 December 14, 2023
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New Year, New Adventures. Let’s Go Renton! Recreation Guide available online
The start of a new year offers exciting opportunities to get involved in the many events and programs available through the city's Recreation Division.
The winter edition of the Let’s Go Renton! Recreation Guide is now available online. Take a look at various events, activities, and programs for residents of all ages and interests from January through April. Some seasonal opportunities include:
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Bring out an artistic side at the new Paint 'n Pour event at Renton Community Center in partnership with local wineries (non-alcoholic beverages also available).
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Take a Saturday hike with the city’s knowledgeable and experienced staff and explore the city's many beautiful parks and trails. All ages and hiking levels are welcome to join.
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Experience the magic of the winter season with Sno-King Ice Arena in Renton, which offers activities from hockey to family skating sessions. It is the perfect seasonal activity to enjoy.
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The Recreation Division seeks volunteers to share their sports, art, dance, fitness, or music talents with the community. Become a volunteer, teach others new hobbies and skills, and help build a stronger and more connected community.
Registration will open on December 20, and hard copies of the guide will be available on December 22 at the Renton Community Center, Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center, and City Hall.
The 2023 Battle of the Badges winner is...
Additional winners included:
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Clark Griswold Award: Issaquah PD – Abominable Snowman
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Festive Innovation Award: Port of Seattle Fire Department – Return of the Grinch
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Holiday Spirit Award (Presented by the Renton Chamber of Commerce): Newcastle PD – Buddy the Elf
Thanks to the participating agencies for their enthusiastic involvement and everyone who joined us on this magical night.
This holiday event continues to grow in popularity year after year. Staff is exploring new ways to host this event to ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy and celebrate next year, while preventing impact to others on the roads. We are committed to finding innovative ways to allow everyone to come together and celebrate without compromising convenience for others in the community.
Thanks to all participants for the generosity of our community - 5,815 lbs. of food and $964 in monetary donations were collected. These gifts will be instrumental in supporting the Emergency Feeding Program.
Again, our thanks for the continued support and for joining public service agencies around the region during this exciting event that strengthens the bond between agencies and the communities we serve.
Renton Farmers Market: 2023 Year in Review
What an incredible year it has been for the Renton Farmers Market! Despite facing four rainy market days (and one scorching 95-degree day), the unwavering support from amazing shoppers, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, and staff made this season a resounding success.
A few highlights from this past year:
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$620,000 in vendor sales, up12% from 2022
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39,706 shoppers during the season, up 16% from 2022
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3,641 lbs. of food donated to local feeding programs
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$19,863 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits utilized
With the continued success of the market year after year, the city looks forward to uncovering new and exciting ways to get the community involved in the market while supporting local farmers from around the region. The city is already gearing up and eagerly preparing for an exciting 2024 season, with plans for further enhancing the experience for vendors and shoppers.
Once again, thanks to everyone who contributed to making this year's Renton Farmers Market an incredible achievement. The city can't wait to see what the future holds for this beloved market. Shopping from local farmers and small businesses doesn’t stop when the market does, and we encourage patrons to visit their favorite vendors year-round.
Councilmember Ed Prince Elected to Serve as 2024 Renton City Council President
At the regular Renton City Council meeting on Monday, November 20, 2023, Councilmember Ed Prince was elected to serve in the position of City Council President for 2024.
As Council President, Prince will set the agenda and conduct Committee of the Whole meetings that precede a full city council meeting. Councilmember Prince will begin his fourth four-year term on Council and currently serves as chair of the Planning & Development Committee.
Earlier this year, Councilmember Prince earned the Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership for completing more than 60 hours of training and demonstrated local community service. Prince has previously served as Council President twice, making this his third year-long term of service in the leadership role.
Prince also serves as the Executive Director of the Washington State Commission on African American Affairs, on the Association of Washington Cities Board of Directors, is a member of the Sound Transit Board of Directors and Sound Cities Association, co-chairs the King County Regional Homeless Authority, and is chair of the Puget Sound Regional Council Growth Management Policy Board.
Councilmember Prince will take over the president’s duties from Councilmember Valerie O’Halloran, who served in the role for 2023.
Councilmember James Alberson, Jr. has been elected to serve as President Pro-Tem for the 2024 calendar year. The President Pro-Tem runs the meeting in the President’s absence. This marks the first time the Renton City Council will have an African-American Council President and President Pro-Tem.
Both Councilmember Prince and Councilmember Alberson begin their roles in January 2024.
Unlock new opportunities for local businesses in the vibrant Benson Hill neighborhood
Small businesses are essential contributors to the city's economy. Whether located downtown, on Sunset, or in the Benson Hill neighborhood, for small businesses to thrive, local entrepreneurs, community leaders, and business enthusiasts must come together to foster innovation and idea-sharing.
On January 19, the city's Community and Economic Development Department will work with neighborhood businesses and residents from Benson Hill to collaborate and brainstorm ways to boost the local businesses in that area.
The session will start at 9 a.m. at Benson Hill's newest development, Family First Community Center. The Benson Hill neighborhood kicks off this series of sessions that will work with individual neighborhoods to focus on their area's needs and challenges. Future sessions will be scheduled in other Renton neighborhoods.
We hope to see you for this opportunity for the community to come together, listen, advise, and discuss innovative ways to expand and grow small businesses.
RSVP online.
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