 June 21, 2023
 From left to right: U.S. Representative Adam Smith, HealthPoint CEO Lisa Yohalem, former Seattle Seahawk Doug Baldwin, Jr., Mayor Armondo Pavone, First Financial NW Foundation Board Treasurer Joann Lee, Renton School District Deputy Superintendent Dr. Shannon Harvey, and Renton City Councilmembers were on hand during the ribbon cutting of the Family First Community Center.
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Community members, donors, partners, providers, and elected officials came together on Friday, June 16, to officially open the 21,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility.
"The opening of the Family First Community Center is an incredible example of what can happen when agencies, local government, non-profits, and private donors come together to bring a vision to life," said Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone. "Opening the doors will provide a supportive and inclusive environment. We can help individuals and families in our community to thrive and reach their full potential."
The center was conceptualized in 2014 and resulted from a partnership between former Seattle Seahawk Doug Baldwin Jr.'s Family First Community Center Foundation, the City of Renton, Renton School District, and HealthPoint, a network of non-profit community-based health centers.
"When I first came here in 2011, the community accepted me as one of their own," said Baldwin. "I got to know a group of teens who did homework at a restaurant called Mama's Teriyaki, and that's when my initial vision started. Growing up in Florida, my local community center added so much to my childhood, and there wasn't a resource like that here."
FFCC is next to Cascade Elementary School in the Benson Hill/Cascade neighborhood (16200 116th Ave SE, Renton 98058) on land donated by the school district. It brings a unique holistic approach to empowering individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds to lead healthy, successful, and fulfilling lives through access to education, recreation, and support services.
The facility provides much-needed assistance to residents comprising approximately 25% of Renton's population but historically needing more resources and amenities. Of that number, 10.9% live below the poverty line. In addition, nine Renton schools serving 4,300 students are within a three-mile radius. A tenth school will open this fall.
HealthPoint's health clinic includes medical, dental, and behavioral health services, recreation, education, and wellness programming. There is also a gymnasium, fitness center, and outdoor areas for sports recreation and fitness classes during non-school hours.
"At HealthPoint, we've been serving the community for over 50 years, and we know that good health is about much more than healthcare," said CEO Lisa Yohalem. "That's why we are excited to be part of a community hub that offers a variety of health and wellness services. Together, we can make Renton a healthier and more vibrant place to live."
Center providers will offer after-school programs and classes; youth and adult sports; group exercise; personal training; financial literacy classes; health education, cooking, and nutrition classes; and activities for youth, adults, families, and seniors. Renton School District will offer STEM classes to Cascade Elementary School students at the facility. HealthPoint will provide medical, behavioral health, and dental care to area residents.
Donors to the capital campaign include the First Financial Northwest Foundation, Doug & Tara Baldwin, the MJ Murdock Charitable Trust, the Premera Social Impact Fund, the Hearst Foundation, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, CarPros of Renton, the Norcliffe Foundation, the Rotary Club of Renton, Starbucks Coffee Company, and the Boeing Company.
Several representatives secured additional funding from county, state, and federal grants. Special thanks to U.S. Representative Adam Smith (D-WA), State Representative Steve Bergquist (D-11th), State Senator Bob Hasegawa, State Representative David Hackney, King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove, and King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn.
Coulon construction projects cancel July 4 fireworks
Due to safety concerns and ongoing construction at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, we are unable to host our annual Fourth of July activities in 2023, including the fireworks show. Coulon Park will also close early on July 4.
The closure will allow contractors to safely and efficiently complete two projects vital to preserving and maintaining the park for future generations.
City staff has made significant progress in replacing the North Trestle Bridge and North Water Walk. Continuing at the current work rate, reopening the trestle bridge (and north park entrance) is expected in early summer 2023, and the water walk in late summer 2023.
Please keep the following in mind if planning a trip to Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park on July 4:
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Park is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Park gates will close after 7 p.m.
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The boat launch and boat launch parking lot remain open for 24 hours. Boat moorage and the rest of the park will not be accessible after 7 p.m. No overnight moorage.
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No scheduled public park activities, including the fireworks show.
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Picnic shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis; reservations will not be accepted.
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Ivar's and Kidd Valley restaurants will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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Renton Police officers will be on duty for traffic control and emergencies.
Understanding and patience is appreciated, as the city takes a one-year pause in Independence Day events to complete these critical park projects.
