Fritz Hedges Waterway Park

Waterfront Transformation

Fritz Hedges Waterway Park is Seattle's newest waterfront park, opened in October 2020. Located on the north shore of Portage Bay in the University District neighborhood, this 3.5-acre park transformed a formerly industrial site into a public green space with water access.

The park is named after Frederick "Fritz" Hedges, a long-term Seattle Parks and Recreation professional who dedicated his life to the idea that parks and recreation are vital to community well-being. It provides a unique connection between the University of Washington campus and the waterfront.

Environmental Features

Fritz Hedges Waterway Park features a naturalized shoreline designed to support native species, including juvenile salmon. The park's development involved extensive shoreline restoration and enhancement to improve the aquatic habitat.

This effort makes it the only public space on the 5-mile stretch of waterway with a fully naturalized shoreline. A meadow in the park showcases a mix of native and climate-adapted grasses along with wildflowers once cultivated in the area.

Recreational Opportunities

The park offers a variety of experiences within its compact area. Visitors can find places for social gatherings, informal play and recreation, light watercraft access, and quiet contemplation.

Historical Elements

In a nod to the site's history, timbers from the old mill building that previously occupied the space were repurposed and incorporated into unique features throughout the park. This integration of historical elements helps tell the story of the area's past while providing a modern recreational space.

Connectivity

The park's design seamlessly connects to the University of Washington's evolving Innovation District and provides access via multiple transportation modes. These include the Burke-Gilman multi-use trail and the pedestrian-oriented Brooklyn Green Street.