A Park Made for Lingering
With thoughtful design, clear sightlines, and a sense of safety, Pier 58 feels like Seattle’s front porch
By Emma Smith July 24, 2025
As someone who is very passionate about public parks, I was honored to get a sneak peek of the new Pier 58.
It exceeded every expectation.
This park has it all. The goal is to enjoy the beautiful landscape of the city skyline and Olympic Mountains. The thoughtfulness that’s been poured into every inch of this space is incredible, but it all feels effortless.
The main attraction is a 25-foot jellyfish play structure that’s equal parts art and playground. It’s designed to make kids feel adventurous and challenged, while also letting parents keep an eye on them — there’s even a public restroom just a few feet away.
Because community is such a key focus for this project, Seattle Center was brought in to help with safety. The park will have staff on site as well as security — which, personally, is a major win for me. Feeling safe is an important part of being able to relax and enjoy any public space.
Some cool things that surprised me: The park features over 400 species of plants and incorporates reused materials like recycled wood. It’s not just environmentally conscious — it’s also educational, because the depth of the water below is marked on the ground, along with the names of the sea creatures found at each level. There’s even a cut-out in the pier that lets sunlight reach the seawall to support the marine ecosystem below.
To me, a good public park should feel like a love letter to its city. I go to parks to be alone without feeling lonely. I might not speak to anyone, but I’m surrounded by people. There’s something quietly comforting about all of us existing together for a moment. Pier 58 captures that feeling — and I can’t wait to spend more time there.
The park officially reopens July 25. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, it’s a space built to welcome you. It’s a gathering place, a playground, a plant-filled sanctuary, and a reflection of Seattle itself.
Emma Smith is Seattle magazine’s account executive and social media manager. She’s often behind the camera at events, capturing what makes this city tick — and sometimes jumping in to share a story of her own.
Follow Us
Locked In
Two new immersive games bring cinematic puzzles and buzzer battles to Seattle’s growing escape room scene.
On a rainy afternoon in Whistler, B.C. this summer, I finally caved and tried my first escape room. After two straight days of soggy hikes and muddy bike rides, my kids were done with the great outdoors. So we ducked into an escape room called “Buried Cabin,” where a fake avalanche had sealed us inside….
The Pulse: Under the October Moon
Pumpkin stout, Mariners love, and the return of The Blob
That moon this week was something else, wasn’t it? You can feel the season turning, and I love how everyone’s talking about the Mariners. If you’ve been out during a game, it’s the best—the way a bar erupts mid-conversation with cheering and clapping, and then everyone just goes right back to talking. Fall feels good…
The Pulse: Grounds for Change
Sue Bird on stage, Starbucks in retreat.
Fall is officially here, but are we feeling it yet? It’s certainly getting colder. Maybe you’re shutting the windows at night or noticing all the pumpkins at the grocery stores. Some of us are pulling out scarves, others are clinging to late-summer light. I guess the question is, are you Team Fall or Team Endless…
Shaping Our Future Together
Showing up for Seattle matters more than ever.
Seattle’s recovery looks promising, but progress is fragile. Sustaining and strengthening it will take commitment from leaders, businesses, and us: the people that call this region home. The more we show up now—supporting our neighborhoods, businesses, and the people who bring them to life—the more we’ll benefit from the thriving, beautiful city we call home. We…