Waterway 15

A hidden gem on the north side of Lake Union awaits. It’s called Waterway 15. This isn’t just a park; it’s a living artwork. Waterway 15 sits nestled next to Ivar’s, along the Burke-Gilman Trail. It celebrates the area’s rich maritime history and the public’s access to the water. Waterway 15 emerged from a 1990s stormwater pipeline project. Public demand for waterfront access reshaped the project. Artist Elizabeth Conner and landscape architect Cliff Willwerth designed Waterway 15. Their design honors the site’s layered history. A central feature of Waterway 15 is the iconic “boat bench”. This 16-foot-long bench, crafted by the Center for Wooden Boats, resembles a boat under construction. In 2023, the bench returned to the Center for Wooden Boats for restoration. Volunteers, led by Ducky Kimball, meticulously refinished the wood. This restoration continued a cycle of care provided by the Wagner family and the Center for Wooden Boats. Waterway 15 also showcases native plants and recycled paving materials. These materials subtly recall the area’s industrial past. Artist Laura Brodax created tiles with historic photographs. These tiles weave a visual narrative of the site’s history. They depict the area’s first peoples and their enduring connection to the lake. They also capture moments from Seattle’s past, from bustling wharves to iconic figures like Ivar Haglund. In 1992, Waterway 15 was one of the few public access points to Lake Union. Today, many access points dot the Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop. This trail honors Cheshiahud, a Duwamish leader who guided early settlers. He lived along the lake into the 1900s. Waterway 15 stands as a tribute to Lake Union, its history, and the wooden boats that once plied its waters.