Highlands Park has a new playground!

Highlands Park just got a major glow‑up! On Wednesday, we celebrated 2026’s second park grand opening – this time, it’s the newly upgraded playground at Highlands Park.  This isn’t just about new equipment; it’s an investment in how our community gathers and plays. 

The new Highlands playground design was shaped through a community engagement process that included online feedback and outreach at the Highlands Neighborhood Center.   

We made a special effort to hear directly from young people who use this park regularly, because those are the true experts on what makes a playground exciting and welcoming  

Special recognition goes to the STREAM Team afterschool recreation program and the Renton Youth Council for their creativity, energy, and for providing thoughtful ideas throughout the design process.  

A huge thank you goes to the Highlands community for their input, feedback, and patience while this project came to life. We’re also grateful to Northwest Playground, the playground vendor for the project. We’re excited to see this playground continue to be a vibrant place for families and children to connect and play. 

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What’s New? 

• Updated Play Equipment: A larger playground with new play structures for children of all ages.
• New Site Furnishings: New benches so parents can watch the fun unfold, and an added picnic table. 

Why Upgrading Playgrounds Matters 

Throughout our public engagement process for the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Plan this past year, you’ve told us that maintaining and improving our parks, playgrounds, and facilities is a top priority, and we couldn’t agree more. These spaces are beloved, heavily used, and essential to community play. Upgrading them ensures you can continue enjoying these amenities year after year.  

We upgrade our playgrounds for several reasons: 

• Modern play spaces: Upgrading our playgrounds expands opportunities for kids of all ages, creating spaces that inspire creativity, exploration, and inclusive play for the whole community.
• Safety improvements: New materials, improved surfacing, and updated design standards help ensure our kids stay safe while playing. 
• Long‑term investment: Parks are natural gathering places where community life happens. By renovating these spaces, we’re ensuring Highlands Park remains a vibrant, welcoming amenity that supports neighborhood gatherings, boosting quality of life, and strengthening community connections for years to come.  

What’s Next 

Later this year, Highlands Park will be adding pathways to improve park accessibility, allowing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access to the ballfields and all sports courts. 

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Thank You!

THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to this project. Whether you’re a neighbor, joined us at the grand opening, or shared your feedback along the way, your involvement shaped this space. We’re excited to bring this community-inspired playground to the Highlands Community!