Page 5 - Demo

5 Waterfront Park Grand Opening CelebrationOver 15 years in the making2001Major construction on Waterfront Park is completed,spanning from Belltown to the stadiums, and is open yearround. The park includes two new piers, a playground, a public restroom, 1.2 miles of protected bike lanes, and a robust art program, among many other amenities. Waterfront Park Grand Opening Celebration is planned for Saturday, September 6, to celebrate over 15 years of visioning, planning, community involvement, and transformative ideas.The Nisqually earthquake, magnitude 6.8, strikes the Puget Sound region of Washington State on February 28, 2001, causing significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. Among the impacted infrastructure is the Alaskan Way Viaduct, leading to its eventual removal and providing opportunity and space for the waterfront transformation.2010 A framework and design is developed by a multidisciplinary team, including various stakeholders and agencies, to create a new %u201cWaterfront for All.%u201d Over 10,000 people participate in visioning sessions, community meetings, walking tours, and environmental reviews to shape this program.2011 The Mayor and Seattle City Council confirms the guiding principles of the program and establishes a Central Waterfront Oversight Committee to advise the City on the design of these new public spaces, including reconnecting the city to its shoreline.2012 The Mayor and Seattle City Council endorse the Waterfront Concept Design, Framework Plan, and Strategic Plan.2013 Construction of the Elliott Bay Seawall, forming the foundation for the new waterfront, begins.2014 The City of Seattle establishes the Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects to lead design, permitting and construction of more than 20 projects as part of the Waterfront Seattle Program, including Waterfront Park. 2017 Elliott Bay Seawall construction is completed and Waterfront Park construction begins. 2019 The SR-99 tunnel is opened to traffic and the Alaskan Way Viaduct is removed by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).2020 The newly rebuilt Pier 62 opens to the public with a flexible space for programming, a floating dock and artwork. Friends of Waterfront Park begins hosting communitydriven free public programming.2022 Friends of Waterfront Park establishes community partnership committees, comprised of Indigenous, BIPOC and disabled community leaders, creatives, organizers, and individuals, respectively. These citizen advisory committees play a vital role to ensure Waterfront Park is a vibrant and inclusive community space for building connections, meaningful experiences, and fostering belonging.2023 Pioneer Square Habitat Beach opens, supporting the waterfront ecosystem, including enhancing the salmon corridor by adding rocks and nearshore vegetation.2024 Seattle Center, a department within the City of Seattle, assumes new role to lead operations, maintenance and public safety efforts at Waterfront Park in partnership with Friends of Waterfront Park.2025Overlook Walk opens, creating a seamless connection and bridging the 100-foot gap between Pike Place Market and the downtown shoreline.Friends of Waterfront Park publishes its Cultural Master Plan, developed in partnership with over 146 artists, performers, and community leaders to guide inclusive and community-centered programming.Friends of Waterfront Park is formed, the nonprofit leading programming, stewardship, and fundraising for Waterfront Park.Friends of Waterfront Park launches the $170 million Campaign for Waterfront Park; $110 million to fund construction, and $60 million to support ongoing programming, operations, and public safety at the park.