 June 28, 2023
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We wish our residents and visitors a safe and fun celebration as Independence Day nears. Here are a few reminders for the upcoming holiday:
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On Tuesday, July 4, all city facilities will be closed.
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Due to construction projects at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, the city will not host their annual Fourth of July firework show.
- Amenities at Coulon Park and Kennydale Beach Park are available throughout the day. Picnic shelters at Coulon Park are open on a first-come, first-served basis.
- The sale and discharge of fireworks are prohibited within Renton city limits and throughout King County.
- No Committee of the Whole or City Council Meeting on Monday, July 3.
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Renton Farmers Market will be closed Tuesday, July 4. The next market will be Tuesday, July 11, from 3-7 p.m., and will feature a musical performance by Gianni Aiello.
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Volunteers are needed for post-Fourth of July celebration clean-ups at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park or Cedar River Park & Liberty Park on litter pick up on Wednesday, July 5
A message from Police Chief Jon Schuldt: Fourth of July
With the 4th of July quickly approaching, and if history serves as any indicator, we can expect some of our community members celebrating our country’s independence to do so by lighting fireworks. In 2005, Renton residents voted to ban fireworks within the city limits. Most of King County has similar bans on the use of fireworks. Those that choose to violate the law and interfere with the peace of their neighbors do so at the risk of potential civil and criminal violations.
Every year, we hear and understand the frustrations from the community regarding those who choose to violate the law. We empathize with the quality of life disruption. Effective public safety is a partnership between the community and those sworn to protect it. From an enforcement standpoint, we won’t be able to hold every violator responsible, but what increases that probability is accurate information relayed to our officers. If reporting sounds of fireworks without a direction or a location, the probability of an officer locating it is virtually zero. In most cases, an officer must witness the fireworks being lit or be in possession of a person to take enforcement.
We dispatch police calls by priority or severity, so we ask for your patience and understanding as we respond to the high volume of calls we receive regarding fireworks. Depending on the calls for service that are being received and the availability of an officer, they may not be dispatched immediately. To report fireworks violations, please call our non-emergency line at 425-235-2121.
Please have a happy and safe Independence Day!
2023 Renton River Days activities
We look forward to all the festivities during one of the city's favorite community celebrations. Expect classics like the parade as well as new activities added to the schedule, like the Drone Show. While most Renton River Days activities are free to the public, a few require advance registration.
Lucky Duck Poker Walk: Renton Downtown Partnership hosts their Lucky Duck Poker Walk/Pub Crawl on Friday, July 21, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. in downtown Renton. Collect the best poker hand while visiting the hosting shops. The whole family can enjoy prizes, food, and music on day one of Renton River Days. Tickets are $5 for children, $20 for adults.
Volleyball Tournament: Adult Co-ed Reverse Doubles Volleyball Tournament is on Saturday, July 22, at Cedar River Park. The first serve is 9 a.m., and five sets are guaranteed. There are two divisions based on competitive preference. The entrance fee is $50 per team. Register by July 17 using the keywords 'Renton River Days.'
ActivityZone: Wristbands for the ActivityZone at Liberty Park are available. Purchase online using the keyword "ActivityZone." They're $10 for a one-day pass and $25 for all three days. Wristbands will be available for pickup at Renton Community Center or entrance to the ActivityZone at Liberty Park starting July 21.
Paid activities will include:
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Ballistic Swing
- Grounding Rod
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RotoHammer
- 24' Rockwall
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Bungee Trampoline
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24 ft. Modular Slide
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Ninja Warped Wall
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Bumper Ball Arena
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Mini Turbo Rush Obstacle Course
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Deluxe Modular Combo
HMAC opening weekend was a splash
We had another successful opening weekend at Henry Moses Aquatic Center (HMAC). The aquatic center entertained over 1,700 people throughout the weekend. Thanks to our lifeguards on duty and recreation staff for keeping everyone safe.
HMAC is a community location for health and wellness, offering daily opportunities for everyone to swim in a safe environment with friends and family. Expect to find these activities and amenities:
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Water Walking
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Lap Swim
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Half Pint Splash-n-Play
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Water Polo
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Water Aerobics
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Lazy River
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Wave Pool
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Water Play Structure
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Water Slides
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Concessions for swim gear and snacks
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Group Tickets & Party Rentals
Henry Moses Aquatic Center is open seven days a week with two three-hour open swim sessions: 12-3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Reserve tickets in advance or purchase them at the center. Tickets are $8 for ages 1-4, $16 for ages 5+, and free for those under one year old.
If you plan to be a regular, consider purchasing a season pass for open swim and lap swim/water walking sessions.
 Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Kristi Rowland presents the Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities to Mayor Armondo Pavone.
Mayor Pavone and Councilmember Prince earn certificates from the Association of Washington Cities
At Monday evening's city council meeting, the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) presented special certificates to Mayor Armondo Pavone and Councilmember Ed Prince. Mayor Pavone received the Certificate of Municipal Leadership (CML), and Councilmember Prince received the Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership.
 Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Kristi Rowland presents the Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities to Councilmember Ed Prince.
