: Norie Sato
Learn More About the Park Promenade
Learn More About the Union Street Pedestrian Bridge -
The new Pier 58 will be a new hub for gathering, activity, and play. Visitors will be treated to timeless views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic mountains, fun seasonal programming, and so much more.
Notable Features:
- Jellyfish Playground
- Fitzgerald Fountain
- Restrooms
- Concierge
- Art: Qwalsius-Shaun Peterson of the Puyallup Tribe
-
The cultural hub of the waterfront ties together two iconic waterfront destinations, Pike Place Market and the Seattle Aquarium, with added space for activities and sweeping views.
Notable Features:
- Art: Shaun Peterson
- Art: Derek Bruno and Gage Hamilton
- Art: MTK Matriarchs
- Art: Ann Hamilton
- Art: Stephen Vitiello
- Play structures
-
Our neighbors at Pike Place Market and the Seattle Aquarium are bringing new attractions and community spaces to the Waterfront through their own expansions — the MarketFront & Ocean Pavilion.
Notable Features:
- New vending opportunities
- Additional housing
- Parking
- New exhibits
- The oculus
- Connection to the Park Promenade
-
Pier 62 hosts an array of free park programs for locals and visitors of all ages, while also serving as an excellent space for visitors to relax and breakaway from the busy boardwalk as they soak in the spectacular views.
Notable Features:
- Floating Dock
- Public seating
- Soccer
- Chess, checkers, and other games
- Sensory kits
- Public restrooms
-
Connecting the waterfront to Olympic Sculpture Park, Bell Street Park, and an active neighborhood brimming with shopping, food, and nightlife.
Notable Features:
- Lenora St. Pedestrian Bridge
- Bell St. Park Extension
- Elliott Bay Connections
- Protected bike lanes
- Increased pedestrian amenities and sidewalks
Photo courtesy of the City of Seattle and Tim Rice Aerials
Rendering by Field Operations, courtesy of the City of Seattle.
Rendering by Field Operations, courtesy of the City of Seattle.
Railroad Way
Prioritizing Pedestrians
Improved sidewalks and greenery will support safe pedestrian connections between the waterfront and Pioneer Square. Seahawks, Sounders, and Mariners fans will have easy access to Waterfront Park and public transportation options by land or sea.
Photo of improved pedestrian crossing in Pioneer Square courtesy of the City of Seattle
Photo of new pathways and greenery in Pioneer Square courtesy of the City of Seattle
Photo of "Shoreline Alley" pavement design courtesy of the City of Seattle
Rendering by Field Operations, courtesy of the City of Seattle.
Pioneer Square
Connecting Parks and People
Waterfront Park will link directly to Occidental Square, located in the heart of the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood. London Plane trees, spacious sidewalks, outdoor seating, and many small businesses welcome visitors daily.
Connecting Past and Present
The historic Washington Street Boat Landing will anchor the south end of Waterfront Park near Pioneer Square. Recently restored, it once again serves as a symbolic gateway to the city from the Puget Sound.
Habitat Beach. Image by Erik Holsather.
Now Open: Pioneer Square Habitat Beach
Image by Rhoades Clark courtesy of DSA.
Image by Field Operations, courtesy of the City of Seattle.
Pioneer Square Habitat Beach
Creating a Sustainable Future
Habitat Beach supports the waterfront ecosystem and enhances the salmon corridor by adding rocks and nearshore vegetation. Habitat Beach will provide direct access to the water for visitors.
The Elliott Bay Seawall
Created in partnership with scientists at the University of Washington, the Elliott Bay Seawall optimizes the salmon migration corridor with improved habitat, including natural texture to encourage plant growth, nooks for shellfish, and a cantilevered section with glass bricks to provide needed light.
Photo courtesy of the City of Seattle and Tim Rice Aerials
Photo by Tim Rice, courtesy of the City of Seattle
Photo courtesy of the City of Seattle
Image by Field Operations, courtesy of the City of Seattle.
