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SEATTLE (July 10, 2025) – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell and the City of Seattle’s Office of the Waterfront, Civic Projects and Sound Transit announced Pier 58 will open to the public on Friday, July 25. The pier contributes nearly 50,000 square feet of new park space to the reimagined 20-acre Waterfront Park. To celebrate this milestone, residents and visitors are invited to the pier for a free, family-friendly community celebration on Friday, July 25, between 4-8 PM following the official invite-only ribbon cutting. Attendees are encouraged to explore the new pier, playground, and meet beloved local mascots. Marine-themed attire and costumes are encouraged.
“Since 1974, Pier 58 — once known as Waterfront Park — has been part of so many waterfront memories,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell. “Now, we celebrate its return as yet another incredible piece of our reimagined, expanded 20-acre Waterfront Park, and a one-of-a-kind play space for our kids! This new space promises a memorable experience for all, whether you call Seattle home or are visiting from afar. The redesigned Pier 58 honors our past and points to a future built on safe, welcoming, and accessible public space for all.”
Originally opened in 1974 as ‘Waterfront Park’, the historic Pier 58 is located in the heart of the waterfront between Union and Pike streets, and next to the Seattle Aquarium. The new park features a sea life themed play area with a 25-ft tall jellyfish-inspired climbing tower, 18-ft tall slide and other play elements. The play area is open, easily accessible, and thoughtfully designed with clear sightlines for parents and guardians. Pier 58 was built to be family-friendly, offering ample seating and convenient access to a public restroom that opened in March. The pier also features an elevated lawn with expansive views of Elliott Bay, a tree grove providing shade, and a flexible plaza space that will be activated by Friends of Waterfront Park. Architectural lighting adds to the park experience — integrated into the play features, railings, grove, and seating areas.
The City of Seattle will host a media preview of the pier on Wednesday, July 23, at 10 AM, offering direct interviews with Angela Brady, Office of the Waterfront, and Joy Shigaki, Friends of Waterfront Park. Members of the press that are interested in attending must RSVP to the Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects by Monday, July 21, by emailing Iris Picat at ipicat@enviroissues.com.
What people are saying:
Angela Brady, Director of the Office of the Waterfront, Civic Projects and Sound Transit
“After years of public engagement to design the space – including inspiring input from Seattle’s youth – and years of construction, we are thrilled to return Pier 58 to the people of Seattle on July 25. With a whimsical jellyfish that has been the talk of the town for months and new spaces for lounging, sightseeing or dancing, Pier 58 is sure to have something for everyone to enjoy! From the very beginning, more than 15 years ago, our goal was to create a waterfront for all—accessible, safe, greener and welcoming. That vision has become a reality, and we’re excited to invite everyone to experience this space together.”
Emily and Michael George, Downtown parents involved in the playground design
“As parents raising children downtown it means so much to have this wonderful playground in the neighborhood. It’s not only a place for children to play but a big step forward in creating a downtown that works for residents of all ages.”
Joy Shigaki, President and CEO, Friends of Waterfront Park
“Friends of Waterfront Park is honored to manage, activate, and care for Pier 58 as part of our long-term commitment to creating a vibrant, welcoming waterfront for everyone. This new family-friendly space — with its playful design and stunning views — is an open invitation to gather, explore, and build lasting memories. We look forward to bringing it to life through programming and community partnerships that reflect the heart of Seattle.”
Darcie Larson, Seattle Aquarium’s Vice President of Conservation Engagement and Learning
“We’re so excited to welcome the new Pier 58 park as our neighbors. With the play space featuring marine life, we’re looking forward to exploring future opportunities to share our mission of Inspiring Conservation of our Marine Environment.”