Seattle — On Saturday, September 6th, Waterfront Park celebrated its historic grand opening. What was once the noisy Alaskan Way Viaduct is now a 20-acre civic waterfront — built for joy, connection, and community.  

For the first time, the full 20 acres of Waterfront Park was activated and accessible to the community to enjoy. The day featured performances, art, family activities, and open space to celebrate the rich and vibrant history of the Seattle waterfront.

Tribal Council Chair Jaison Elkins attended and spoke at the ribbon cutting ceremony. The new park includes work by Muckleshoot artists and carvers, as well as Pioneer Square Habitat Beach — a space where the Tribe can hold cultural events in the future.

The Friends of Waterfront Park — the non-profit responsible for fundraising, stewarding, and programming at Waterfront Park — hope that the park becomes a place for the community to rest, to play, to gather with loved ones, and to connect with the natural beauty of Elliot Bay.

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