It's opening day at Lake Union Park

Seattle's newest park -- or at least a chunk of it -- will open officially Wednesday at South Lake Union with a public celebration.

Lake Union Park's first 1.6 acres have been completed after a year and a half of construction. Visitors can use a terraced boardwalk, cross to Westlake Avenue on a new bridge, check out vessels at the historic ships wharf and enjoy the waterfront views.

Even before its official opening, the unfinished park has attracted residents and workers from the growing South Lake Union neighborhood, said Todd Burley, Seattle Parks Foundation spokesman.

		Mike Kane / P-I
	Koa, a viszla, checks out the view from Lake Union Park's newly constructed dock.

"It's used on a daily basis, with people running, riding bikes, walking through," Burley said. "We've seen people who work nearby, and also a lot of tourists, pulling out maps, pointing out the Space Needle."

The grand opening will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and will feature a free salmon bake, boat rides, ship tours, live music, family activities and prizes.

"After 100 years of vision, 20 years of land acquisition and five years of fundraising, Lake Union Park is now open to be enjoyed by all," said Karen Daubert, executive director of the Parks Foundation.

Work on the next phase -- the remaining 10.4 acres -- will begin this summer and is scheduled for completion in 2010. Construction will include a history trail with interactive stations, a 300-foot-long fountain, a model-boat pond, a tree grove with tables and benches, and a restored shoreline habitat.

The total cost of Lake Union Park is $29.6 million, including $4.3 million to replace an aging bulkhead at the park's north end. The bulkhead, paid for by the city, was designed with a boardwalk and spots to tie up boats for day use.

The private, nonprofit Seattle Parks Foundation met its fundraising goal of $10 million out of $20 million initially estimated to complete the 12-acre park.

Microsoft Corp. co-founder Paul Allen's development firm, Vulcan, pledged the remaining $10 million.

The city's Pro Parks Levy also will allocate $5.3 million for park improvements. The Center for Wooden Boats, United Indians of All Tribes and the Museum of History and Industry also plan new or improved facilities in the park.