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EXHIBIT “A”
RENTON PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 2026
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Mayor
Armondo Pavone
City Administration
Ed Van Valey, Chief
Administrative Officer
Kristi Rowland, Deputy Chief
Administrative Officer
Maryjane Van Cleave, Parks
and Recreation Administrator
City Council
Ruth Pérez, Council President
Ryan McIrvin, Council
President Pro Tempore
James Alberson Jr.
Valerie O’Halloran
Ed Prince
Carmen Rivera
Kim-Khánh Văn
Council Subcommittees
Community Services
Committee
Planning and Development
Committee
Parks Commission
Al Dieckman, Chair
Cynthia Burns
Larry Reymann
Timothy Searing
Woneata Stallworth
Marlene Winter
Project Team
Jason Lederer, Parks Planning
Manager and Project Lead
Jennifer Spencer, Recreation Director
John Rupp, Parks and Trails Director
Trey Tandecki, Administrative
Assistant to Parks and Recreation
Ty Hairr, Associate Park Planner
Alex Lee, Recreation Manager
Isaiah Potter, Recreation Leader
Lauren Duncan, Recreation Leader
Rhemy King, Neighborhood Program
Coordinator
Equity Commission
Jayne Ahrens
Cassandra Baddeley
Ali Cohen, Chair
Daniel Helmer
Manami Imaoka, Vice Chair
Camila Lagow
Hemant Tanwar
Matthew Woolcott
2025 Renton Youth Council
Senior Citizens Advisory Board
David Bartlett
Brigid Cabellon
Marge Cochran-Reep
Katharine Cooke
Anita Dull
Shirley Haddock
Julie Horan
Sandra Polley
Jack Wardell
William Wells
Faye Williams
Interdepartmental Project
Committee
Parks and Recreation
Steve Brown
Betsy Severtsen
Sean Claggett
Aaron Colby
Jake Davies
Ryan Delfin
Gabriella Golzarian
Steve Meyers
Teresa Nishi
Carrie Olson
Rachel O’Sullivan
Mark Richardson
Aliena Shoemaker
Public Works
Kristina Lowthian
Jared MacDonald
Jeffrey Minisci
Ellen Talbo
Executive Services
Jeff Breshears
Eric Perry
Ryan Spencer
Community and Economic
Development
Aaron Raymond
Police
Meeghan Black
Timothy Cumming
Consultant Team
BERK Consulting, Inc.
MxM Landscape Architecture
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From the City of Renton Parks and Recreation Department
The City of Renton extends its deepest appreciation to the more than 5,000
community members who helped shape the direction of this PROS Plan. Whether you
responded to a survey, joined us at a community meeting, shared ideas at an event, or
offered feedback in other meaningful ways, your participation made this plan possible.
Your voices, perspectives, and lived experiences reflect the heart of Renton, and they
will continue to guide the future of our parks, recreation programs, and open spaces for
years to come.
We are also grateful to the many community organizations, service providers, and local
businesses that supported the engagement process by opening their doors, sharing
space, and helping us connect with residents across Renton. Your willingness to
collaborate ensured that this plan reflects the diversity, vibrancy, and spirit of our
community.
To Our Parks and Recreation Team
We extend our sincere thanks to the dedicated Parks and Recreation Department staff
whose passion, expertise, and day-to-day commitment to service inspired every part
of this plan. Staff contributed valuable insights, participated in surveys and workshops,
engaged directly with the community, and consistently championed the mission of
fostering a connected, active, and welcoming Renton. Their work is the foundation
upon which this plan, and our future improvements, stand.
This PROS Plan was developed in partnership with BERK Consulting, whose technical
expertise and facilitation helped bring the community’s ideas and aspirations into a
cohesive, forward-looking vision.
