SEATTLE — Overlook Walk, a new landmark along Seattle's Waterfront, is set to open to the public Friday.
The elevated park is located where the Alaskan Way Viaduct between Pike Place Market and the Seattle Aquarium once stood. The new project is the first-ever pedestrian connection between downtown Seattle and the waterfront.
The park will feature 360-degree views of downtown Seattle, Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains, and Mount Rainier, according to a release.
Construction on Overlook Walk began in June 2022 and is opening ahead of its 2025 schedule.
Officials said visitors and residents will have seating options to rest and enjoy the views and a new concessionaire space featuring local small businesses, anticipated to open in 2025.
“Waterfront Park, particularly Overlook Walk, will be a dynamic landmark that honors our past, highlights Seattle’s spirit of innovation, and welcomes everyone to experience the city’s natural beauty and vibrant culture," Mayor Bruce Harrell said in a release. "This once-in-a-generation transformation represents a powerful reconnection of space and people, as visitors, residents, workers, and families will enjoy seamless connections between downtown, Pike Place Market, and the entire Waterfront Park—the entryway to our region.”
According to city officials, there will be 20 acres of new parks and public spaces, and transportation improvements to reconnect downtown to the waterfront and create a more accessible, green and active waterfront with a variety of spaces for people to recreate, relax and learn about the important and unique history of the Seattle area.
“The opening of Overlook Walk marks a major milestone for Waterfront Park," said Joy Shigaki, Friends of Waterfront Park, president and CEO. "This iconic location will offer ease and connectivity, and an extraordinary experience as you make your way from the Pike Place Market to the waterfront and back.”