HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/19/2025 - Agenda Packet
AGENDA
Planning Commission Meeting
6:00 PM - Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Council Chambers, 7th Floor, City Hall – 1055 S. Grady Way
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
4. AUDIENCE COMMENT
1. Virtual Attendees
2. In-person Attendees
Those attending virtually (Call 253-215-8782, Zoom meeting ID: 880 3465 9736, password:
Weplan2024 or
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88034659736?pwd=z1TyxJNsMEloal0MglAamlJkjbnLaR.1) will be
offered an opportunity to speak before the in-person (physical meeting at the City Hall, 7F
Council Chambers) comments are completed.
Please use your device to raise your (electronic) hand in order to be recognized by the
Recording Secretary.Each speaker will be provided three (3) minutes to address an item.
Groups or organizations may select a spokesperson to speak on a group’s behalf.
Alternatively, interested parties are encouraged to provide written comments to
planningcommission@rentonwa.gov.
Attendees will be muted and not audible to the Commission except during times they are
designated to speak.Public can use the “Raise Hand” option if attending through video.If there
are others calling in, you can be called upon by the last 4 digits of your telephone number.
Phone instructions: *6 to mute/unmute, *9 to raise hand.
5. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
6. DIRECTOR'S REPORT
7. BRIEFING - PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE (PROS) PLAN
a)
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8. DELIBERATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
a) GROUP 20B D-243: RMF-2 REZONE
b) GROUP 20B D-244: CONTRACTOR'S YARDS AND OFFICES
c) GROUP 20B D-245: CODE INTERPRETATIONS
d) RESOURCE CENTER IN THE VALLEY
9. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
10. ADJOURNMENT
Hearing assistance devices for use in the Council Chambers are available upon request.
For more information please visit rentonwa.gov/planningcommission
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STAFF REPORT_Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan
CITY OF RENTON
Community and Economic Development Department
2026 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan
Project Manager: Jason Lederer, Parks Planning Manager
Date: November 14, 2025
Applicant or Requestor: Staff
_____________________________________________________________________________________
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The City of Renton is proposing adoption of the 2026 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan
which represents an update to the City’s functional plan for parks, recreation, and open space.
Updated every six years, the PROS Plan serves three primary purposes: maintaining the City’s
eligibility for state and federal recreation grants administered by the Washington State Recreation
and Conservation Office (RCO); identifying current community priorities, needs, and service gaps
through data analysis and community engagement; and providing a roadmap to guide future park
development, maintenance, programming, and capital investment. The updated plan is scheduled
for adoption in early 2026, and once adopted, will be incorporated by reference into the Renton
Comprehensive Plan.
BACKGROUND
State law (RCW 36.70A.070) encourages jurisdictions planning under the Growth Management Act
(GMA) to include a parks and recreation element in their Comprehensive Plans. The City of Renton
fulfills this optional requirement through its Comprehensive Plan and by updating its Parks,
Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan, which is currently called the Parks, Recreation, and
Natural Areas (PRNA) Plan. The PROS Plan provides the technical basis for the parks and recreation
element and ensures continued eligibility for RCO grant funding.
The 2026 PROS Plan update was led by the Parks and Recreation Department in collaboration with
community members, stakeholders, and interdepartmental partners. The Plan builds upon and
renames the 2020 Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas (PRNA) Plan, which is adopted by reference
into the Comprehensive Plan. The updated Plan incorporates facility assessments, community
input, and strategies to enhance equitable access and environmental resilience across Renton’s
park system.
The update also revisits the Department’s vision, and goals to emphasize equity, environmental
resilience, and health and well-being as central themes guiding future investments and initiatives.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Renton Parks and Recreation led an extensive community engagement effort to inform the PROS
Plan update. Between March and September 2025, more than 5,000 residents participated through
a variety of activities, including over 30 events hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department and
community partners, a citywide survey, a park rating interactive map, and a staff survey. The
process yielded 573 survey responses, 586 interactive map comments, and extensive in-person
AGENDA ITEM #7. a)
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STAFF REPORT_Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan
feedback gathered at community events such as Renton River Days, park pop-ups, schools,
community centers, places of worship, and the Renton Farmers Market. The Plan also incorporates
findings from a citywide survey conducted in mid-2025, which included additional questions about
parks and recreation.