Together with our residents, partners, and staff we look forward to building a parks and
recreation system that continues to reflect the pride, diversity, and promise of the City
of Renton.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.Executive Summary ..........................................................................................................1-1
Renton’s Park System ................................................................................................................................ 1-1
Why We Plan .................................................................................................................................................. 1-1
Relationship to Other City Plans ......................................................................................................... 1-2
Plan Organization ........................................................................................................................................ 1-3
Plan Writing and Approval Process .................................................................................................... 1-4
Chapter Overviews .................................................................................................................................... 1-5
2.Renton Today .................................................................................................................... 2-1
Community .................................................................................................................................................... 2-1
Existing Park System and Services .................................................................................................. 2-17
3.Community Needs and Engagement ........................................................................... 3-1
Community Engagement ........................................................................................................................ 3-1
Trends ............................................................................................................................................................ 3-22
Gaps in the System ................................................................................................................................. 3-31
Existing Facility Demand ..................................................................................................................... 3-49
Recreation Needs ................................................................................................................................... 3-49
Needs by Community Planning Area ............................................................................................. 3-51
4.The Future of Renton Parks............................................................................................ 4-1
Vision ................................................................................................................................................................ 4-1
Framework Principles ............................................................................................................................... 4-2
Goals and Objectives ............................................................................................................................... 4-2
5.Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas System Strategies........................................ 5-1
Park Types & Classifications .................................................................................................................. 5-1
Minimum Standards .................................................................................................................................. 5-4
Park Maintenance ................................................................................................................................... 5-20
System Recommendations ................................................................................................................. 5-31
Concept Plans .......................................................................................................................................... 5-34
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6.Capital Improvement and Program Implementation Plan ....................................... 6-1
Key Priorities ................................................................................................................................................. 6-1
Capital Planning .......................................................................................................................................... 6-5
Recreation Program ................................................................................................................................ 6-17
Park System Implementation Actions ........................................................................................... 6-21
Monitoring, Reviewing, and Updating............................................................................................ 6-22
7.Conclusion ......................................................................................................................... 7-1
A Commitment to Quality and Stewardship ................................................................................. 7-1
A Plan Guided by Community Values .............................................................................................. 7-2
A Roadmap for the Future ..................................................................................................................... 7-2
Advancing Recreation Opportunities .............................................................................................. 7-2
Ongoing Monitoring and Continuous Improvement ................................................................ 7-3
Looking Ahead ............................................................................................................................................ 7-3
8.Glossary and References ................................................................................................ 8-1
Glossary ........................................................................................................................................................... 8-1
References .................................................................................................................................................. 8-19
9.Appendices
A. Engagement Results
B. Inventory and Condition Detail
C. Park Access & Need Analysis Detail
D. Individual Park Information
E. Recreation Analysis
F. Capital Improvement Plan
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EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1-1: Relationship to Other City Plans ...................................................................................... 1-2
Exhibit 1-2: Plan Process .............................................................................................................................. 1-4
Exhibit 1-3: Community Planning Areas ................................................................................................ 1-5
Exhibit 1-4: Park Classifications ............................................................................................................... 1-11
Exhibit 1-5: Northeast Renton Park Concept ................................................................................... 1-13
Exhibit 1-6: LOS Measures ......................................................................................................................... 1-13