Fireworks are illegal in Renton city limits
Please remember that the sale and discharge of fireworks are prohibited within Renton city limits and throughout King County. In 2005, voters passed the ban on fireworks in Renton.
Renton Police Department units will patrol the city and enforce fireworks violations. Citations may be issued, and violators are subject to civil and criminal penalties.
Park construction projects near completion; work delayed by trespassers
Our Parks Planning and Natural Resources Division is in the home stretch on major renovation projects at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, Kiwanis Park, and Philip Arnold Park, and they can use the public’s help.
It is understandable to want to try and use the new equipment, but these are active construction sites, and trespassing is dangerous and illegal. Please respect the construction fencing. It's in place for the safety of all. Please call 911 if trespassing is witnessed.
When contractors find evidence of trespassing, they and city staff must re-examine each piece of play equipment and structures to see if they are damaged. This extra work extends our completion deadlines and postpones everyone's enjoyment.
Patience and cooperation from all are appreciated.
Here's an update on each project:
Kiwanis Park: The contractor is completing the few remaining items. Puget Sound Energy must complete the power connections and meter settings. After the power is available, we must conduct final building, utility, and safety inspections before the park can reopen. We expect this work to take a few weeks.
Coulon Park North Water Walk: Construction is well ahead of schedule, and we anticipate work to be complete in early to mid-July. Contractors are installing the new ADA-accessible picnic floats, refurbished railings, and utilities and securing the new decking.
Coulon Park Trestle Bridge Replacement: The new, clear-span steel bridge structure has been in place before Memorial Day. Contractors are installing decking, handrails, utilities, bridge approaches, and the new interpretive signage, and we anticipate reopening in July. We understand our community's eagerness to reopen. Still, the safe completion of the project and restoration of emergency access to the park's north end is our top priority.
Philip Arnold Park: Contractors are installing a new restroom, looped walking path, picnic shelters, parent plaza, play equipment, landscaping, improving pedestrian access and parking, and renovating the basketball court. The renovation has preserved nearly all trees and open views, incorporating Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CEPTED) principles and full ADA accessibility. The city looks forward to the reopening in August.
Provide input on the Renton Connector
Take the Renton Connector survey to provide plan feedback to staff as they begin the early design phases. Construction will begin once funding is secured.
Upcoming Emergency Management events
Preparing and knowing what to do in emergencies can make all the difference in keeping safe, along with family, friends, and pets. As a city, we must provide our staff and residents with the tools and resources necessary to be resilient in an emergency. There are several upcoming opportunities to learn about our emergency management plans and preparedness classes to gain new skills. Upcoming events:
June 23: Attend the Neighborhood BBQ at Cascade Elementary School from 4 to 7 p.m. as we recognize our public servants. In addition, residents can learn about and provide input on our emergency preparedness plans.
June 24: Join the Renton Emergency Communication Service (RECS) Field Day on Saturday, June 24, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Thomas Teasdale Park. Learn all about ham radios and what RECS does for the community.
July 12 – August 2: Registration is now open for the Renton Emergency Preparedness Academy (REPA) summer session. Classes are free and will be at Renton Technical College. Upcoming course topics include:
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July 12 – Pet Preparedness
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July 29 – Mental Health First Aid
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July 31 – CPR/AED Curriculum
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August 2 – First Aid Curriculum
Register by using the keyword "Emergency."
Free Museum Days – First Wednesday and third Saturday monthly, Renton History Museum (235 Mill Ave. S), 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
June 21 – Pop Up Lunch, Liberty Park (1101 Bronson Way N), 12-1:30 p.m., sponsored by the Emergency Feeding Program/SOS.
June 23 – SOS/Food Lifeline Free Lunch Pop Up, Downtown Renton (126 S. Logan Ave N), 10 a.m.-2 p.m., sponsored by Food Lifeline and the Emergency Feeding Program/SOS.
June 23 – Neighborhood BBQ, Cascade Elementary School (16022 116th Ave. SE), 4-7 p.m. Theme: Public Servant Recognition.
July 19 – Neighborhood BBQ, Renton High School (400 S 2nd St.), 5-8 p.m. Theme: Celebrate Renton!
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 sold out.
September 9 – Styrofoam & Document Shred Recycling, Renton Technical College Parking Lot (NE 6th Place & Monroe Ave. NE), 10 a.m.–2 p.m. City staff will collect non-perishable food items 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.
Recreation Guide (current classes, activities, leagues & events for May to August)
This Week in Renton
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