Seattle’s Waterfront Park has introduced a new public restroom facility, marking a significant step toward improving accessibility and cleanliness in city parks. The facility, located between Union and University streets, features six all-gender stalls and a unique addition rarely seen in public park restrooms—a dedicated bathroom concierge.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, city officials, community leaders, and residents gathered to celebrate the project, which aims to set a new standard for public restroom facilities in urban spaces. Unlike many city park restrooms that have struggled with maintenance and safety concerns, this newly constructed facility is designed to provide a clean, welcoming, and secure environment for visitors of all ages and abilities.
According to the Seattle Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects, the restrooms are intended to enhance the overall park experience. The facility’s concierges, managed by Friends of the Waterfront (FOW), will not only maintain cleanliness but also assist visitors by offering directions and general park information.
“Our park experience team will be leading the effort to ensure this space remains clean, well-maintained, and welcoming,” said Joy Shagika, CEO and President of Friends of the Waterfront. “We know that the key to successful public restrooms is keeping them staffed, cared for, and safe. This is a major part of our partnership with the City of Seattle to make Waterfront Park an enjoyable space for everyone.”
The nearly $2 million restroom facility was funded by the city, while Seattle Center will oversee its operations, maintenance, and security. Marshall Foster, Director of Seattle Center, emphasized that collaboration has been central to the project’s success.
“Partnerships are at the heart of making this restroom a model for future public facilities. It’s part of the larger effort to enhance Seattle’s waterfront and improve the overall experience for residents and visitors,” Foster said.
The project comes in response to ongoing concerns about the state of public restrooms in Seattle’s parks. A recent city audit highlighted challenges such as vandalism, cleanliness issues, and inconsistent availability. Dave Jones, Seattle’s City Auditor, noted that budget constraints and staffing reductions have made it difficult to maintain existing park restrooms.
“We found that the Parks Department faces challenges in keeping restrooms open and clean as often as needed,” Jones said. “Vandalism has been a major issue, and the city is still working to meet its maintenance goals.”
To address these concerns, Waterfront Park has implemented a full-time safety team that will patrol the area 24/7, ensuring the new restroom facility remains in good condition. Foster stressed that this proactive approach sets the project apart from previous public restroom efforts.
“This is a fundamentally different model,” he explained. “Having a full-time, dedicated staff focused on cleanliness and security is a game-changer for public restrooms in Seattle.”
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance the waterfront experience, Friends of the Waterfront is also actively fundraising to sustain their staff and services. The nonprofit is planning approximately 300 programs throughout the summer to engage visitors and maintain a vibrant public space.
For city officials and community leaders, the new restrooms represent more than just an infrastructure upgrade—they reflect a broader commitment to improving Seattle’s public spaces.
“This waterfront is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reconnect our city to the water,” Foster said. “People have consistently emphasized the need for essential amenities, and this facility is a crucial step in making that vision a reality.”
