Downtown’s Waterfront Park Grand Opening Marks Historic Milestone

Downtown Seattle’s central waterfront is about to take a historic step forward. On Sept. 6, Waterfront Park officially opens to the public, fulfilling a decades-long vision to reconnect our city with its shoreline. Spanning 20 acres, the new park includes plazas, gardens, pathways, playgrounds and flexible space for year-round programming — a once-in-a-generation civic project that will reshape how we experience downtown.

The opening is the culmination of years of planning, investment and community collaboration led by Friends of Waterfront Park, the city of Seattle and Seattle Center. For DSA members and MID ratepayers, it represents another reason to be excited about downtown’s momentum and the growing vibrancy of our public spaces.

Foot traffic along the waterfront has already shown exciting momentum. On Saturday, July 26 — the day of the Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight Parade and other downtown events — the waterfront saw nearly 100,000 visitors, the highest single-day count since at least January 2019. Nearly 30,000 of those visitors were local residents living within 10 miles of downtown. Overall, July 2025 visitor counts were up 19% compared to July 2024.

“This waterfront will be a destination that draws residents and visitors alike, creating opportunities for connection, celebration and commerce,” DSA President & CEO Jon Scholes said. “It’s a milestone moment for our city and a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we invest in the heart of Seattle.”

The Sept. 6 celebration, running from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., will feature live music, family-friendly activities and community events throughout the day.

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