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Thursday, April 25, 2024 | Vol. IX | Issue 17
The summer edition of the Let's Go Renton! Recreation Guide is now available online.
The city’s Recreation Division is ready to offer exciting activities and programming May through August. Discover a new favorite hobby like fly fishing, let your kids experience golf at any level, take in new heights through guided hikes, or attend the highly anticipated Renton River Days festival. There's something for everyone to enjoy and stay active this spring and summer.
Registration is now open for residents to start booking their calendars with fun events and activities. Printed guides will be available the week of April 22 at several city facilities.
Take advantage of these fantastic opportunities to make the most of the upcoming season.
Renton River Days Drone show to replace the annual Fourth of July fireworks
The City of Renton is shifting our summer entertainment focus this year, and an incredible drone show will return to the 2024 Renton River Days lineup. This event will take the place of the Fourth of July fireworks show. On Friday, July 26, 200 drones will light up the night sky as part of the 39th annual Renton River Days event kickoff.
The Fourth of July fireworks show has been a long tradition, but in consideration of environmental impacts, noise concerns for pets and community members, and the additional funds needed to source a barge with the recent upgrades to the North Water Walk, the city decided to direct resources toward events that truly serve Renton residents, like Renton River Days.
This change aligns with the city's commitment to environmental stewardship, and the drone show will provide a captivating experience for all community members.
Changes can be challenging, but we are confident this new approach will be exciting and contribute positively to the community's well-being and the protection of the city's natural surroundings.
We look forward to celebrating with you on July 26 and throughout the Renton River Days festival. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Check out the Renton River Days website for updates on what to expect from this year's festival. The event committee actively seeks applications for sponsors, vendors, and parade participants.
Introducing Watershed Apartments: Renton's newest housing option
On Thursday, April 18, across the street from Renton City Hall, Mayor Armondo Pavone participated in the ribbon-cutting for the Watershed Apartments, marking the opening of 145 affordable housing units at 625 Williams Avenue. Planning for this new building began in 2019, and construction commenced in 2022.
There is a remarkable need for housing in the state and Renton, and affordable housing is at a critical point. The Watershed Apartments’ 145 units, ranging from studios to three-bedroom, can accommodate up to 350 residents on a plot of land that previously held an aging five-unit building. Renton’s forward-thinking approach also aligns well with the upcoming statewide requirement to accommodate density.
Creating a healthy and vibrant community involves providing a range of affordable housing options and ensuring residents have access to their daily needs without relying on a car.
The Watershed Apartments are within walking distance to downtown businesses, across the street from Home Depot and Uwajimaya, near the Cedar River trails and Burnett Linear Park, and will be within walking distance to the new South Renton Transit Center.
Collaboration between public and private partners makes the success of projects like Watershed possible. Thanks to all involved, including GMD Development, Microsoft, Boston Financial, the Evergreen Impact Housing Fund, and the Seattle Foundation, along with Citi Community Capital, the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, Sierra, Studio 19 Architects, and Thrive.
A warm welcome is extended to the residents of Watershed as they become part of the neighborhood.
The city celebrates sustainability during Arbor Day Earth Day event & Community Celebration
Mayor Armondo Pavone kicked off the City of Renton’s 2024 Earth Day celebration with its annual Arbor Day / Earth Day event. Over 30 residents dedicated their Saturday morning to positively impacting the environment. The volunteers planted 20 trees outside the Renton Community Center, installed 68 drain markers, and distributed 235 door hangers in the Maple Ridge Estates and Summerfield neighborhoods.
After the work was complete, city leaders, staff, volunteers, and the community continued celebrating sustainability through the first Renton Community Celebration. The event featured 12 vendors, all focusing on sustainable practices and providing the community valuable information on improving the environment.
In addition to the many trees planted and information gathered, the city's Urban Forestry division distributed 106 saplings to encourage the community's commitment to nurturing our environment.
The Earth Day celebration in Renton was a success due to the dedication and enthusiasm showcased by volunteers and participants. Thank you to everyone who made this event impactful and memorable.
