 July 26, 2023

READ ONLINE AND TRANSLATE
Promoting a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly city with streets, trails, and connections between neighborhoods and community focal points is a primary goal of Renton's 2024-2029 Business Plan.
Many roads were constructed before current design standards and need sidewalks to make them safe for walkers, rollers, and strollers. To help reach this goal, the Public Works Transportation Division has launched a Comprehensive Walkway Plan. The plan includes a survey and an interactive map for residents to identify streets needing repair and improvement. The project team will prioritize the results, establish funding resources, and share that information with the city council.
For more information on the project, please email Ellen Talbo, Transportation Planning Manager.

Renton River Days 2023: A showcase of the true spirit of Renton
Revitalized, remarkable, and representative of Renton are a few words that best describe this year’s Renton River Days celebration. The city appreciates the staff, volunteers, and sponsors for ensuring this event was enjoyed by all.
- 51 Summer Bazaar vendors
-
Over 300 votes were cast in the Renton School District Art Show
-
Renton’s first-ever Drone Show
-
77 parade participants. Parade winners:
-
Mayor’s Choice Award: Coalition of Filipino American Organizations of Washington (COFAOWA)
-
Judge's Choice Award: Baby Dolls Drill Team
-
Additional Awards:
- West Coast Country Heat
- Sumner High School Spartans Marching Band
-
Hazen High School Highlanders Marching Band
- Renton LGBTQIA+ Community
- The Salvation Army of Renton
-
Evergreen Beauty College
-
Honorable Mentions:
- City of Renton Parks and Recreation
-
City of Renton Farmers Market
Take the survey by Friday, July 28, and tell us how the city can improve Renton River Days.

Dive back in! Coulon swim beach is back open with full safety approval

Parks & Rec secures funding for two exciting projects set to launch in 2024
The HMAC renovation is funded by a $904,440 grant from King County. Starting in January 2024, the project will stabilize the pool’s perimeter tile and upgrade the liner in the leisure activity pool. These funds will also transform the main entrance. Completion is estimated for May 2024, before the park opens for the season.
The Talbot Hill Reservoir Park renovation project secured a $350,000 grant from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office. These funds will provide new park amenities—covered seating, water fountain, bike rack, benches, and paddle holders—plus renovations to existing tennis and pickleball courts. The start date will be confirmed shortly.

Plan ahead! Help craft Renton's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
Here in Renton, we place a strong emphasis on proactively preparing for large-scale emergencies.
The plan covers 15 support functions and outlines vital elements of preparedness and safety, including evacuation procedures, communication strategies, resource management, and damage assessment coordination.
Renton residents can review the plan and provide feedback. Team experts will be available to answer any questions about the plan within the week.

Stay prepared and informed: Tips for navigating wildfire season
The summer’s high temperatures and lack of rain increase the risk of brush and vegetation fires. Renton Regional Fire Authority urges residents to follow these vital prevention measures to stay safe:
- Properly dispose of smoking materials in a deep, sturdy ashtray.
- Douse smoking materials in water before throwing out.
- Avoid throwing cigarettes into vegetation, potted plants, or landscaping.
- Reduce the risk of sparks; be sure nothing is dragging from vehicles.
-
Be careful driving through or parking on dry grass or brush.
On June 1, the King County Fire Marshal issued a Stage 1 burn ban until further notice. The ban applies to all outdoor land clearing and residential yard debris burning. Requirements under the Stage 1 Burn Ban are as follows:
- Firewood is to be seasoned and dry.
- Fires must be in a metal or concrete fire pit, such as those typically found in designated campgrounds.
- Fire pits are not to be used for debris disposal.
- Fires must not grow larger than three feet in diameter.
- Fires must be in a clear spot free from vegetation for at least 10 feet in a horizontal direction, including at least 25 feet away from any structure, and allow 20-foot vertical clearance from overhanging branches.
-
Burning is not allowed when winds exceed 15 mph.
Wildfires from neighboring regions can affect air quality in Renton. Here are crucial steps for staying informed and protected from inhaling wildfire smoke:
-
Monitor the air quality level by using AirNow.
-
Consider purchasing a high-efficiency (HEPA) particulate air purifier.
-
For those without an air purifier, make one with a box fan, a MERV-13 filter, and duct tape.
- Wear an N95 respirator or KN95 mask outside.
- Plan indoor activities if air quality is deemed unhealthy.
-
Ensure inhalers or other medications are on hand for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

Protect pets with free microchipping
July is National Lost Pet Prevention Month. Now is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with loved ones, including furry friends. Microchipping pets can ensure their safety.
Eastside Veterinary Associates Newcastle/Renton, 1700 NE 44th St., offers Renton residents free microchipping Monday-Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Call the day before during office hours (M-F, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.) to confirm availability. Please bring proof of Renton residency.

Unite for safety at National Night Out
National Night Out is Tuesday, August 1, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Renton Farmers Market. Join Renton Police Department and regional partners, including DEA, Renton Regional Fire Authority, and E911!
National Night Out sends a powerful message about neighborhood unity, awareness, and dedication to building a safer and more caring America.
In addition, Renton Police Department is bringing back the opportunity for individual neighborhood police personnel visits on National Night Out. Please register by Friday, July 28, at 5 p.m. by emailing morris@rentonwa.gov with the following host information to secure a National Night Out visit.
Take care and be safe out there!

Cruz the Loop returns to downtown Renton
The iconic “Renton Loop” was historically the circuit for Renton teens and their hot rods.
In 2017 "Cruz the Loop" brought back this tradition positively and responsibly. "Cruz” returns on Saturday, August 12, from 6-9 p.m. at the Renton Pavilion and Piazza Park, 233 Burnett Ave. S.
Register now through August 4 and pay a $30 registration fee. If you register between August 5-12, the fee is $40. Apply online using code #15581. The registration fee also includes a Cruz the Loop t-shirt.
An evening of fun and nostalgia—from the entertainment to cars and dress—will be capped by a re-creation of the Cruz loop through downtown.
Free Museum Days – First Wednesday and third Saturday monthly, Renton History Museum (235 Mill Ave. S), 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

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)
|