CITY OF RENTON WASHINGTON

“The day I moved to the Pacific Northwest, I fell in love with an area that has become my home for the past six years. The people of Renton are passionate, involved and diverse in culture. Now I want to help bring back something to the community. The Family First Community Center is just that. A center where the health and wellness of families will be the priority. It’s a grand vision met with a relentless passion to serve the community. And I am so grateful to once again be a part of something great happening in Renton.”

- Doug Baldwin, Seattle Seahawks

"The Family First Community Center is much needed in the Cascade/Benson Hill area as a community gathering place for health and recreational opportunities. This project resulted from a comprehensive and creative approach and is another example of our community coming together for the common good. I look forward to the impact the center will have on the community.”

Armondo Pavone, Renton Mayor

“Providing students and families with additional opportunities to learn and grow, in an environment that improves their quality of life, is important. We’re thankful for Doug Baldwin’s commitment, and excited to partner with him and the City of Renton to continue to improve the lives of our families and community through the Family First Community Center.”
- Dr. Damien Pattenaude, Renton School District Superintendent

The Cascade/Benson Hill area was annexed to the city in 2008. The area has nearly a quarter of the city’s population with 12% below the poverty line. Twenty percent of the population is 14 years or younger and the community is very diverse. The area has been historically underserved and has a significant need for recreation services for family and youth.

The Family First Community Center will meet that need and offer a whole host of programs including sports and recreation, health and wellness, classes in technology, music and English as a second language.

A public/private partnership between the City of Renton, Doug Baldwin Foundation, Renton School District and HealthPoint will design and build the center. The Renton City Council has authorized up to $4 million for the project. The school district has provided the land and the Baldwin Foundation will be investing significant funds. The plan is to build the center next to Cascade Elementary School.

Since the annexation of Benson Hill in 2008, there has been a recognized need for improved services for children and families living in this area.

The Family First Community Center would:

• Provide educational and recreational opportunities
• Offer health and fitness programs
• Have onsite health and wellness programs
• Improve learning for children.

Demographics

• 2016 Area Population: 23,769
• Population 14 years or younger: 20.1%
• Owner occupied housing: 54.2%; Renters: 38.6%
• Population below poverty line
  (earning less than $24,000 for household): 11.7%

Diversity (Race/ethnicity)

• White: 49.4%
• Asian: 21.6%
• African American/Black: 14.0%
• Hispanic/Latino Origin: 13.3%

(Note: Hispanic/Latino origin may include one or more races)

The proposed site for the Family First Community Center next to Cascade Elementary School.

Physical Space

• Approx. 25,000–26,000 square feet
• Gymnasium (approx. 8,000 sq ft)
• HealthPoint Partner (approx. 2,500 sq ft)
• Fitness Gym (approx. 2,400 sq ft)
• Entry & check-in counters, classrooms, lockers/showers, multipurpose rooms, and offices (approx. 12,100 sq ft)

Family First Programs

• Youth and Children
  After School programs
  Youth Sports
  Art Classes
  Music Classes
  Technology Classes

• Health & Wellness
  Group Exercise
  Health Education
  Cooking Classes
  Personal Training
  Fitness Floor
  Yoga
  Life Management

• Sports Recreation
  Adult Leagues
  Performance
  Drop-In Sports

• Potential Programs
  Gardens/kitchen so kids can help grow and have healthy food and snacks. Place to have summer lunch program.

• After School tutoring/mentoring
• Parenting skills
• English as a Second Language Classes
• Computer classes
• Job Training for youth and parents
• Health clinic

(as of October 2, 2019)

City of Renton: $4 million
First Financial Northwest Foundation: $3 million
Washington State Legislature: $1.5 million
Doug Baldwin Foundation: $1 million
Renton School District: $450,000 (estimated land value)
Starbucks Foundation: $151,000
Car Pros: $128,700
Renton Rotary: $94,000
King County Council: $75,000
Tom & Karen Easton: $75,000
Seattle Seahawks: $70,000
ATS Automation: $46,103
Renton Rotary Club: $25,000
CBS Radio: $20,000
Individuals: $4,685

Geekwire - Gates Foundation CEO donates her 5-year bonus to community center project run by ex-Seahawks star

KUOW - Former Seahawks Doug Baldwin on depression, life after football, and his mission to build community (September 4, 2019)

KOMO News - Seahawks Baldwin focused on helping to bring community center to Renton (August 29, 2019)

KING5 News - Doug Baldwin is working to raise money for a community center in Renton to give kids a place to go. (August 28, 2019)

MyNorthwest.com - Former Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin goes all in on community after retirement (August 29, 2019)

Seattle Times - As the NFL moves on without him, former Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin has a new passion (August 28, 2019)

KCPQ-TV - After football, Seahawks Doug Baldwin turns passion to building family center (August 26, 2019)

ESPN.com - Ex-WR Baldwin: No second thoughts over retiring (August 26, 2019)

USA TODAY - Doug Baldwin moving his focus from football to philanthropy (August 26, 2019)

Bleacher Report - Doug Baldwin Talks the 'Process' on Deciding to Retire, Andrew Luck Backlash (August 26, 2019)

Associated Press - Doug Baldwin moving his focus from football to philanthropy (August 26, 2019)

March 8, 2018 - Family First Center receives $1.5 million in state funding

January 18, 2018 - Starbucks Foundation donates $150,000

September 12, 2017 - King County donates $75,000

August 15, 2017 - First Financial NW Foundation donates $3 million

April 26, 2017 - Council authorizes $4 million for Capital Campaign

June 23, 2016 - Seahawks Baldwin, city, and school district partner to build community center