New Views of the Water
A Place to Move, or to Pause
The new Marion Street Bridge offers stunning views of Seattle’s central waterfront while maintaining the direct connection between the ferries and downtown.
In partnership with WSDOT, the City has rebuilt the Marion Street Bridge from Western Avenue to Colman Dock. The new bridge serves as a direct connection between the ferries and downtown, and offer a well-lit, wider walkway with stunning views of Seattle’s central waterfront.
Photo of new bike lanes facing north, featuring the Marion Street Pedestrian Bridge in the background. Courtesy of the City of Seattle.
Photo of the Park Promenade boardwalk and new plantings. Courtesy of the City of Seattle.
Photo of new park benches along the promenade by Tim Rice. Courtesy of the City of Seattle.
Render by Field Operations, courtesy of the City of Seattle.
Pathways for People
The Heart of the Waterfront
The Promenade will be the common connector of Waterfront Park — providing a linear pathway from Pioneer Square to Pier 62 and improving access to waterfront activities. A new two-way bike path will serve commuters, visitors, and families along the same route.
A place for moving, resting, and play, the walkway along the promenade will be punctuated by benches and swings.
A Slower Pace in an Urban Place
A generous two-way bike path will span the Waterfront, allowing cyclists to recreate and commute safely and efficiently. The promenade, boardwalk, bike path, and parallel plantings will create a safe pedestrian haven to move and enjoy the new waterfront.
Photo of Norie Sato's "Unfurling a Gesture (The Persistence of Nature)" at the Union St. Pedestrian Bridge by Jo Cosme.
Photo of Norie Sato's "Unfurling a Gesture (The Nature of Persistence)" by Sunny Martini.
Photo of the Union Street Pedestrian Bridge.
Union Street Pedestrian Bridge
A Revitalized Connection
Visitors passing through Western Avenue from Post Alley to the north, or the Harbor Steps to the south now have easier access to Alaskan Way thanks to the Union Street Pedestrian Bridge.
This new connection features a new staircase, elevator, and elevated walkway, making it an excellent location for taking in panoramic views of the iconic waterfront. It also serves as the home to local artist, Norie Sato’s “Unfurling a Gesture (The Nature of Persistence)”, two abstracted metal sculptures of a fern and seagull wings that frame the passageway.
Aerial photo of the Pier 58 construction site by Tim Rice, courtesy of the City of Seattle.
Render by Field Operations, courtesy of the City of Seattle.
Render by Field Operations, courtesy of the City of Seattle
Render by Field Operations, courtesy of the City of Seattle.
Pier 58
A Place for Gathering, Activity, and Play
Seasonal activities such as concerts, outdoor movies, and festivals will take place in an expansive plaza and event space. The pier will offer a marine-themed playground, a large open lawn with shaded areas, and public restrooms for visitors to enjoy. Its design also sustains the marine habitat by promoting the passage of natural light and aquatic plant growth.
The beloved Waterfront Fountain by James FitzGerald and Margaret Tomkins, located on Pier 58 since 1974, will be restored and integrated into the new pier.
An aerial photo of Waterfront Park featuring from Left to Right, Pier 62, Overlook Walk, and the Seattle Aquarium. Photo by Tim Rice, courtesy of the City of Seattle.
Photo of the Overlook Walk Cafe's intricate glass awning, courtesy of the City of Seattle.
Photo of the view from Overlook Walk, courtesy of the City of Seattle.
A rendering of part of the future Waterfront Park including Overlook Walk. Image by Field Operations courtesy of the City of Seattle.
Overlook Walk
An Elevated Public Park
Overlook Walk will be an elevated public park that connects Pike Place Market’s expansion, MarketFront, to the waterfront promenade. Boasting panoramic views of Elliott Bay, the Olympics, and Mount Rainier. Overlook Walk will provide direct access to the waterfront with sloping pedestrian pathways, the Salish Steps, and a new elevator.
Seamlessly integrated with Seattle Aquarium’s Ocean Pavilion expansion, Overlook Walk will offer play areas for children and families, public plazas, and terraced landscaping rich with native plants. Protected areas will feature public seating and amenities.
