This Week in Renton: Henry Moses Aquatic Center update
Published on June 20, 2025
Renovations are near completion, but we are excited to share that Henry Moses Aquatic Center (HMAC) will open for the season on Saturday, June 28!
Some of the new improvements will include:
- Upgraded pumps and motors
- Improved locker room safety
- Concession building improvements for visibility and functionality
These upgrades will enhance the overall visitor experience by improving the facility’s safety, comfort, and efficiency.
This renovation project was made possible by a Parks Aquatic Facilities Grant from King County.
Please note that the small play structure is being replaced, and the new one won’t arrive until the middle of the season. The upgraded play structure will be installed in time for the 2026 season to avoid mid-season closures.
Have no fear; this zero-depth play area made for tiny tots will still be available, and Parks and Recreation staff are looking to add temporary features to the experience.
HMAC will be open seven days a week through Labor Day. This season, visitors can participate in lap swimming, water walking, open swim sessions, and swim lessons in addition to signing up for Junior Lifeguard Day Camp, Teen Night, and, after the season, the beloved pooch plunge.
These ongoing efforts help reduce the frequency of closures and maintenance issues, ensuring more consistent access for the community.
Find HMAC’s summer schedule and additional information at rentonwa.gov/hmac.
2025 Water Quality Report now available
Hello longer days and more sunshine! With summer officially starting this weekend, those plants are likely getting thirsty. This is the perfect time to check out the brand-new 2025 Water Quality Report!
This annual report shares water-saving tips and information about the city's drinking water quality and safety. A few things you can find in this report include:
- The four sources of Renton’s drinking water
- Ways to save water (and money)
- How to protect our salmon (remember, only rain down the drain)
In short, your water from the City of Renton and Seattle Public Utilities meets all regulatory standards and is safe to drink.
See the numbers in action through the 2024 Renton Water Statistics:
- 2,756,809,000 gallons were produced by the City of Renton from nine wells and one spring
- 319 miles of water main are in service
- 17,931 total metered connections are served
- 7,532,265 gallons are produced on an average day
- 13,179,000 gallons were produced on the highest demand day: July 10, 2024
- 5,034,000 gallons were produced on the lowest demand day: November 19, 2024
Thirsty for more? See the complete report at rentonwa.gov/waterquality.
Celebrating Juneteenth in Renton with the first Juneteenth flag raising
Juneteenth commemorates when the news of emancipation reached the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.
In 2021, former President Joe Biden signed Juneteenth as a federal holiday in the United States.
This week in Renton, the city celebrated Juneteenth in several ways.
On Monday, June 16, Mayor Armondo Pavone proclaimed the celebration of Juneteenth in the City of Renton. The proclamation was presented by Council Pro-Tem Ruth Pérez and accepted by Council President James Alberson.
Council President Alberson explained why everyone should celebrate Juneteenth, stating, "Juneteenth represents a moment where all were now open to contribute to the greatest of a nation."
On Wednesday, the city held its first Juneteenth flag-raising at city hall. Mayor Armondo Pavone and Councilmember Ed Prince both gave remarks and helped raise the flag.
Mayor Pavone welcomed the crowd and thanked Renton City Council for listening to the community and being committed to inclusivity and representation before introducing Councilmember Ed Prince.
Councilmember Prince highlighted the day's significance, made a personal connection, and reminded us that it is more than just a celebration.
Thank you to everyone who attended this recognition. The flag will be flown outside Renton City Hall from June 18 through 20.
Stormwater 2025 plan available
In March, the city issued a draft of the 2025 Stormwater Management Plan and received feedback from the community on what they wanted included. Thank you to the community members who provided feedback. The final plan has been published for 2025 and is available online here.
The City of Renton is issued a Phase II Municipal Separate Stormwater Permit by the Washington State Department of Ecology each year. The permit regulates discharges from the city’s storm system.
Through the permit, the city is responsible for creating a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP).
This program includes:
- Informing and assisting in policy and strategy development to be used as tools to protect receiving waters.
- Building residents' awareness of stormwater impacts, empowering the public to change behaviors that can lead to less pollution, and providing opportunities for the public to contribute to the quality of life for the community.
- Providing opportunities for the public to get involved in the development, implementation, and update of the SWMP and SMAP.
- Creating maps and documentation of the storm sewer system in the city.
- Preventing and detecting illegal discharges such as dumping, sewer overflow, and spills into the storm sewer system.
- Reducing pollutants in stormwater runoff from new developments, redevelopment, and construction site activities.
- Controlling pollutants in stormwater runoff from areas of existing development.
