TWIR: Celebrating Parks and Recreation Month in Renton, “Build Togethe
Published on July 10, 2025
At the July 7 Renton City Council meeting, the Parks and Recreation Department was honored with the 2025 Parks and Recreation Month proclamation.
This year’s National Parks Recreation Association (NRPA) theme, “Build Together, Play Together,” reflects Renton’s continued commitment to creating welcoming spaces and enriching experiences for all residents.
From managing more than 1,200 acres of parkland and leading capital improvement projects, to hosting thousands of recreational programs and events, Renton Parks and Recreation plays a vital role in enhancing quality of life.
In 2024, the department recorded the highest number of transactions citywide and remained one of the city’s largest youth employers. Renton’s parks also contribute to environmental resilience through green infrastructure, tree canopy preservation, and stormwater management.
The Urban Forestry Division’s recent acceptance into the Evergreen Community Program underscores this leadership.
Whether it’s summer meals in the park, senior dining programs, or community wellness hubs, Parks and Recreation supports health, connection, and opportunity across generations.
As the city celebrates Parks and Recreation Month, Renton honors the dedicated staff and volunteers who make these experiences possible—and invites residents to enjoy the many programs and places that help Renton thrive.
Explore the artist behind the art: Participate in the Renton Artist Studio Tour
Experience Renton’s vibrant arts scene firsthand during Art in Motion: Renton Artist Studio Tour. This free self-guided tour invites the public to explore local artists’ studios and creative spaces throughout the city.
On Saturday, August 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors and residents can begin the self-guided tour at Perfect Fit Framing, 309 S. 3rd St. Maps will be available to download starting in August at rentonwa.gov/RMAC.
The tour offers an exclusive look at the artistic process across several locations in downtown Renton. This unique event invites the public to engage with local creators across several locations in downtown Renton.
Experience live demonstrations, enjoy hands-on activities, and purchase one-of-a-kind handmade works of art.
Explore each artist’s studio and collect a commemorative pin at each location. Collect five or more pins and receive a special memento celebrating your journey through the Renton Artist Studio Tour.
The application for participants has closed, but artists who are still interested in participating as an open studio are welcome to email us at arts@rentonwa.gov.
Volunteers will be available to assist throughout the tour. For details visit rentonwa.gov/RMAC.
Entrepreneur Networking Walk
Join us for a unique networking opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs over a lakeside walk.
On Wednesday, July 23, we’ll meet at the market inside the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington to grab a coffee or pastry, then head out around 9:15 a.m. for a relaxed stroll along the Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park trail. Enjoy lake views, fresh air, and inspiring dialogue as we walk one of Renton’s most iconic waterfront paths together.
RSVP today for free at startup425.org.
This event is hosted by Startup425 and the city’s Community & Economic Development Department.
Rainier Avenue update
Progress continues on Rainier Avenue with a new traffic signal replacement at South 3rd Street. The new light is now active, and the old signal has been removed. Thank you for your patience during last week’s congestion while this milestone was completed.
What can you expect this week? South 2nd Street. from Lake Avenue South to Rainier Avenue South will continue to be closed this month for paving. Consider these suggested routes:
- For Northbound traffic on Rainier, traffic could take Lake Avenue South
- For Southbound traffic on Rainier, traffic could take Shattuck Avenue South
Lane closures will increase significantly as embankment and phases of construction continue. We will do our best to notify the public of any closures within 24 hours.
In addition, intermittent daytime closures will be going on next week at SW Victoria Street.
Love Renton’s small businesses? Follow along as we highlight various businesses along the Rainier corridor at rentonwa.gov/rainierbizhighlight.
To get the latest updates on the Rainier Ave. project, sign up for the weekly newsletter at rentonwa.gov/rainier4.
Maplewood Golf Course Tournament
The annual Ed McCaffrey & Gordy Neilson Memorial Golf Tournament is Saturday, August 2.
This four-person team scramble is an 8 a.m. shotgun start. Enjoy lunch, raffle prizes, and silent and live auctions!
All proceeds go to the Renton, Liberty, and Lindbergh Girls and Boys High School Golf Teams; Clubs for Kids; Renton Special Populations; and PGA Junior League.
Submit your team's entry form with payment by Sunday, July 20.
Those interested in sponsoring a hole should submit the hole sponsorship form with payment by Sunday, July 13.
Learn more at rentonwa.gov/maplewood.
It’s not too late to get involved!
Renton River Days is almost here and there are some great opportunities still available. Act fast though because many close soon!
