 August 2, 2023
READ ONLINE AND TRANSLATE
While enjoying the festivities of Renton River Days last week, residents and visitors may have noticed new and colorful artwork on several doors on one of the buildings near Liberty Park’s Skate Park.
The building has been a regular target for graffiti, so a few weeks ago, city crews applied a unique 3M vinyl anti-graffiti artwork to 14 doors. The result is two-fold, deterring graffiti and creating a more welcoming and attractive environment for residents and visitors.
The project was a joint effort between Community & Economic Development Department (CED) and Public Works Maintenance Services Division staff. Public Works paid for the installation. Renton Arts Commission provided implementation and facilitation support.
“Our crews would clean those 14 doors two to three times a year, and each cleaning would take two days,” said George Stahl, Public Works Water Maintenance Manager. “Now we can use that time to perform our essential duties, ensuring operational water mains, fire hydrants, and feed lines.”
The art represents Pacific Northwest wildlife, with a focus on the salmon that flow through the Cedar River to the octopi found at the deep sea floors of Puget Sound.
“These vibrant representations of sea life and local wildlife are a beautiful tribute to the city’s natural heritage,” said Jessie Kotarski, CED Economic Development Manager and the city’s liaison to the Renton Arts Commission. “They invite residents and visitors to appreciate and protect the precious ecosystems that thrive in the Pacific Northwest.”
This installation is a pilot project. If effective, the city will explore opportunities to implement similar installations to enhance the urban environment and foster community pride. It also aligns with the city’s vision for incorporating art into public spaces, including fire hydrants, trash receptacles, and city buildings. The goal is to create a cohesive and engaging urban landscape that reflects Renton’s creativity and diversity.
Thanks to CED, Public Works, and the city's graphic designer for coordinating and implementing this artwork.
Doors open for Renton School District’s newest elementary school this fall
Hilltop Heritage Elementary, 1075 Duvall Ave NE, is Renton School District’s newest school. Located in the Highlands/Sunset area, it will welcome 650 first through fifth-grade students on August 30. Kindergarten students will start on September 5.
Opening the new school means changes to elementary school assignments for many families. New boundaries at six nearby elementary schools will take effect at the start of the 2023-2024 school year. Elementary schools that will have boundary changes are:
-
Hazelwood Elementary
- Highlands Elementary
- Hilltop Heritage Elementary
- Honey Dew Elementary
- Kennydale Elementary
- Maplewood Heights Elementary
-
Sierra Heights Elementary
First look: Introducing La Fortuna, Renton's newest affordable housing project
Building affordable housing is a priority for Renton and Washington state. Last week, city staff visited Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King & Kittitas Counties’ latest Renton housing project La Fortuna. La Fortuna is located in the Cascade/Benson Hill neighborhood, and has 35 sustainably-certified affordable homes. Phase II will open later this year, offering twelve 3- and 4-bedroom townhomes for purchase by qualified buyers through Habitat’s homebuyer program.
The project partnered with the City of Renton’s Equity, Housing, and Human Services Department, Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King & Kittitas Counties, and Homestead Community Land Trust.
Building stronger community ties with National Night Out & Neighborhood BBQs
The city believes that community is everything. Renton strives to break down barriers and connect with residents by hosting events that bring everyone together.
The city held the last citywide Neighborhood BBQ a few weeks ago. Over the spring and summer, the program had four significant community events, each with a designated theme.
If you missed the last BBQ, there is still a chance to celebrate on Friday, August 4, at Sunset Neighborhood Park. At dusk there’s a showing of Minions: Rise of Gru.
In addition, Renton Farmers Market hosted police and fire at National Night Out yesterday. This annual event sends a powerful message about neighborhood unity and dedication to building safer communities.
From our Neighborhood Program to first responders, Renton is committed to providing the necessary resources to build a positive and united community.
Upcoming Renton Municipal Airport closures for Seafair airshow and practices
The Boeing Seafair Air Show, the biggest attraction in the Seattle area, runs Thursday, August 3 through Sunday, August 6. The show captures attention with heart-stopping, gravity-defying, and adrenaline-pumping aerial performances from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and U.S. Army Golden Knights.
Airspace over Renton Municipal Airport will be closed during practice and air show performance times. Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) will also be in place during these dates and times:
-
Thursday, August 3: unway closed from 10:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. (Taxiway remains open)
-
Friday, August 4: Runway closed from 9:15 a.m.-4:45 p.m. except for Boeing First Flights (Taxiway remains open)
-
Saturday, August 5: Runway closed from 9:15 a.m.-4:45 p.m. except for Boeing First Flights (Taxiway remains open)
-
Sunday, August 6: Runway closed from 9:15 a.m.-5:15 p.m. except for Boeing First Flights (Taxiway remains open)
Up-to-date and detailed information on Temporary Flight Restrictions is available online.
Cruz the Loop postponed; Summerfest continues
“Cruz the Loop,” originally scheduled for Saturday, August 12, has been postponed due to low registration. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and will communicate a new date as soon as it is determined.
Summerfest offers a wide range of activities and attractions for people of all ages. Enjoy live music, engage in art activities, participate in fun outdoor games, and indulge in various food trucks and the beer & wine garden inside the Renton Pavilion Event Center.
To cap off the evening, an outdoor movie screening of Top Gun: Maverick will premiere at dusk in Piazza Park.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we strive to provide unforgettable experiences for Renton residents.
Step into Renton’s rich history through the Historic Walking Tour
The tour explores notable buildings and visualizes Renton's past as a mining town, post-WWII boomtown, and evolving modern city. Get tickets in advance. Tickets are $25, which includes a tote bag, Renton History Museum admission, and a special gift.
Free Museum Days – First Wednesday and third Saturday monthly, Renton History Museum (235 Mill Ave. S), 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
August 12 – Summerfest, Renton Pavilion Event Center/Piazza Park (233 Burnett Ave. S), 12-10 p.m. Free to attend.
August 12 – Renton Downtown Historic Walking Tours, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Tickets are $25.
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)
|