Exhibit 1-7: Capital Improvement Project Lifecycle ..................................................................... 1-15
Exhibit 2-1: Population Density ................................................................................................................ 2-2
Exhibit 2-2: Future Land Use and Population Index ....................................................................... 2-3
Exhibit 2-3: Age ............................................................................................................................................... 2-4
Exhibit 2-4: Race and Ethnicity ............................................................................................................... 2-4
Exhibit 2-5: Languages Spokane at Home (Population 5+ Years Old) ................................. 2-5
Exhibit 2-6: Ability to Speak English (Population 5+ Years Old) .............................................. 2-6
Exhibit 2-7: Disability .................................................................................................................................... 2-6
Exhibit 2-8: Income Characteristics ...................................................................................................... 2-7
Exhibit 2-9: Health Characteristics ........................................................................................................ 2-8
Exhibit 2-10: Social and Health Risk Index ....................................................................................... 2-10
Exhibit 2-11: Renton Community Planning Areas .......................................................................... 2-13
Exhibit 2-12: Tree Canopy Cover .......................................................................................................... 2-14
Exhibit 2-13: Urban Heat ........................................................................................................................... 2-15
Exhibit 2-14: Flood Zones ......................................................................................................................... 2-16
Exhibit 2-15: City of Renton Park Types and Acres ...................................................................... 2-17
Exhibit 2-16: Park Inventory ..................................................................................................................... 2-18
Exhibit 2-17: Types of Facilities at Renton Parks ........................................................................... 2-19
Exhibit 2-18: Parks and Amenities by Community Planning Area ........................................ 2-20
Exhibit 2-19: Parks Inventory by Community Planning Area ................................................... 2-24
Exhibit 2-20: City of Renton Existing and Proposed Trails ....................................................... 2-27
Exhibit 2-21: Renton Connector Concept ....................................................................................... 2-28
Exhibit 2-22: Additional Facilities Maintained by Renton Parks ............................................. 2-29
Exhibit 2-23: Renton Recreation Programs ...................................................................................... 2-31
Exhibit 2-24: 2019-2024 Recreation Registrations ..................................................................... 2-35
Exhibit 2-25: Registrations by Community Center ...................................................................... 2-35
Exhibit 2-26: Aquatic Programs Registrations ................................................................................ 2-36
Exhibit 3-1: Highlighted Engagement Activities and Community Priorities ....................... 3-3
Exhibit 3-2: Resident responses by Community Planning Area ............................................... 3-4
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Exhibit 3-3: Renton’s Parks and Recreation Use by Household Type.................................... 3-6
Exhibit 3-4: Activities respondents enjoy in Renton’s Parks ..................................................... 3-7
Exhibit 3-5: Fields and courts enjoyed by respondents ............................................................... 3-8
Exhibit 3-6: Barriers by Community Planning Area ........................................................................ 3-9
Exhibit 3-7: Improvements that would most enhance respondents' experience at
Renton parks ................................................................................................................................................... 3-10
Exhibit 3-8: Preferred allocation of a $100 improvement budget ......................................... 3-11
Exhibit 3-9: Interactive Map Tool Results ......................................................................................... 3-12
Exhibit 3-10: Park Quality Comment Pins – Comment Themes ............................................. 3-13
Exhibit 3-11: Park Quality Comment Pins Comment Tags Under All Themes and Under
“Other” ............................................................................................................................................................... 3-14
Exhibit 3-12: Top 10 Parks with Comments...................................................................................... 3-14
Exhibit 3-13: 2024 Park Visits (Top 10 Parks) .................................................................................. 3-22
Exhibit 3-14: Number of Annual Park Visits (2018-2024, greater than 10 minutes) .... 3-23
Exhibit 3-15: Change in Annual Park Visits from Previous Year (2019-2024) ................. 3-23
Exhibit 3-16: Park Acres per 1,000 Population 2025 (excluding natural areas and
undeveloped lands) .................................................................................................................................... 3-24
Exhibit 3-17: Population Served per Park 2025 (excluding natural areas and
undeveloped lands) ..................................................................................................................................... 3-25
Exhibit 3-18: Population Served per Playground 2025 ............................................................... 3-25
Exhibit 3-19: Population Served per Field & Court 2025 ........................................................... 3-26
Exhibit 3-20: Population 2024 Served by Community Planning Areas .............................. 3-27
Exhibit 3-21: Residents 2024 per Playground ................................................................................. 3-27
Exhibit 3-22: Special Use Benchmarking .......................................................................................... 3-28
Exhibit 3-23: Comparison of Peer Communities – Full-time Equivalents per 10,000
Residents ......................................................................................................................................................... 3-28
Exhibit 3-24: Trend Sources .................................................................................................................... 3-29
Exhibit 3-25: Trend Themes .................................................................................................................... 3-30
Exhibit 3-26: Park Condition Metrics .................................................................................................. 3-32
Exhibit 3-27: Developed Park Condition by Community Planning Area ............................ 3-34
Exhibit 3-28: Park Condition by Classification ............................................................................... 3-35
Exhibit 3-29: Developed Park Amenity Value by Community Planning Area .................. 3-36
