This Week in Renton: Register your neighborhood for National Night Out
Published on July 03, 2025
On Tuesday, August 5, Renton Police Department, Renton Regional Fire Authority, and Parks & Recreation’s Neighborhood Program staff will be stopping by neighborhoods across Renton for National Night Out.
This annual nationwide celebration helps promote police-community partnerships and is a great opportunity to bring your community together!
Here are four steps from our Renton Police Department on how you can start a National Night Out event in your community:
Step 1: Start the idea
Talk with neighbors and community members about hosting a local event. Come up with some ideas and/or a theme:
- Food theme, potluck, cookie exchange
- Games – trivia, awards, talent show, ice breaker activities to get to know your neighbors
- Contribution to the community – food collection, clean-up, garden planting
- Form a Neighborhood Watch Group – focus on crime prevention
Step 2: Build a team
Find volunteers and create a way to communicate and stay connected.
Step 3: Divide & conquer
Host a planning meeting to assign roles — think food, entertainment, location, fundraising, promotion, vendors, and more!
Step 4: If needed, apply for funding
Our Parks & Recreation Department’s Neighborhood Program is offering grants for recognized neighborhoods to cover the cost of food for your National Night Out event.
Whether you choose to host a simple backyard cookout, association meeting, or a block party, National Night Out brings neighbors and first responders together to build community and help keep neighborhoods safe.
Learn more and register your event at rentonwa.gov/nno. Registration closes July 18 at 5 p.m.
Host Mayor Pavone and city leadership during Talks on the Block
Have Mayor Armondo Pavone meet you where you are!
During the new “Talks on the Block” series, your neighborhood can invite Mayor Pavone and city department leaders for a casual conversation in a space of your choosing.
Just gather your group, secure a location, and pick a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday evening between now and September 25.
Learn more and sign up at rentonwa.gov/talksontheblock.
Stage 1 Burn Ban in effect
On Monday, June 30, a Stage 1 burn ban was implemented for King County due to warmer weather conditions.
Not allowed:
- Yard debris burning
- Land clearing burns
Allowed (with precautions):
- Recreational fires in approved fire pits
- Barbecues – gas, wood, or charcoal
Learn more here.
This ban was implemented by the King County Fire Marshal and extended into cities by the King County Fire Chiefs Association and King County Fire Marshals Association.
Fireworks and July 4 information
In May 2005, Renton residents voted to ban fireworks within city limits. Fireworks are also banned in unincorporated King County.
Firework usage in city limits can be reported to the Renton Police Department through the non-emergency number (425-235-2121). Please include a location in your report. Fines for violations can range from $100 civil penalties to $500 criminal citations.
While Renton will not be hosting a fireworks display, there are several celebrations around King County. Check them out here! Save the date! On Friday, July 25, at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, enjoy the third annual Renton River Days drone show. For details, visit rentonwa.gov/riverdays.
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park and the boat launch moorage will close at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 4. Picnic shelters and grills are available on a first-come, first-served basis and the swim beaches will not be lifeguarded.
All city facilities, except Maplewood Golf Course and Henry Moses Aquatic Center, will be closed July 4 for the holiday.
Republic Services will be operating under normal collection schedule.
Help shape the future of Cleveland-Richardson Park!
The city’s Parks & Recreation Department is planning a new 24-acre community park in south Renton, and we want your input!
Thank you to everyone who participated in our first phase of community engagement this spring. Your ideas, hopes, and concerns have helped guide the early vision for the park.
Now, we’re moving into Phase 2: Exploring Ideas - and we’re excited to share initial design concepts based on what we heard from you.
Join the conversation by participating in a public briefing. Choose the session that works best for your schedule. Options to join in-person or online are available:
Online Webinar: Monday, July 7, 5-6 p.m. Register at rentonwa.gov/ClevelandWebinar.
In Person:
- Tuesday, July 8, 7-8 p.m., Benson Hill Elementary, 18665 116th Ave. SE
- Wednesday, July 9, 7-8 p.m., Weatherly Inn Renton, 4550 Talbot Rd. S
What to expect
- View early design concepts that reflect community input and site opportunities
- Share your feedback on park layouts, amenities, and activities
- Learn about project timelines and how the park will connect to transportation improvements for safer access
Your voice continues to play a key role in creating a vibrant and welcoming park for the community. We look forward to connecting with you!
For project updates and more information, visit: yourvoice.rentonwa.gov/cleveland-richardson
Summer I-405 Closures
The Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will be conducting several closures on I-405 this summer affecting daytime traveling. July closures include:
- July 11 – July 14: Northbound I-405 will be closed from SR169 off-ramp to Southport Drive on-ramp
- July 18- July 21: Northeast 44th Street will be closed east of Lake Washington Boulevard Northeast.
Additional closures will follow in August and September.
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.
Night closures are not included in the graphic above and can be found, along with other information, on WSDOT's project page here.
Plan ahead and expect delays.
Renton River Days schedule
Renton River Days is this month! Join us Friday, July 25 through Sunday, July 27 for three days of festivities!
We’re kicking off Friday with a live concert and drone show at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park.
Friday, July 25
- Live music (7:30 p.m.)
- Drone Show (9:30 p.m.)
- Teen Night at Henry Moses Aquatic Center (6:30 – 9:30 p.m.)
On Saturday and Sunday, we’re headed over to Liberty Park, Cedar River Park, and Renton Community Center for nonstop fun.
Saturday, July 26
- Parade (10 a.m.)
- Free Activity Zone (11 a.m. - 8 p.m.)
- Chalk Art Competition (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
- Community Booths (11 a.m. - 8 p.m.)
- Craft Beer & Wine Garden (11 a.m. - 7 p.m.)
- Live music (1 – 7 p.m.)
- Pickleball Tournament (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
- Renton Foodie Fest (11 a.m. - 8 p.m.)
- Summer Bazaar (11 a.m. - 7 p.m.)
- Wenatchee Youth Circus (12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 5 p.m.)
Sunday, July 27
- Rubber Ducky Derby (3:30 p.m.)
- Free Activity Zone (11 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
- Community Booths (11 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
- Craft Beer & Wine Garden (11 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
- Live music (12 - 5 p.m.)
- Pickleball Tournament (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
- Renton Foodie Fest (11 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
- Summer Bazaar (11 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
- Wenatchee Youth Circus (11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.)
Be part of the festival:
Applications to march in the parade, become a vendor, and host a community booth are still open. Visit rentonwa.gov/riverdays to apply (scroll to the bottom of the page).
Calling all artists! The Chalk Art Competition is still open for registration, with prizes of $1,000 for first place, $500 for second, and $300 for third. Register at rentonwa.gov/rmac.
Our events can’t happen without volunteers. Please consider volunteering with us at rentonwa.gov/riverdays.
Sponsor the fun! Interested sponsors can contact jspencer@rentonwa.gov for more details.
Around Renton
Renton River Days is July 25-27. Some applications are still open! Be part of the festival by visiting 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 – 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.
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.
In other news this week