 May 5, 2023
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Our Parks Planning and Natural Resources Division oversees four bond-funded improvement projects at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, Kiwanis Park, and Philip Arnold Park.
Here's an update on each project:
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
Two major projects are in motion at Coulon Park, replacing the North Trestle Bridge and making significant updates to the North Water Walk. The projects are scheduled for early summer and late summer, respectively.
North Trestle Bridge
A new clear-span steel bridge replaces a wooden one. The new bridge includes light penetrating decking to enhance fish habitat, a viewpoint, and interpretive signage. All 58 existing in-water piles supporting the old bridge are removed. An issue with bridge fabrication has delayed the completion date until mid-summer.
North Water Walk
The in-water work to protect fish habitat is complete. Support framing and nearly half of the light penetrating decking (the same decking installed at the park in 2019) is installed. Utility line installation is also nearly complete, and the Pilot House is painted. Work continues with the installation of ADA-accessible picnic floats, remaining decking, railings, and light fixtures. We anticipate re-opening the water walk in late summer.
Kiwanis Park Improvements
The 60-year-old park is undergoing significant site improvements, including accessible entrances and looped walkways, playground replacement, a new picnic shelter, basketball/sports court renovation, and ball field improvements. Work began in April 2022. The park will re-open in late spring.
Philip Arnold Park Improvements
Another 60-year-old park is undergoing a major improvement project, including a new restroom, paving, picnic shelters, play equipment, signage, and a basketball court renovation. The park will re-open this summer.
These projects were recommended by a citizen's advisory committee in 2018 to improving existing park amenities over building new parks.
We understand the inconvenience caused when a park is closed or access is limited, and we appreciate your understanding. These projects will significantly improve access and enjoyment for residents and visitors by supporting and encouraging a healthy environment and active lifestyle.
 Park reminders, new programs
As you visit our parks and trails, please remember the following rules to make the experience enjoyable for everyone:
- Dogs are prohibited at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park and Kennydale Beach Park. However, dogs are allowed at all other city parks and trails on 6-foot leashes.
- Cedar River Dog Park is an off-leash area next to the Cedar River Trail (1500 Houser Way S).
- Obey bicycle dismount zones and 10 mph speed limits posted along the Cedar River Trail.
- Report unwanted, suspicious, or dangerous behavior to Police Non-emergency at 425-235-2121 or 911 in case of an emergency.
Find Park Rules and Regulations, the Share the Trail brochure, and program information at rentonwa.gov/parks.
We’re initiating a Park Ambassador program at Coulon Park. Our Trail Rangers will continue as “Goodwill Ambassadors,” providing trail education and reporting trail activities. Your comments and questions are always welcome. Use Renton Responds “Park Issue” or email parksandrec@rentonwa.gov.
 Road construction projects
We’re just days away from starting a second major road construction project.
The Bronson Way bridge seismic retrofit will start as soon as Monday, May 15 and the bridge will be closed for up to 60 days. There will be a detour around the work area for traffic and pedestrians during construction.
The Rainier Avenue S Phase 4 project is well underway. Both projects will improve traffic conditions around the city.
Our website has the most current information on projects conducted by our public works and economic development departments.
 Summer jobs
The Parks and Recreation Department is hiring for various summer positions for Henry Moses Aquatic Center, Renton Farmers Market, Maplewood Golf Course, parks, and camps. Open positions include:
- Guest Services
- Lifeguards
- Golf Course: Outside Service, Laborer, Pro Shop
- Parks Laborer
- Farmers Market laborer
- Boat Launch attendant
- Summer Day Camp recreation leader
Detailed job descriptions are available on our website.
The City of Renton is committed to hiring a diverse and inclusive workforce using an anonymous application process. We take great pride in collaboration and teamwork in a positive environment while providing high-quality services to the community.
 It’s Watering Season—Make Every Drop Count
From May through September, water use in our region nearly doubles. Most extra water is used on lawns and gardens. Experts estimate 50% or more of this water goes to waste due to evaporation, runoff, or overwatering.
Follow these simple guidelines from our Water Quality Report to make the most of every precious drop:
- Add 2–4 inches of arborist wood chips to bare soil to reduce evaporation.
- Repair leaky faucets and hoses. Even small leaks waste water.
- Water early or late in the day to minimize evaporation.
- Water deeply but less often to encourage deep roots and prevent disease.
- Split watering into multiple applications, a few hours apart, to prevent runoff. This is helpful on dry or clay soils, slopes, and berms.
- Let the top few inches of soil dry out before watering again so roots and soil life can breathe.
When using a sprinkler system:
- Apply water slowly so it absorbs into the soil without runoff.
- Avoid puddling. Run sprinklers briefly, then turn them off to allow water to soak in before resuming.
- Avoid watering driveways, sidewalks, or walls with careful placement of sprinklers.
- Adjust sprinklers to prevent mist blowing away.
Water conservation is critical to preserving our natural resources for future generations. For more tips, tools, and resources, visit the Saving Water Partnership.
 2023 Senior Public Safety Academy
Renton seniors (50+) are invited to participate in Renton Police Department’s 2023 Senior Public Safety Academy.
The academy partners with Renton Regional Fire Authority and will meet on Tuesdays from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Don Persson Senior Activity Center starting on May 16.