Exhibit 3-30: Average Amenity Value by Park Classification ..................................................3-38
Exhibit 3-31: Park Access - Developed Parks ................................................................................. 3-40
Exhibit 3-32: Park Access - Developed Parks and Natural Areas .......................................... 3-41
Exhibit 3-33: Park Access - All Parks and Natural Areas ........................................................... 3-42
Exhibit 3-34: Park Need Index ............................................................................................................... 3-43
Exhibit 3-35: Overall Park Need – Developed Parks ................................................................... 3-44
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Exhibit 3-36: Overall Park Need – Developed Parks and Natural Areas ............................ 3-45
Exhibit 3-37: Overall Park Need – All Parks and Natural Areas .............................................. 3-46
Exhibit 3-38. Utility Corridors, Schools, Government, and Vacant Lands ........................ 3-48
Exhibit 3-39. Things Renton could do to encourage participation in Renton’s recreation,
museum, and senior center programs ............................................................................................... 3-50
Exhibit 5-1: Renton Park Classifications .............................................................................................. 5-2
Exhibit 5-2: Minimum Standards Matrix ............................................................................................... 5-3
Exhibit 5-3: Maintenance and Related Staffing (non-golf course) ....................................... 5-21
Exhibit 5-4: Current and Future Maintenance Demand (2025$) ........................................... 5-21
Exhibit 5-5: Peer City Comparison - Maintenance ....................................................................... 5-23
Exhibit 5-6: Levels of Care Classifications ...................................................................................... 5-24
Exhibit 5-7: Acres Maintained at Levels of Care ........................................................................... 5-25
Exhibit 5-8: Levels of Care and Frequency of Maintenance Activities ..............................5-26
Exhibit 5-9: Recommendations by Community Planning Area .............................................. 5-33
Exhibit 5-10: Northeast Renton Park ................................................................................................... 5-36
Exhibit 5-11: Tiffany Park Conceptual Stormwater Park .......................................................... 5-40
Exhibit 5-12: Tri-Park Concept Plan .................................................................................................... 5-42
Exhibit 6-1: Level of Service Components ......................................................................................... 6-2
Exhibit 6-2: Level of Service – Invest and Respond ...................................................................... 6-3
Exhibit 6-3: Guidelines and Prioritization Indicators ...................................................................... 6-4
Exhibit 6-4: Prioritized Projects – Top 5 by Level of Service .................................................... 6-5
Exhibit 6-5: Matrix of Level of Service and Costs over 6 and 20 years ($Year of
Estimate) ............................................................................................................................................................ 6-6
Exhibit 6-6: Graph Level of Service and Costs over 6 and 20 years ($Year of Estimate)
................................................................................................................................................................................. 6-6
Exhibit 6-7: Levels of Service and Comprehensive List of Project Types ........................... 6-7
Exhibit 6-8: 2026-2044 spending and project counts by Community Planning Area . 6-8
Exhibit 6-9: Number of Projects by Community Planning Area ............................................... 6-8
Exhibit 6-10: Project Types by Planning Period ............................................................................... 6-9
Exhibit 6-11: Grants 2015-2024 .............................................................................................................. 6-11
Exhibit 6-12: Capital Improvement Project Lifecycle .................................................................. 6-14
Exhibit 6-13: Program Evolution Process .......................................................................................... 6-18
Exhibit 6-14. Potential Monitoring Measures and Targets ........................................................ 6-23
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1.EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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RENTON’S PARK SYSTEM
The City manages 58 park sites across Renton, totaling
1,339 acres of public parkland including 432 acres of
active recreation parks, and 826 acres of natural area
parks. These facilities support community wellbeing and
enjoyment as well as natural resource stewardship and
habitat conservation. Parks offer a variety of amenities for
public benefit, including gathering spaces, picnic and play
facilities, nature and water access, walking paths, sports
fields and courts, and special use facilities like community
centers, the Renton History Museum, the Maplewood Golf
Course, a skate park, a community garden and
greenhouse, a boat launch, and a dog park.
Continual investment in preserving, elevating, and
expanding our parks system demonstrates our dedication
to stewarding natural and recreational assets, meeting
evolving community needs, and shaping an inspiring
legacy for future generations.
WHY WE PLAN
There are three key reasons why Renton has a Parks, Recreation, and Open Space
(PROS) Plan and updates it every six years:
Maintaining Eligibility for State Funding. The City must have an adopted parks
plan that is no more than six years old to qualify for Washington State
Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) grants. These grants are a key
funding source for many parks and recreation projects across the state. RCO
also sets requirements for what needs to be in the plan in order to be in
compliance. This PROS Plan is intended to align with the state’s criteria.
Aligning Community Priorities and Needs. Revisiting the PROS Plan every six
years creates an opportunity for the City to analyze park condition,
completeness, and access, while also conducting broad community
engagement. This process helps the City understand how community priorities
may have evolved and ensures that park planning is directly informed by up-to-
date information and input.
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Creating a Roadmap for Decision-Making. The PROS Plan includes a list of
projects and programming recommendations that serve as a roadmap for
future City efforts and investments. As Renton develops the biennial City
budget, pursues grant and other funding, and creates new programs, the PROS
Plan guides its direction.
RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER CITY PLANS
The City has several other planning documents that relate to parks planning, as shown
in Exhibit 1-1.
Exhibit 1-1: Relationship to Other City Plans
Plan Update Schedule Description Relationship to PROS Plan
Renton
Comprehensive
Plan
Every 10 years The Comprehensive Plan is
a long-term framework for
Renton’s growth. It
includes goals and policies
related to a variety of
topics, including parks.