An Inviting Pathway with Opportunities for Play
Bluff Walk will be a beautiful and welcoming pathway that slopes gently, crossing back and forth down the bluff, connecting Pike Place Market with the waterfront some 80 feet below.
Featuring an array of options for rest, play, and reflection, Bluff Walk will include nooks and crannies, a cafe, and slides. It will serve as an active, engaging passageway between the Ocean Pavilion, adjacent piers, and Waterfront Park.
Aerial photo of the Overlook Walk and Ocean Pavilion construction site by Tim Rice, courtesy of the City of Seattle.
Photo of the Pike Place MarketFront by Lara Swimmer
Photo of the Ocean Pavilion construction site, courtesy of the City of Seattle.
MarketFront and Ocean Pavilion
Expanding a Beloved Touchstone
The completed MarketFront includes new housing, restaurants, and retail space, plus expanded vendor opportunities and parking.
The New Ocean Pavilion
Seattle Aquarium’s new expansion, the Ocean Pavilion, will be an unparalleled platform for ocean conservation. Exhibits will shed light on the urgent threats facing our ocean and mobilize a new generation of marine conservationists.
Integrated into the design of Overlook Walk, the roof of the Ocean Pavilion will offer public park space, stellar views of the Salish Sea, and a seamless connection to the Promenade below. An oculus will offer the public a dramatic window into the Coral Triangle from the Promenade.
An aerial photo of Pier 62. Photo by Erik Holsather.
Photo by Tosin Arasi
Xopantla Tianquiztli 2022 at Pier 62. Photo by Sunny Martini.
Guma' Gela' on stage at Indigiqueer 2022 at Waterfront Park. Photo by Robert Wade.
Pier 62
A Canvas for the Community
With a new floating dock, integrated lighting, flexible seating, and an acre of open space in the heart of Seattle’s central waterfront, Pier 62 serves as a welcoming canvas for a range of year-round public use.
Opened in 2020, Pier 62 marks the beginning of the Seattle waterfront’s next chapter. From live music and dance performances to soccer, fishing, yoga, and more, Pier 62 hosts an array of free park programs for visitors of all ages.
Elliott Way's Honorary Name, Dzidzilalich. Photo by Jo Cosme.
Photo of new sidewalks and bike lanes along Elliott Way courtesy of the City of Seattle
West-facing photo of the Lenora Street Pedestrian Bridge that connects Elliott Way to Waterfront Park, courtesy of the City of Seattle.
Enhanced plantings in Myrtle Edwards Park and Centennial Park. Image by Walker Macy, courtesy of the Downtown Seattle Association.
Belltown and Beyond
Enhanced Connections between Urban Waterfronts and Neighborhoods
Through the City’s Bell Street Improvements Project and the Downtown Seattle Association’s Elliott Bay Connections Project, accessing our urban waterfronts will be easier than ever before.
Both projects will provide additional bike lanes, sidewalks, and other pedestrian amenities, as well as additional plantings and improved green spaces.
Two individuals sitting on the shore of Pioneer Square Habitat Beach. Photo by Jason Merges.
Support Friends of Waterfront Park
Every inch of the full 20-acre Waterfront Park is made possible by our community coming together and contributing their time, resources and ideas to co-create a transformative public space that is welcoming and inclusive. Today, parks and open spaces are more important than ever to the health and well-being of our community. Donations, grants, and sponsorships raised by Friends amplify the significant public funding to help realize the full potential of our city’s greatest asset. There are a variety of ways to get involved!
Porter Ray performs at Pier Sounds 2022, photo by Sunny Martini
Dancing on the pier. Photo by Sunny Martini.
Additional Resources
Find more information about Waterfront Park by checking out some of these quick links:
- Visit Waterfront Park
- Waterfront Park Rules
- Waterfront Project Timeline
- Download a copy of this Waterfront Park Guide
- Arts and the Waterfront Vision
Visit the Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects website for construction and design resources.
Find Waterfront news and other helpful guides by visiting our friends at the Seattle Historic Waterfront Association.
Created in Partnership With
