Seattle will unveil its long-anticipated Overlook Walk on Friday, Oct. 4 — an elevated park constructed between the community and business hubs of downtown, Pike Place Market, and Waterfront Park. The new pedestrian pathway marks a significant milestone in the city’s multi-billion dollar waterfront transformation project.
Under construction since 2022, the Overlook Walk is the city’s first-ever pedestrian link between downtown and the waterfront — yes, that means we no longer have to traverse endless sets of stairs and navigate the crosshairs of busy Alaskan Way traffic.
One of the largest intended impacts for the Overlook Walk is enhancing visitor access and experience + supporting foot traffic for the surrounding local businesses.
With new seating, landscaping, public art, and a concessionaire space, the Overlook Walk aims to become a top destination year-round. Many of these additional features will continue to be implemented throughout 2025 in the project’s final phase.
Let’s take a brief look at the project as a whole — here’s what the final product will look like:
- Twenty acres of new parks and public spaces
- Significant multi-modal transportation improvements
- Directing foot traffic flow between downtown and the waterfront
- Public access to the waterfront with gradual slopes and a new elevator
- Protected areas with food and beverage options
- Slides and other play elements for families
- Terraced landscaping with native plants
- Free public programming co-curated with the community
Perched above Seattle Aquarium’s Ocean Pavilion, the park also features 360º views of downtown and beloved natural landmarks like Elliott Bay and Mount Rainier.