- Preventing and reducing pollutant runoff from areas that discharge to the storm sewer system.
- Regulating and conducting maintenance activities to prevent or reduce pollutant runoff.
Find something missing or that needs to be updated. Give your thoughts on the 2025 Stormwater Management Program Plan by December 31 at yourvoice.rentonwa.gov/stormwater-management. Feedback received will help inform next year's plan.
Renton Skate Park PROS recap
Last week, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department hosted a PROS Plan Pop-Up at Liberty Park Skatepark, connecting with the Renton skate community. As part of the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan update, staff connected with the skate community to:
- Listen to skaters, BMX riders, and more: As dedicated users of the Liberty Park skatepark, staff wanted to hear their thoughts and vision for the future of skating in Renton. The park is a hub for skateboarders, BMX riders, scooter riders, and community members of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
- Look ahead: With the skatepark approaching its 25th anniversary and future renovations to Liberty Park and the Tri-Park area on the horizon, this group is a key voice in shaping what's next.
Want to learn more and get connected? Renton Parks and Recreation will be hosting pop-ups at parks and events across Renton all summer long. Stop by to share your ideas or participate online anytime at yourvoice.rentonwa.gov/PROS.
Neighborhood BBQ heads to Heritage Park
Celebrate the start of summer at the third 2025 Neighborhood Program BBQ! This time, we're joining the South Union Neighborhood Association, several city departments, and community partners for free food, music, and fun.
Find us next Wednesday, June 25, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Heritage Park (233 Union Ave. NE).
RSVP at rentonwa.gov/register using the keyword ‘bbq’. This event is free and open to all residents! See you there!
The 2025 BBQ Series is hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation’s Neighborhood Program.
Solera and Astra Apartments Grand Opening
The new Solera and Astra apartments are opening this Saturday, June 21, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 2955 NE 11th St.
Join us for the grand opening, which will include a ribbon cutting and vendor fair featuring local businesses, community booths, food trucks, and live music. Property tours will also help renters and future renters connect with information and local resources.
The Solera and Astra apartments will bring nearly 600 new apartment homes to the Renton Highlands area, helping address Renton’s growing population and housing needs. This project is one of the last remaining pieces of the Sunset Area Redevelopment Plan.
This event is made possible by a partnership with DevCo Residential Group, Evergreen Impact Housing Fund, and the city’s Community & Economic Development Department.
Be part of the fun at River Days
Applications for Renton River Days are closing soon! Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of Renton’s biggest festival. Join us and:
Find these opportunities and more at rentonwa.gov/riverdays.
Invite Mayor Pavone to your community
This summer, Mayor Armondo Pavone is bringing the conversation outside of Renton City Hall.
In the new program, Talks on the Block, you can host Mayor Pavone and city leadership in your own Renton neighborhood! This is a great opportunity to ask questions and share your vision for Renton's future.
Here's how to sign up:
- Find a communal space for Mayor Pavone, city leadership, and your friends and neighbors.
- Find a date that works between July 1 and September 25 on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday evenings from 5-7 p.m.
- Invite Mayor Pavone at rentonwa.gov/talksontheblock
Small Business Health & Wellness event at Valley Medical Center
Small businesses are invited to join Startup425, Valley Medical Center and the city for a workshop on June 26, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Valley Medical Center’s Medical Arts Center.
Learn more and RSVP today at startup425.org
This event is hosted by Startup425 and supported by the city’s Community & Economic Development Department.
Around Renton
Renton River Days applications are now open. Be part of the festival by visiting rentonwa.gov/riverdays.
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.
June 21 – Solera and Astra Apartments Grand Opening & Vendor Fair, 2 – 6 p.m. Astra Apartments, 2955 NE 11th St. Hosted by DevCo Residential Group, City of Renton Community & Economic Development Department, Evergreen Impact Housing Fund. Free.
June 25 – Neighborhood BBQ 2025 Series, 3 – 6 p.m. Heritage Park, 233 Union Ave. NE. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation and the South Union Neighborhood Association. Free. RSVP today.
June 26 – Startup and Small Business Coworking, 2 p.m. Valley Medical Center Medical Arts Center, 4033 Talbot Rd. Hosted by Startup425 and the city’s Community & Economic Development Department. Free. Register here.
June 26 – Summer Concert: Boogie Boulevard, 6:30 p.m. Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park Kidd Valley Stage, 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Free.
June 30 – Tee Off for Fun This Summer, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Heritage Park, 233 Union Ave. N. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Free.
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 Lane NE. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Free.
In other news this week