May 19, 2026
By Elliott Bay Connections Project Team
Seattle’s waterfront is gearing up for summer with the reopening of Myrtle Edwards Park (Seattle Parks and Recreation) and Centennial Park (Port of Seattle) on the morning of June 4. Together, these parks provide more than a mile of shoreline and 16 acres of open, public park space where people can stroll, bike, relax, and enjoy Elliott Bay. To prepare for reopening, both parks — including the shared‑use path — will be closed from 7 p.m. on June 3 to 7 a.m. on June 4.
The improvements are part of Elliott Bay Connections (EBC), a public-private partnership to connect, restore, and revitalize public parks along the Elliott Bay waterfront from Waterfront Park (at Pier 62) to The Beach at Expedia Group (just before Pier 91). The EBC project is funded entirely by private philanthropy.
A new greenway connecting Waterfront Park to the Olympic Sculpture Park opened in April 2026, and construction and plantings are underway in Myrtle Edwards and Centennial Parks. A shared use path remains open in both parks.
Park improvements
The EBC improvements to Myrtle Edwards and Centennial parks include:
- Refreshed park landscapes with abundant native plantings, including new lawns, meadows, and trees that flourish in coastal conditions
- New haʔłali amenities building (haʔłali means “the good place”) with restrooms and food concessions
- Restored and revitalized park amenities, including brand new picnic tables and seating, wayfinding, and lighting
- Improved public access to two beach coves in Myrtle Edwards Park, and enhanced shoreline habitat
- New children’s exploration area
- Repaired and enhanced pedestrian and bike trails
- New wayfinding and directional signage
- Accessibility improvements including access to key areas in both parks
Visitors will also be able to enjoy a new food‑and‑beverage experience beginning in early June, when beloved local Scandinavian coffee shop Café Hagen opens in the haʔłali building.
Public access was maintained throughout construction of the parks, which began in March 2025.
New greenway
On April 21, the new greenway constructed as part of the EBC project opened for public use. This beautiful landscaped multi-use path connects Waterfront Park (at Pier 62) to the Olympic Sculpture Park (at Pier 70) and replaces obsolete trolley tracks and sidewalk. Read more about the greenway on the SDOT Blog.
Design and construction were entirely funded by private philanthropy, and private support is funding maintenance and landscape care during the initial establishment period of the new plantings and trees. The parks are owned and operated by the City of Seattle and Port of Seattle. The Downtown Seattle Association continues to be the implementation partner.
Growing in
Throughout the parks’ combined 16 acres, landscapes were refreshed with abundant native plantings, including new lawns, meadows, and trees that flourish in coastal conditions. The young plants, shrubs, and trees will need time to grow and become fully mature. Temporary post and rope fencing have been installed to protect plants while they grow. Temporary post and rope fences have been installed to protect newly planted beds, lawns, and pollinator meadows.
Learn more
- Find information about design, community engagement, and answers to frequently asked questions
- To contact the EBC project team, email [email protected]
Top photo caption: The bike trails in Myrtle Edwards and Centennial parks have been repaired and feature improved new lighting and signage. Rendering by Walker Macy.
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