• Close up aerial render of Pier 58 jellyfish playground Seattle Waterfront Close up aerial render of Pier 58 jellyfish playground Seattle Waterfront Close up aerial render of Pier 58 jellyfish playground Seattle Waterfront
  • Handsketch of jellyfish playground sculpture for Pier 58 Seattle Handsketch of jellyfish playground sculpture for Pier 58 Seattle Handsketch of jellyfish playground sculpture for Pier 58 Seattle
  • Looking up under jellyfish playground sculpture at Pier 58 Looking up under jellyfish playground sculpture at Pier 58 Looking up under jellyfish playground sculpture at Pier 58
  • Pier 58 Seattle playground render view from water of jellyfish sculpture Pier 58 Seattle playground render view from water of jellyfish sculpture Pier 58 Seattle playground render view from water of jellyfish sculpture
  • View upon approach of Pier 58 Seattle Waterfront of slide and jellyfish sculpture View upon approach of Pier 58 Seattle Waterfront of slide and jellyfish sculpture View upon approach of Pier 58 Seattle Waterfront of slide and jellyfish sculpture
  • Aerial view of design render of Pier 58 playground and park Seattle Aerial view of design render of Pier 58 playground and park Seattle Aerial view of design render of Pier 58 playground and park Seattle

Pier 58

Client: Waterfront Seattle
Collaboration: James Corner Field Operations, City of Seattle
Location: Seattle, Washington
Completion Date: 2024

Rendered images by: James Corner Field Operations

Between the Aquarium and Miner’s Landing on Seattle’s Waterfront, a massive jellyfish playground sculpture will invite people to play at Pier 58, formerly known as Waterfront Park. The playground design evolved through a creative collaboration with James Corner Field Operations, the City of Seattle and Waterfront Seattle. Community consultation, involving feedback from hundreds of citizens, helped to determine the final playground concept.

The jellyfish is a visually striking sculpture that pulls from a marine-theme. Play affordances are layered through the jellyfish’s waving tentacles. Their swooping form spans the entire play surface and includes large climbable nets, hand holds, slide bars, and flexform seats. Stretching 25 feet high, the jellyfish is designed to be transparent enough for supervision but also give a sense of enclosure. The ocean and city-skyline view from the jellyfish’s main body will be a wondrous experience for climbers.

The complete play space includes kelp-like robinia posts, climbable bubbles popping out of the ground and an ADA accessible slide platform.

The rejuvenation of Pier 58 is a reflection of the community’s passion and involvement in city design and rejuvenation. It celebrates ocean life and playfully connects to the larger waterfront plan. This collaboration with James Corner Field Operations is an incredible new placemaking development that will be enjoyed for generations to come.

Another Earthscape Play Seattle playground is in the works at Westlake & Lenora!