Press Release: Renton secures 12.5 acres for park expansion
Published on December 05, 2025
RENTON, WA (DECEMBER 5, 2025) – The City of Renton is proud to announce the purchase of 12.5 acres of land on the Cedar River. The property will be transformed into a new public park. The acquisition marks a major step toward expanding recreational opportunities, preserving natural spaces, and improving the quality of life for residents.
Encompassing 1,500 feet of riverfront along the scenic Cedar River, the property fulfills a longstanding vision to expand the Cedar River Park. This property was identified in the 2006 Tri-Park Master Plan and recommended for future acquisition in the 2011 and 2020 Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas Plans. The acquisition will enhance public access to the riverfront, facilitate lasting shoreline restoration, and support the growth of Cedar River salmon recovery efforts.
“Opportunities like this are incredibly rare. It’s uncommon for a property of such high value to become available, and even less likely that the circumstances will align for the city to acquire it. This purchase will benefit the community for generations, creating a lasting asset that reflects our shared commitment to the city’s future,” said Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone.
The property has been owned by the Merlino family for over 50 years and served as the original headquarters of Stoneway Concrete.
“The Merlino family is excited that this legacy property will be preserved as a park for the enjoyment of the entire Renton community,” stated Gary Merlino, a member of the family.
“This acquisition is tremendous opportunity to enhance the already vibrant quality of life we enjoy in Renton,” said Gina Estep, City of Renton Community and Economic Development Administrator. “Seeing this land transform into a vibrant public amenity fills me with immense pride, knowing it will be a source of endless joy, active recreation, and a vital connection to nature for the future generations of Renton.”
Amanda Free, City of Renton’s Economic Development Director added, "Public investments, such as the expansion of this park signal long-term confidence in the area, encouraging private sector growth and catalyzing new economic activity. These combined investments help create high-quality amenities that attract and retain a skilled workforce.”
“This property has been a shared priority for our community and our department for many years, and recent engagement reaffirmed the public’s continued support and interest in this site. We’re excited to begin master planning with residents and design a park that restores the river’s natural character, expands access to recreation to everyone, and complements the pool, community center, and existing park spaces next door," said Maryjane Van Cleave, Parks & Recreation Administrator.
The city’s recent Parks, Recreation, Open Space Plan (PROS Plan) engagement reaffirmed the community’s long-standing support for expanding Cedar River Park and the priorities identified in the Tri-Park Plan.
With the acquisition complete, the Parks and Recreation Department will begin a focused master planning process to refine the design and evaluate specific amenities. Community input will continue to guide this work as we shape a park that enhances recreation, restores natural habitat, and strengthens connections to Cedar River.
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About the City of Renton
The City of Renton, Washington, with a population of 108,800 (2024), is located on the southeast shore of Lake Washington, just south of Seattle. Renton's strong economic base, diverse marketplace, and favorable business climate have attracted nationally recognized companies wishing to provide employees and their families with an outstanding quality of life. Renton is the home of Boeing, PACCAR, IKEA, Super Bowl Champion (2014) Seattle Seahawks, two-time (2016 & 2019) MLS champion and CONCACAF Champion (2022) Seattle Sounders FC (in 2024), and the eternal resting place of rock icon Jimi Hendrix. You can find more information on our website, news releases, Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor pages.
About SRM Development
Founded in 1999, SRM Development is a privately held real estate and construction management firm specializing in multifamily, senior housing, affordable, and mixed-use projects across the western United States. With more than 3,000 residential units and 2,000,000 square feet of commercial space, SRM focuses on creating high-quality, community-centered developments that deliver long-term value to its investors and the local communities.