Fritz Hedges Waterway Park is a 3.5-acre park located on Portage Bay near the University of Washington. It offers a unique blend of recreational and ecological features, including a pier, kayak launch, beach, lawn spaces, and terraces. The park is designed to honor its historical transformation, incorporating reclaimed timber from the former Bryant building into its design. Visitors can enjoy strolling through the meadow, skipping stones on the beach, or watching maritime traffic from the pier. The park's naturalized shoreline provides a habitat for native species and offers a respite for both people and wildlife.
The park's development involved extensive shoreline restoration and enhancement to support native species like juvenile salmon. It seamlessly integrates into the University of Washington campus and the adjacent Sakuma Viewpoint, providing a beautiful and accessible space for community engagement.
Fritz Hedges Waterway Park won a 2021 WASLA Merit Award in General Design, Public Ownership, recognizing its innovative design and public accessibility.