Topics include police & fire operations, drug awareness, FD Cares & Co-Responder program, home safety, CPR, Choking & AED Education, SWAT, and fraud & scam awareness. Enrollees must attend at least three of the four classes.
Register at rentonwa.gov/register using keyword #14995 or by calling 425-430-6634.
 Help determine the future of arts and culture
Murals, hydrants, and musical performances are just three of many projects the Renton Municipal Arts Commission has developed. Since 1965, the commission advises the city and collaborates with artists and designers in Renton and around the region to develop Renton as a home for arts and culture.
The commission has several current projects to get involved with:
Future: On May 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first floor of the City Center Parking Garage (655 2nd St.), join the conversation to create a community arts and culture space that embodies the collective vision for the future of downtown. This downtown collaborative arts and culture space is a crucial component of the Civic Core Vision & Action Plan.
Survey: The AEP 6 Arts and Prosperity study measures the economic impact of the arts in our community. Volunteers are needed to distribute and collect surveys at cultural and community events. Multiple dates are available.
Teach: Instructors are needed to design engaging art classes for youth and/or adults/seniors. Requirements include proficiency in crafts, visual art, painting, or drawing and strong interpersonal skills. Email Donna Eken for more information.
 Gather, Garden + Grow
Look, Listen, and Learn TV (LL+L) is a Telly Award-winning early learning television show that supports Black, Indigenous, and BIPOC families through in-home learning tools for 3- to 8-year-olds.
On Saturday, May 20, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Renton Pavilion Event Center, LL+L hosts Gather, Garden + Grow, an interactive version of their early learning television show. The event celebrates their co-hosts' first meeting and friendship, Possum and Auntie Lena, or P.A.L.
The event is free, but advance registration is recommended. Event details and registration are at https://lnkd.in/gTvqJJX8.
 Mondays – Free Community Grocery Store, St. Matthews Church (1700 Edmonds Ave. NE), 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Presented by Sustainable Renton.
Free Museum Days – First Wednesday and third Saturday monthly, Renton History Museum (235 Mill Ave. S), 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
May 10 – Pop-Up Lunch, 300 Rainier Ave. N, 12-1:30 p.m.
May 12 – Renton Library Resource Days, Renton Library (100 Mill Ave. S). For community members in need of support. Local service providers will be on hand to assist with healthcare, legal aid, obtaining a phone, and more. Gently used clothes, hygiene kits, and a free lunch will be available.
May 13 – Metal & Styrofoam Recycling, Renton Technical College Parking Lot (NE 6th Place & Monroe Ave. NE), 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Non-perishable food items collected for distribution to Renton-area food banks.
May 20 – Neighborhood Picnic, Renton Community Center (1715 Maple Valley Hwy), 12 to 3 p.m. Theme: Grad Party & Job Fair.
May 29 – Memorial Day Ceremony, Veterans Memorial Park (1000 S 3rd St.), 1 p.m.
June 6 – Renton Farmers Market, Opening Day, Piazza Park (233 Burnett Ave. S), 3-7 p.m.
June 10 – Mattress, Box Spring, Cardboard, Styrofoam & Tire Recycling, Renton Technical College Parking Lot (NE 6th Place & Monroe Ave. NE), 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Non-perishable food items collected for distribution to Renton-area food banks.
June 11 – Juneteenth Celebration Concert, Renton City Concert Band, Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center (400 S 2nd St), 2 p.m. Renton City Concert Band with conductor Michael Simpson. Tickets are $10 (adults) and $7 (students & 50+). Tickets can be purchased on the day of the performance or before at Renton Community Center, Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center.
June 23 – Neighborhood Picnic, Cascade Elementary School (16022 116th Ave SE), 4 to 7 p.m. Theme: U.N. Public Service Day.
July 19 – Neighborhood Picnic, Renton High School (400 S 2nd St.), 5 to 8 p.m. Theme: Celebrate Renton!
July 21-23 – Renton River Days.
August 12 – Cruz the Loop, Renton Pavilion/Piazza Park, 6-9 p.m. Early bird registration is $30 through 9 a.m. on July 12 and is $40 through August 4 or until the event is full.
Sept. 9 – Styrofoam & Document Shred Recycling, Renton Technical College Parking Lot (NE 6th Place & Monroe Ave. NE), 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Non-perishable food items collected for distribution to Renton-area food banks.
 In other news, this week
A recap of the news posted on the city’s social media accounts. You can find us (@cityofrenton) on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter. Renton residents can also find us on Nextdoor.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Arts in Renton
Bronson Way Bridge project
City Council (agendas, documents, and meeting video)
Parks Projects (Arnold, Coulon, Kiwanis)
Pet Microchipping (free for Renton residents)
Recreation Guide (current classes, activities, leagues & events for May to August)
Rainier Avenue S Phase 4 construction project
Report issues via Renton Responds
Summer Jobs
RPD Youth Academy (free for middle school students)
Summer Employment Opportunities
Traffic Projects (impactful traffic projects)
This Week in Renton
This Week in Renton is posted on the City of Renton’s website where it can be translated. For additional translation services email communications@rentonwa.gov.
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Story ideas or comments: communications@rentonwa.gov
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