Known as Waterfront Park, the 50,000-square-foot dock located between the Seattle Aquarium and the Great Wheel represents one of the last significant achievements in Seattle’s long-term initiative to restore the city’s connection to its waterfront.
The new park is located on land that has been influenced by history.
After the 2001 Nisqually earthquake, damage to the Alaskan Way Viaduct and seawall led to a major transformation: tearing down the two-level highway, creating a tunnel, and developing a seismically strong seawall — all aimed at improving safety and access along the waterfront.
Waiting fifteen years is a long period,” remarked Toni Napoli, a resident of West Seattle. “However, Seattle did an excellent job. It’s a stunning park.
The original Pier 58 shut down in 2019 and suffered partial collapse in 2020 while being taken down. The new structure was created with a focus on strength, user experience, and bringing happiness to the public.
This is Seattle’s new front porch,” remarked Angela Brady, head of the Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects. “We now feature expansive walkways, play areas, a restored fountain, shaded seating, and vistas of the Olympics, the Space Needle, and Elliott Bay. It’s a unique location.
A 25-foot-tall jellyfish-themed climbing structure with slides and nets serves as the main attraction of the new park, created by a Canadian company recognized for its artistic and interactive play installations. Additionally, the area includes open grassy space, landscaping with native plants, accessible seating, and unique seating arrangements that resemble sea creatures.
This park is focused on families,” Brady mentioned. “We aimed for something distinctive, easy to reach, and interactive — a motivation for people to bring their children here and spend quality time.
20 acres activated
The latest Pier 58 is included in a broader, 20-acre linear park situated along Seattle’s main waterfront. It integrates smoothly with the Overlook Walk, which was unveiled in 2023, and will ultimately link up with the new Ocean Pavilion, an extension of the Seattle Aquarium scheduled to open in 2025.
In addition to its physical design, the programming at Pier 58 aims to draw people into the downtown area and assist local businesses. Over 270 free events are scheduled for this summer, featuring fitness classes, live music, cultural festivals, and a new weekly market.
We invite local artists, chefs, and musicians to ensure this area showcases the best of our region,” said Joy Shigaki, president and CEO of Friends of Waterfront Park. “It’s about helping everyone feel they are part of this place — both residents and guests.
Upcoming events feature “Soul in the Water” in August and “Salmon Homecoming” in September, along with regular activities such as yoga, sound baths, and lunchtime food pop-ups.
When I travel, I prefer to visit places that locals frequent,” Shigaki mentioned. “We are aiming to provide that sort of experience—something lively, deeply local, and full of energy.
Park safety for the public
The Seattle Center oversees the daily management of the park in collaboration with Friends of Waterfront Park. The area is maintained seven days a week, and features a round-the-clock public safety team dedicated to ensuring access and fostering community involvement.
Out of over 28,000 public interactions from last year, the Seattle Police responded only 55 times,” stated Tiffany Melake, who manages operations at Waterfront Park. “This highlights how secure and inviting this area truly is.
Employees receive training to uphold park regulations and collaborate with social services to assist individuals facing emergencies.
Following years of anticipation — and months of observing from behind a barrier — the general public can look forward to returning to Pier 58 beginning Friday, July 25.
Guests can walk around the fountain square, ascend the jellyfish structure, watch a sunset over the water, or just relax with a coffee beneath the skies of the Pacific Northwest.