AWC represents Washington's 281 cities and towns before the state legislature, the state executive branch, and regulatory agencies.
Its Certificate of Municipal Leadership program recognizes city and town elected officials for accomplishing training in five core areas:
1. Roles, responsibilities, and legal requirements
2. Public sector resource management
3. Community planning and development
4. Effective local leadership
5. Diversity, equity, and inclusion
The Advanced CML is earned by completing an additional 30 credits on top of the CML, which Councilmember Prince received in 2015. Additional credits are earned through conferences, trainings, and active community service.
School’s out; let summer begin
The last day for Renton School District students was last Thursday, officially starting summer vacation for many. Unsure what summer has in store? Our Parks and Recreation Department has a wide variety of events, camps, and activities.
Attend a Summer Movie: Three movies make up our outdoor summer movies series. The first is a free screening of Puss in Boots on Friday, June 30, at Liberty Park. All movies start at dusk.
Enjoy the city's Summer Concerts & Family Fun Series: Our free summer concerts and family fun series are great enjoyment for the whole family. The first concert is Thursday, July 6, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park featuring a blues group, The Stacy Jones Band. On Monday, July 10, join Mikey the Rad Scientist, for the first Family Fun Entertainment Series at Sunset Neighborhood Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Participate in a Recreation Camp or Class: Participate in a favorite activity or try something new, sign up for one of the many camps and classes offered by our Recreation Division. Opportunities include:
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Friday Night Lights Flag Football: Every Friday, June 30 through August 4 (grades 2 & 3; grades 4 & 5). Register using the keywords 'Flag Football.'
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Steppin' Together Dance: Every Saturday, July 8-August 5. Register using the keyword 'Steppin.'
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Eastside Dream Elite Cheer Camp: Monday through Friday, July 10-14. Register using the keyword 'Cheer.'
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IncrediFlix: Lego + Animation Flix (Full Day): Monday through Friday, July 10-14. Register using the keyword 'Incrediflix.'
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Cartooniversity Day Camp: Monday through Friday, July 17-21. Register using the keyword 'Cartoon.'
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Snapology: Responsive Robotics with Cubelets + Jedi Masters: Monday through Friday, August 14-18. Register using the keyword 'Snap.'
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Crafterpiece DIY Camp: Botanist's Book: Monday through Thursday, July 10-13. Register using the keyword 'DIY.'
Visit the Renton Library: Renton Library is located downtown at 100 Mill Avenue S. It’s open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1 to 8 p.m. and Thursdays thru Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Starting Sunday, July 16, hours will extend to include operations on Monday and Sunday. Find online activities, family story time, or cool off inside the library while finding a new book.
Get involved and volunteer with the city: Looking for ways to positively impact the city? Become a volunteer in Renton, with opportunities including litter pick-up, farmers market, and Renton River Days. Volunteer positions are listed on our website. Volunteer hours can qualify for school-assigned community service hours.
Take advantage of the summer meals program: The Renton School District offers free lunches for Renton children ages 1-18 Monday through Friday from June 26 through August 18. There will be no summer meals on July 3 and 4.
Return to Renton Car Show road closures
The 32nd annual Return to Renton Benefit Car Show returns on Sunday, July 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Piazza Park (233 Burnett Ave. S). The event benefits local youth, families, and community programs. It features hundreds of cars with trophies for winning entrants. Live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, and kids’ activities will be there.
Attending the event or planning to visit downtown? Please be aware of the following street closures from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 9. Detour signage will be posted three days before the event. Flaggers and Renton Police Department will be present on the day of the event.
- South 3rd Street will be closed from Morris Avenue South to Main Avenue South
- Logan Avenue South and Burnett Avenue South will be closed from the Transit Center to South 3rd Street.
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Wells Avenue South and Williams Avenue South will be closed from Houser Way to South 2nd Street.
Free Museum Days – First Wednesday and third Saturday monthly, Renton History Museum (235 Mill Ave. S), 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
July 5 – Pop Up Lunch, Liberty Park (1101 Bronson Way N), 12-1:30 p.m., sponsored by the Emergency Feeding Program/SOS.
July 7 – SOS/Food Lifeline Free Lunch Pop Up, Downtown Renton (126 Logan Ave. S), 10 a.m.-2 p.m., sponsored by Food Lifeline and the Emergency Feeding Program/SOS.
July 19 – Neighborhood BBQ, Renton High School (400 S 2nd St.), 5-8 p.m. Theme: Celebrate Renton! Free.
August 12 – Cruz the Loop, Renton Pavilion Event Center/Piazza Park, 6-9 p.m. Early bird registration is $30 through 9 a.m. on July 12 and $40 through August 4 or until sold out. Free to attend.
September 9 – Styrofoam & Document Shred Recycling, Renton Technical College Parking Lot (NE 6th Place & Monroe Avenue 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. 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
This Week in Renton is also translated and posted on the City of Renton’s website. For additional translation services, contact communications@rentonwa.gov.
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This Week in Renton is now delivered on Wednesdays. This change will provide timely information from our city council meetings and give TWIR readers more time to plan to attend weekend events and activities.
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