In February and March, the Waterfront Seattle project held a series of Community Forums at Town Hall to generate ideas about the future of our waterfront around five key themes: “Climate and Context,” “Mobility and Access,” “Environment and Ecology,” “Setting the Stage” and “Uniquely Seattle.” Twenty-nine community groups partnered with the project to get the word out about these events. Approximately 755 people attended, with an average of 150 people per forum. And 44% of attendees were new to a Waterfront Seattle event! The forums involved a brief presentation and then extensive small-group discussions with project staff and members of the Central Waterfront Committee advisory group. Response to the forums has been overwhelmingly positive.
A synopsis of feedback from the events is available below and at the project website: waterfrontseattle.org.
Common themes included:
- Design the waterfront for pedestrians – safety, amenities and connections
- Ensure access points for all levels of mobility and need along the waterfront
- Make the waterfront a mix of places to gather and “be quiet,” and places to run, play and be active
- Include destinations for play and outdoor activities in all seasons
- Create spaces that have multiple uses and can adapt to the weather, wide range of activities throughout the year
- Show artists at work, and include art that is interactive and evolving
- Integrate spaces for artists to work along the waterfront
- Create opportunities for performance art
- Capture Seattle’s history, culture and uniqueness in the design of the waterfront
- Provide opportunities to interact with and see in-water and upland habitat
- Blend urban and natural habitat into the overall waterfront experience
- Incorporate stormwater management , including bioswales and/or rain gardens
- Include educational opportunities to learn about marine life and urban ecology
- Create a shoreline edge with access to beaches, tide pools, and places to walk and sit along the water
Want to revisit the last Town Hall Forum, “Uniquely Seattle”? Watch our interesting and lively panel discussion!
Check out the temporary art exhibition at Pier 62/62 through Saturday, March 31, 2012.
