This Week in Renton: Talbot Hill Reservoir Park reopened and complete
Published on October 31, 2025
The newly renovated Talbot Hill Reservoir Park (710 S. 19th St.) officially opened in August, with the remaining work now complete.
Construction began in April of 2025. Through community engagement conducted as part of the 2020 Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas Plan, residents expressed a strong desire for additional pickleball facilities.
The primary objective was to restore the sports court and enhance existing park locations for long-term use.
What’s new:
- Improved sports court and drainage. During construction, the project team discovered that the original drainage plan would have added too much weight to the water reservoir roof below the courts. The project team reworked the approach, opting for drainage joint improvements instead. With these upgrades now complete, the court has been resurfaced and painted, providing a safe, durable, and attractive play surface for tennis and pickleball.
- New ADA-accessible pedestrian bridge providing safe access to the sports courts/reservoir roof.
- Fully accessible pathway system connecting all areas of the park.
- Upgraded parking lot with new curbs, patching and sealcoating, and a designated ADA stall.
- Enhanced park amenities including a new shade shelter, drinking fountain with bottle filler, bike racks, benches, court nets and barrier nets, updated court fencing and a repaired practice wall.
Thank you for your patience during the renovation project. We look forward to the community utilizing these upgrades and renovations at Talbot Hill Reservoir Park.
Explore + Restore: Cedar River Natural Area
The city’s Parks and Recreation Department is exploring ways to restore the Cedar River Natural Area as a welcoming, active, and ecologically resilient space for the entire community.
Join two upcoming community visioning sessions:
- Wednesday, November 5, from 7-8:30 p.m. at Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Hwy
- Saturday, November 8, from 9–11:30 a.m. at the Cedar River Trailhead, 1500 Houser Way S.
- Reestablish connections to the natural environment by revitalizing bicycle and multi-use trails
- Create an all-level bicycle skills course to encourage inclusive outdoor play
- Restore and enhance natural habitats
- Improve safety and reduce illegal activity
- Promote recreation that welcomes all members of the Renton community
Join us in person this November to:
- Share your thoughts and ideas
- Ask questions
- Learn how this project will balance forest preservation and restoration with expanded recreation opportunities
Your input will help shape a natural space that reflects the community’s vision and values.
October is Fire Prevention Month
During Monday’s Renton City Council meeting, Mayor Armondo Pavone designated October as Fire Prevention Month. To accept the proclamation was Renton Regional Fire Authority's Fire Marshal, Anjela Barton.
Barton thanked the City of Renton for its partnership with various city departments, including the Renton Police Department and Community & Economic Development Department.
Fire Prevention Month serves as a reminder to take proactive steps to reduce the risk of fire-related incidents.
This year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” raises awareness about the danger of lithium-ion batteries.
While convenient and efficient, lithium-ion batteries can pose serious fire risks if mishandled. Here are some safety tips:
- Stop using the device/battery if you notice an odor, change in color, too much heat, change in shape, leaking or odd noises.
- Only use chargers and cables that are compatible with and came with the device
- Do not charge near your primary exit
- Keep batteries away from heat or direct sunlight
- Do not charge a device under pillows or bedding or on top of beds and sofas
Here are a few ways you can act now to reduce fire hazards and other risks in and around your home while celebrating the holidays:
- Use electricity safely: Don’t overload electrical outlets or use multiple extension cords.
- Avoid flames when possible: Battery-operated candles are a good alternative to flames.
- Don’t create tripping hazards: Set up your decorations so they don’t interfere with foot traffic.
- Watch for fire hazards: Don’t hang fabrics over light bulbs.
- Check older decorations: Make sure they are still in good condition! Replace any decorations with loose connections, frayed wires, or cracked sockets.
Find additional fire prevention tips here.
Republic Services bill credit for missed garbage pickups
If you’re a Republic Services customer in Renton with a garbage cart, you’ll see a credit on your next bill (expected between November 1–15). This credit is for missed garbage pickups during the 12-day strike in July.
How the credit is calculated:
- Number of missed garbage pickups
- Size of your garbage cart
- Type of service (single-family, multifamily, commercial, etc.)
Multifamily and commercial customers will also receive credits for missed compost collection.
Why credits vary: The strike affected customers differently depending on their location and service type. Some residential customers missed two garbage pickups, while others’ garbage collection wasn’t affected. Multifamily and commercial customers with dumpsters had limited service from non-striking Republic Services staff. Because of how rates are currently set up:
- Only customers with cart-based garbage service will receive credits for missed garbage collection.
- Multifamily and commercial customers will receive credits for missed compostables service.
What the city did during the strike:
- Hosted three free garbage drop-off events with help from Republic Services and other vendors.
- Fined Republic Services $270,000 for service disruptions, as allowed by the city’s contract.
Thank you for your patience while the city’s Public Works Department worked with Republic Services to finalize these credits.
Street Tree Planting Project – Bremerton Ave. NE
The City of Renton’s Urban Forestry Program will be re-planting 27 new trees throughout The Orchards neighborhood. The planting project is anticipated to start Monday, November 10 and end Friday, November 14.
Two different species will be planted to increase shade coverage, reduce air pollution, slow stormwater runoff, sequester carbon, provide habitat for wildlife, and increase the genetic diversity of Renton’s urban forest.
These trees have been selected due to their hardiness and ability to adapt to the changing climate. Additionally, planting these trees will help the City of Renton reach its goal of 30% canopy coverage by the year 2032.
The trees will be watered and maintained by the Urban Forestry Program. If you notice a damaged or dead city tree, submit a service request through Renton Responds.
Learn more about the Urban Forestry Program on our website.
I-405 southbound closure this weekend
Southbound I-405 will be closed from North Southport Drive/Sunset Boulevard Northeast (Exit 5) to State Route 167 from 11:59 p.m. Friday, October 31 to 4 a.m. Monday, November 3.
A signed detour route will be in place.
Crews will be excavating and installing drainage crossings, paving, and completing a traffic switch. WSDOT notes that “work is dependent on good weather and may be rescheduled. Schedule updates will be available on the project webpages, WSDOT’s Travel Center map, the WSDOT mobile app and by signing up for King County email updates."
K9 Candy Cane 5K early bird registration ends soon!
Early registration for the K9 Candy Cane 5K Fun Run & Walk ends soon! Register by Saturday, November 1, to get the best price and a hooded sweatshirt.
Around Renton
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.
November 5 - Explore + Restore: Cedar River Natural Area community visioning session. Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Highway. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Free.
November 8 - Explore + Restore: Cedar River Natural Area community visioning session. Cedar River Trailhead, 1500 Houser Way S. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Free.
November 20 – Cops & Barbers, 4:30 - 6 p.m. Good Vibes Only Barbershop, 3700 NE Fourth St. Hosted by Renton Police Department and Good Vibes Only Barbershop.
November 21 – Holiday Bazaar, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Highway. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Free admission.
November 22 – Holiday Bazaar Day 2, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Highway. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Free admission.
December 5 – 2025 Clam Lights Opening Night – Sponsored by Ivar’s, 6:15 – 8:30 p.m. Coulon Park, 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Free.
December 6 – Battle of the Badges, 5:30 – 8 p.m. Renton Technical College, Entrance 3, 3000 NE Fourth St. Hosted by Renton Police Department, Renton Parks & Recreation, Renton Technical College, and Renton Chamber of Commerce. Free.
December 7 – K9 Candy Cane 5K Fun Run & Walk, 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Highway. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Early Bird Registration ends November 1. Register here.
In other news this week