The first major renovation of Westlake Park in nearly 40 years brought new seating, play areas, artwork and other improvements to one of downtown Seattle’s busiest public gathering places.
A Park Ready for Its Next Chapter
Westlake Park opened in 1988 and became a backdrop for decades of concerts, celebrations, protests and everyday downtown life. As Seattle changed around it, the park’s aging infrastructure and amenities needed attention.
Beginning in 2024, Seattle Parks Foundation and Seattle Parks and Recreation worked with residents, businesses, property owners, community service providers and public agencies on a new vision for the space.
The resulting renovation addressed deteriorating structures, public safety and outdated amenities while adding new seating, artwork, a game area and ping pong courts.
Back to Westlake
On May 28, just days before the World Cup began, Westlake Park reopened.
Live music filled the park as people tried the new play areas, learned chess, stopped at a craft station and bought food from neighboring businesses and local food trucks.
The renovation brought together Seattle Parks Foundation, Seattle Parks and Recreation, SeattleFWC26, Sellen Construction, Pine Street Group, Downtown Seattle Association, Downtown Community Council, Seattle Department of Transportation and Berger Partnership.
The renovated park reopened in time to welcome the world, with the improvements remaining for everyone who would use it afterward.
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