Westlake ParkLandscape Architect: Berger Partnership Westlake Park is Seattle's central civic gathering space, serving simultaneously as a neighborhood park, event venue, cultural landmark, and gateway to downtown. Completed in 1988, the park had fallen out of step with the evolving needs of the city, requiring infrastructure upgrades, improved accessibility, and a stronger connection to the surrounding urban fabric. A collaboration between the design team, Seattle Parks Foundation, Seattle Parks & Recreation, the Downtown Seattle Association, and community stakeholders, the renovation reconnected the park to downtown by removing barriers, opening sightlines, expanding green space, and modernizing infrastructure while preserving its iconic identity. Upgrades included accessible circulation, native plantings, Wi-Fi, event power, enhanced lighting, and preserving the signature basketweave paving pattern. The project preserved 34 of 35 mature trees, strengthened ecological resilience, and created a flexible public space capable of supporting daily use, cultural programming, food vendors, skateboarding, performances, and major civic celebrations. Completed ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the renewed park demonstrates how thoughtful investment in existing public spaces can strengthen the long-term vitality of a downtown. |