Recognizing dedicated volunteers during National Volunteer Month
April is National Volunteer Month, and the city recognizes the individuals who makeup Renton's boards, commissions, committees, and community groups supporting the Renton Police Department, Emergency Management Division, and divisions in the Parks and Recreation Department play a powerful role in lending their time, talents, and voices to make a difference in the community.
The city recognizes that Renton has many volunteers, all varying in what they focus on but all with the same intent of supporting the community.
During Monday night's council meeting, Mayor Armondo Pavone designated April 22 National Volunteer Month in Renton. Accepting the proclamation was city staff member Teresa Nishi, who serves as the Volunteer Program Coordinator in the Parks and Recreation Department. Teresa has been with the city for 24 years, overseeing the volunteer program.
"Over 600 individuals gave their time to the City of Renton to make programs, youth athletics, and special events successful last year," said Teresa Nishi, Volunteer Program Coordinator.
Thank you to all the contributions made by volunteers who work to improve the city. Last night, the city recognized volunteers at the annual Volunteer Appreciation event at the Renton Pavilion Events Center.
Shred-A-Thon & Prescription Drug Take Back is this Saturday
Join the Renton Police Department for a free and impactful event, the Shred-A-Thon & Prescription Drug Take Back, on Saturday, April 27, at Renton Memorial Stadium (405 Logan Ave N). The event will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (or until trucks are full).
A few key details and reminders for participants:
- Please remain in vehicles throughout the event.
- Place all documents and prescription drugs in the trunk, hatchback, or truck bed.
- Each vehicle can bring a maximum of 5 bags or boxes of paper to be shredded on-site.
- Credit cards, notebooks, and compact disks will not be accepted for shredding.
- Documents should be free of paper clips and other metal, but staples can remain.
- For the prescription drug takeback, please provide any expired or unused prescriptions and over-the-counter medications in pill or liquid form.
- Solid dosages or capsules can be removed from the container, placed in a bag, or brought in the original container.
- If submitting the original container, remove the label to eliminate any identifying information.
- Intravenous solutions, injectables, needles, inhalers, syringes, chemotherapy medications, vaping devices with non-removable batteries, or medical waste will not be accepted.
In addition to the Shred-A-Thon and Prescription Drug Take Back, there will be a food drive to benefit the Emergency Feeding Program. Please consider donating canned and dry goods, as well as monetary donations.
Don't miss the opportunity to participate in this community event that promotes safety, security, and giving back. For further information about National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, visit the website.
Join Mid Sound's Community Action Training School and make a difference in the watershed
Passionate about creating a positive impact in your watershed? Look no further than Mid Sound's Community Action Training School (CATS) – a unique and engaging program suitable for individuals of all ages. This exciting initiative aims to connect residents with community members, non-profit organizations, and local and Tribal governments actively working on projects throughout the watershed, benefiting both salmon and people. Renton is an active partner of Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 8 Lake Washington/Cedar/Sammamish Watershed Council, which sponsors CATS.
Through the school, students will gain firsthand knowledge of the importance of watershed protection and restoration, engage with community members passionate about environmental conservation, and learn from experts on the benefits of these protection measures.
This program welcomes people from all backgrounds. Prior experience or specific knowledge of the course topic is not required.
Apply for Mid Sound's Community Action Training School by April 30. For more information on this opportunity, visit Mid Sound Fisheries webpage.
Rentonwa.gov gets an upgrade – input needed!
In the recent State of the City address, one of Mayor Pavone’s priorities was to expand and improve communications. The Communications & Engagement Division is diligently working on developing and launching a new website for Renton. As one of the essential tools for community communication and engagement.
The city is seeking input from Renton residents, businesses, and visitors on the improvements they wish to see on rentonwa.gov. This feedback will help shape the new website, making sure it is a valuable and user-friendly platform.
Please consider taking a few minutes to participate in a brief survey. The survey should take approximately seven minutes to complete.