Whether you’re looking to become a vendor or are searching for handmade crafts and specialty treats, the Summer Bazaar has you covered! Don’t miss this two-day event on Saturday and Sunday, July 26-27. Vendors can register by Wednesday, July 16 here.
Applications to march in the parade close soon! Come represent your community and join us for the parade on Saturday, July 26. Register by tomorrow, July 11 here.
Attention, artists! Show off your skills in the Chalk Art Competition on Saturday, July 26. Win $1,000 for first place, $500 for second, or $300 for third. Register by Wednesday, July 16 here.
Teens age 14-17 are invited for Teen Night at Henry Moses Aquatic Center on Friday, July 25. Come enjoy a photobooth, food truck, free ice cream, and plenty of pool games and music! Register here.
Volunteering is a great way to connect with other community members and make a difference here in Renton. Volunteer with us at rentonwa.gov/volunteer.
Upcoming WSDOT I-405 closures
Last week, we shared Washington Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) summer I-405 closure schedule.
The closure marked #5 in the image above begins this weekend and will close northbound I-405 from SR169 off-ramp to Southport Drive on-ramp from 11:59 p.m. Friday, July 11 to 4 a.m. Monday, July 14. A signed detour route will be in place.
Upcoming closures also include:
- July 18- July 21: Northeast 44th Street will be closed east of Lake Washington Boulevard Northeast.
- August 1 – August 4: Southbound I-405 from Sunset Boulevard off-ramp to SR167 on ramp
WSDOT contractor crews will be working to install drainage crossings, bridge deck overlays, install noise wall panels, tolling infrastructure, lighting, complete paving operations, and complete traffic shifts to support the I-405/Renton to Bellevue Widening and Express Toll Lanes Project.
Plan ahead and expect delays.
Please note: a different southbound SR167 closure, originally planned for this weekend in Kent, has been rescheduled to a later date.
Around Renton
Renton River Days is July 25-27. Applications are open! Be part of the festival at rentonwa.gov/riverdays.
Summer Meal Program provides free lunch, snacks, and activities to children aged 1-18 at various places around the city. rentonwa.gov/summermeals
The Renton Farmers Market has MOVED! Find the market at its new temporary location on Williams Avenue South between South Second Street and South Third Street. The market is open every Tuesday until September 30 from 3 – 7 p.m. rentonfarmersmarket.com
The 2026 Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Plan is looking for your feedback. Learn more and fill out the survey at rentonwa.gov/pros.
Renton City Council meets every Monday (excluding fifth Mondays and holidays) at 7 p.m. at Renton City Hall’s seventh floor council chambers. Find the agenda and sign up to speak at rentonwa.gov/council.
July 10 – Summer Concert: Point of Sail, 6:30 p.m. Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park Kidd Valley Stage, 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Free.
July 16 – Magic Show with Alex Zerbe, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Sunset Neighborhood Park, 2680 Sunset Ln NE. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation and King County Library System. Free.
July 23 – Entrepreneur Networking Walk, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Hyatt Regency, 1053 Lake Washington Blvd N. Hosted by Startup425 and the city’s Community & Economic Development Department. Free. Register here.
July 25 – Teen Night at HMAC, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Henry Moses Aquatic Center, 1719 Maple Valley Highway. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Ages 14-17. Register here.
July 25 – Live Music & Drone Show at Renton River Days, 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park,1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Free.
July 26 – Parade at Renton River Days,10 a.m. Downtown on South Third Street from Shattuck to Liberty Park. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Free.
July 26 – Chalk Art Competition at Renton River Days,10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Cedar River Park Drive. Hosted by Renton Municipal Arts Commision. Free. Register here.
July 26-27 – Summer Bazaar at Renton River Days, Saturday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Renton Community Center. 1715 Maple Valley Highway. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Vendor registration here. Free admission.
July 27 – Rubber Ducky Derby at Renton River Days, 3:30 p.m. Cedar River. Hosted by Renton Rotary. Free to watch.
July 31 – Sing Your Song Concert with Keeth Apgar, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Tiffany Park, 1902 Lake Youngs Way SE. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation and King County Library System. Free.
July 31 – Summer Concert: Scott Lindenmuth, 6:30 p.m. Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park Kidd Valley Stage, 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Free.
August 2 – McCaffrey-Neilson Golf Tournament, 8 a.m. Maplewood Golf Course, 4050 Maple Valley Highway. Hosted by Ed McCaffrey and Gordy Neilson Memorial Golf Tournament and Renton Parks & Recreation. Register now.
August 6 – Secrets of Wizards Show with Jeff Evans, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Liberty Park, 1101 Bronson Way N. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation and King County Library System. Free.
In other news this week