It's Official: SLU Has a Great Place to Park

The first phase of Lake Union Park, some 1.6 acres, marked completion on the last day of April. The SLU neighborhood, tourists and city visitors alike gathered under sunny skies to take pleasure in the long-awaited grand opening. The celebration included a salmon bake, boat rides, ship tours, live music and family activities.

Many features make the green spaces easy on the eye and easy to use. There are terraced steps to the water and a cedar-plank boardwalk for those in the mood to promenade. There’s even a pedestrian bridge built over the water and footpaths connecting the Center for Wooden Boats with the park.

The remainder of the park, which ultimately will encompass 12 acres all overlooking Lake Union, is set to be finished in 2010. There will be a history trail with interactive stations to educate visitors about Seattle’s commercial and seafaring past, a huge and stunning fountain, a tree grove complete with tables and benches for picnics and a restored shoreline habitat.

Total cost of the park is $29.6 million. The Seattle Parks Foundation raised $10 million for the project. Vulcan pledged another $10 million. The city’s Pro Parks Levy will contribute $5.3 million to improve the park.