PLAN COMPONENTS
The 2026 PROS Plan includes:
• A system inventory and level of service analysis;
• A capital improvement plan identifying priority projects and funding strategies;
• Updated goals and objectives (policies) supporting community health and wellbeing,
equitable park access, environmental resilience, and sustainable resource stewardship;
and
• Concept plans for the Tri-Park Area (Liberty Park, Cedar River Park, and the Cedar River
Natural Area) and Tiffany/Cascade park areas.
The PROS Plan organizes capital actions using a prioritization framework that phases projects based
on community needs, minimum standards, and maintenance needs. Capital investments are
grouped into:
• Quick Wins: These emphasize a focus on maintenance, refreshing parks with small projects,
and phasing the opening of new parks to provide access more quickly.
• Core Investments: These include bringing facilities to current standards, investing in new
amenities, designing park features for versatility, supporting sustainability and resilience,
improving a sense of safety, and collaborating with community partners.
• Increased Access: Increasing access to parks in high need areas and serving the growing
community by opening existing undeveloped parkland, acquiring new parkland, or
establishing partnerships with other public agencies, schools, utilities, private entities, and
others.
Examples of this framework in action include an updated Northeast Renton Park concept plan,
which proposes to increase access within an identified East Plateau gap, and the forthcoming
updated Cleveland-Richardson Park concept plan, which addresses a gap in the Talbot area.
Additional examples include updates to the previous Tiffany Park/Cascade Park and Tri-Park
concept plans, which identify opportunities to enhance existing parks and facilities consistent with
Core Investment strategies and recent community input and feedback.
This framework is formalized in the PROS Plan through a Prioritization Tool that scores projects on
indicators such as equitable park access, community health and wellbeing, environmental
resilience, long-term maintenance feasibility, and community engagement, in order to ensure
transparent, data-driven approaches to park investments.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend adoption of the 2026 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan as a
functional plan, adopted by reference into the Renton Comprehensive Plan, reflecting current facility
conditions, community needs, and capital priorities.
AGENDA ITEM #7. a)
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STAFF REPORT_Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan
IMPACT ANALYSIS
Effect on rate of growth, development, and conversion of land as envisioned in the Plan
The proposed update does not alter the overall rate of growth anticipated in the Comprehensive
Plan. The PROS Plan guides future investments in parks, recreation, and open space facilities to
ensure that new development is supported by adequate park amenities and recreation opportunities
consistent with Renton’s planned urban growth.
Effect on the City’s capacity to provide adequate public facilities
No adverse effects are anticipated. The PROS Plan supports the City’s ability to provide adequate
parks and recreational services through strategic capital investments and maintenance planning.
The Plan aligns future improvements with projected population growth and funding availability to
maintain adopted level-of-service standards.
Effect on the rate of population and employment growth
The update does not directly affect population or employment growth but supports livability and
economic development by enhancing community amenities that attract residents and businesses.
A well-maintained park and recreation system contributes to Renton’s overall competitiveness as a
desirable place to live and work.
Whether Plan objectives are being met as specified or remain valid and desirable
The update reinforces Comprehensive Plan objectives related to parks, open space, and community
well-being. It supports citywide goals for equity, sustainability, and climate resilience by improving
access to green space and recreational opportunities across Renton. These objectives remain valid
and desirable, and the updated PROS Plan strengthens their implementation.
Effect on general land values or housing costs
The PROS Plan is not expected to significantly influence land values or housing costs. Park
investments generally enhance community livability and nearby property values but do not directly
affect zoning or development capacity. The Plan provides a framework for equitable distribution of
parks and open space to serve all residents.
Whether capital improvements or expenditures are being made or completed as expected
The updated Plan revises the vision for the City’s six-year park capital improvement program,
establishing priorities and funding strategies for park acquisition, renovation, and expansion.
Implementation will occur through the City’s biennial budgeting process and ongoing coordination
with the Capital Investment Program.
Consistency with GMA and Countywide Planning Policies
The proposed update is consistent with the Growth Management Act and King County Countywide
Planning Policies, which encourage jurisdictions to plan for parks and recreational facilities as
AGENDA ITEM #7. a)
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STAFF REPORT_Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan
essential public services. The PROS Plan supports regional policies promoting equitable access,
environmental sustainability, and public health and wellness through active, connected open space
systems.
Effect on critical areas and natural resource lands
No adverse effects are anticipated. The Plan promotes conservation and enhancement of natural
areas within the city, supports habitat restoration, and prioritizes sustainable park design practices
that protect wetlands, streams, and other environmentally sensitive areas.
AGENDA ITEM #7. a)
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