‘Waterfront Seattle’ work continues as visitors flock to park at Pier 62

SEATTLE — A sunny Sunday introduced crowds of individuals to Pier 62, a portion of Waterfront Park and a bit of the large Waterfront Seattle redevelopment challenge. Utilizing funding from town, state, a neighborhood enchancment district tax and philanthropic donations, the $756 million challenge remains to be on observe for a 2024 end, in keeping with Pals of Waterfront Seattle Government Director Thatcher Bailey. 

“We obtained a bit bit delayed due to the concrete strike however ideally the entire thing might be prepared to be used by the general public, the entire park by the top of 2024,” Bailey stated.

The challenge consists of the development of a park promenade alongside the water, a brand new floor road alongside Alaskan Method, an elevated connector from Pike Place Market to the waterfront, and higher east-west connects between downtown and Elliot Bay. These efforts intention to attach neighborhoods on the waterfront, rising walkability and boosting downtown enterprise.

“How do you type of reconnect all of downtown to the Waterfront? How do you convey us again to the character that so defines life in Seattle? How do you reconnect us to the easy truth of getting these views, locations to the touch and see the water, be close to the water?” Bailey defined. “And you’ll have a look at the cityscape there and see methods through which you are seeing town that had been by no means seen earlier than when the viaduct was there.”

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The challenge started 13 years in the past, lengthy earlier than the pandemic. Bailey says now, greater than ever, foot visitors and connection by parks and programming will make a distinction. 

“With the viaduct in place, lots of people by no means even thought of going to the waterfront,” Bailey stated. “Individuals would come right here however they tended to be cruise ship guests, vacationers, folks from out of town- and infrequently when folks from Seattle thought of going to the water, this wasn’t the place they had been going. The extent to which this park is successful is the extent to which individuals across the metropolis understand it is a place to return and go to.”

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Betty Benveniste is one native who’s already began to frequent the world, having fun with the views and excited for what’s subsequent.

“Each time we drive by right here I say, have a look at how many individuals are down right here! I do not bear in mind it being that much- it is wonderful,” Benveniste stated. “Even when it is raining- the umbrellas and everything- it is wonderful.”

To study extra in regards to the challenge’s development, timeline and funding, click on right here. To study extra in regards to the park, upcoming free programming and Pals of Waterfront Seattle, click on right here.