Why it matters: The early usage data shows the waterfront is functioning as everyday public space, capping a decade-plus effort to reconnect downtown Seattle to Elliott Bay after the viaduct came down.
By the numbers: The 20-acre park logged 3.2 million visits over four months, suggesting many people returned multiple times, according to data released this week by Friends of Waterfront Park.
2.4 million unique visitors were recorded by PlacerAI from May through September.
61% of visits came from Washington residents, including 375,200 Seattleites.
Seattle visitors returned an average of two times, boosting total visits well beyond unique counts.
Zoom in: Friends of Waterfront Park hosted more than 300 public events during the opening season, with programming ranging from cultural festivals to fitness classes.
Vendors and food operators earned a combined $2.5 million, according to the organization, and weekday visits slightly outpaced weekends.
The bottom line : One season doesn't lock in success, but the early numbers show Seattle's waterfront is being used, not just admired.
