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

A playground with curved wooden climbing structures and a blue rubber surface invites Playtime on the Pier, with a large Ferris wheel in the background under a clear sky.

Photo courtesy of City of Seattle

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.

Modern urban playground with climbing structures and slides offers endless playtime fun, set against a backdrop of tall buildings and a blue sky near the lively pier.

A playground with climbing structures is in the foreground, and a large Ferris wheel stands near the waterfront under a clear blue sky.

Outdoor seating area with orange tables and chairs under trees, near a waterfront with a building, grassy area, and benches visible in the background.

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.

A modern cityscape featuring tall glass buildings under a clear blue sky, with a large, round, wooden playground structure in the foreground.

A large Ferris wheel stands beside a grassy lawn, with blue sky and water in the background on a sunny day.

Bronze-colored geometric metal fountain structure with water cascading over its rectangular shapes, set outdoors against a blue sky and some greenery.

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.