Seattle's Elliott Bay is poised to quickly become more pedestrian-friendly with an ambitious greenway trail and park restoration project led by Elliott Bay Connections (EBC). This collaborative rejuvenation initiative aims to connect Waterfront Park to the Olympic Sculpture Park with a trail designed for walking, biking, and just about every way you can roll. The EBC's current focus is on gathering public input to help shape this waterfront transformation.
EBC's plans are to not only connect parks but also people – locals and tourists alike – fostering a greater connection to the scenic Salish Sea and honoring the Indigenous communities that have thrived in the region for centuries. In a statement obtained by Parkways Seattle, the EBC team has conveyed a clear intent to "make the Elliott Bay waterfront a welcoming place for all." To achieve this, they're reaching out to the community to actively participate in shaping the future of Seattle’s waterfront parks through a public survey available on their website.
The proposed greenway trail, set to stretch on the east side of Alaskan Way, is part of a larger vision that includes the restoration of Myrtle Edwards and Centennial Parks. According to Parkways Seattle, this trail will run parallel to a new two-way protected bike lane on the west side of Alaskan Way, a segment of the Seattle Department of Transportation’s Alaskan Way Safety Project.
Elliott Bay citizens are encouraged to promptly provide their feedback, with the survey running through June 9. The insights collected will guide the design phase and future development of these waterfront areas. "Your feedback will guide the design team in prioritizing key features and amenities as they finalize the project design," EBC mentioned in an announcement on their website. This eco-friendly initiative seems to lay the groundwork for a rejuvenated waterfront, poised for completion in time to host crowds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Seattle can expect shovels to hit the ground in early 2025 if all sails smoothly, with the project wrapping up by the summer of 2026. Until then, the community can stay in the loop with updates by signing up for the EBC mailing list or visiting their website at ElliottBayConnections.org for more detailed information about the proposal and its progression.
