The Olympic Sculpture Park (OSP) shoreline restoration is the first of its kind within Elliott Bay and represents an innovative approach to improving urban nearshore ecosystems. Originally the OSP site was operated for petroleum storage and distribution. The fuel storage caused sediment contamination and required clean up prior to any other use of the area. After the site was cleaned up, Seattle Art Museum (SAM) purchased the OSP site in 1999 with the intent to create a public space for art. At this time, SAM owned two upland parcels and one subtidal parcel, with the City of Seattle owning a right-of-way at the water's edge. This presented a unique opportunity for SAM and the City of Seattle to collaborate and capitalize on the OSP's location along Elliott Bay. Each year, thousands of people visit the OSP. Recent surveys show that 42% of the visitors live in Seattle. OSP partners are confident that people who can touch the water have an increased environmental awareness and are more likely to support environmental causes because of this interaction.