The PROS Plan goes into more
detail on the goals and
policies outlined in the
Comprehensive Plan and
includes additional analysis
related to parks and
recreation.
The PROS Plan also informs
the City’s Capital Facility Plan
and allows the City to collect
park impact fees.
Budget and Capital
Improvement Plan
Every 2 years The budget directs how the
City will spend funds and
where the funds will come
from. It also identifies
capital project needs for
the next six years.
The PROS Plan is one
resource the City uses in
determining the biennial
budget and capital
improvement plan.
Renton Trails and
Bicycle Master Plan
Every 6 years The Renton Trails and
Bicycle Master Plan guides
the City’s Trails and Bicycle
system, identifying
projects and priorities.
The PROS Plan focuses on
parks and pathways within
parks, while the Renton Trails
and Bicycle Master Plan
focuses on trail and bicycle
facilities.
The PROS Plan incorporates
regional trail connections that
link to several Renton parks.
Park Master Plans Varies A Park Master Plan defines
the vision, goals, and
priorities for the
development of a specific
park.
Park Master Plans implement
PROS Plan recommendations
in specific parks, while the
PROS Plan focuses on the
system as a whole.
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PLAN ORGANIZATION
The PROS Plan contains six key chapters, plus a conclusion, glossary, references, and
appendices:
1.Executive Summary. Provides a high-level overview of findings, vision, and key
recommendations.
2.Renton Today. Establishes a baseline of demographics, park inventory, system
performance, and equity context.
3.Community Needs and Engagement. Elevates the community voice through
trends, survey data, stakeholder engagement, and identified gaps.
4.The Future of Renton Parks. Introduces the vision, guiding principles, and goals
informed by existing conditions, needs, and community priorities for the park
system.
5.Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas System Strategies. Describes park
classifications, service standards, design concepts, and system-wide strategies
that support equitable access and sustainability.
6.Capital Improvement and Program Implementation Plan. Identifies actions to
implement system strategies, including priority projects, capital investments,
operational implications, partnerships, and monitoring.
7.Conclusion. Summarizes how the PROS Plan addresses community needs and
plans for the future.
8.Glossary and References. Define key terms and identify companion documents
and text references.
Appendices provide more details regarding the development of this PROS Plan and
system features:
A. Engagement Results
B. Inventory and Condition Detail
C. Park Access & Need Analysis Detail
D. Individual Park Information
E. Recreation Analysis
F. Capital Improvement Plan
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PLAN WRITING AND APPROVAL PROCESS
The process of drafting the PROS Plan started in fall 2024 with initial data collection
and interdepartmental staff engagement (Exhibit 1-2). Through spring and summer
2025, the project team compiled the City’s park inventory and conducted a needs
analysis. Community engagement was conducted throughout the project, with
focused efforts during spring and summer 2025. Plan drafting occurred primarily in fall
2025 and the Planning Commission and City Council reviewed the draft and revised
plan in winter 2025 and early 2026.
Exhibit 1-2: Plan Process
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CHAPTER OVERVIEWS
RENTON TODAY
Community
Renton’s population has grown by 10% over the past ten
years and is expected to continue growing: the City is
planning for 17,000 new housing units between 2019 and
2044. Current and projected population and housing
density varies across the City, with Highlands, Benson, and
West Hill currently being the densest Community Planning
Areas. Renton is also planning for a large increase in jobs,
with nearly 32,000 new jobs anticipated between 2019
and 2044.
Renton demographics share similarities with King County
as a whole; however, Renton’s population is more diverse
in terms of race, ethnicity, and languages spoken. Median
income in Renton is also lower than King County as a
whole, and a higher rate of residents receive
food stamps/SNAP benefits. Health
characteristics in Renton parallel county
rates, with high rates of high blood pressure
and depression. Areas of Renton that may
have higher health and social risks, based on
a variety of indicators, include West Hill,
part of City Center, part of Highlands, and
part of Benson. See Exhibit 1-3.
Renton’s physical characteristics vary across
its Community Planning Areas, reflecting a
diverse landscape that includes the scenic
hillsides of Renton, the natural beauty of
Lake Washington and the Cedar River, and a
variety of established neighborhoods and
commercial centers. While some areas, such
as the City Center and Valley, experience
Exhibit 1-3: Community Planning Areas
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lower tree canopy coverage, higher heat-island effects, or localized flood risks
particularly near the Cedar River, these conditions also highlight clear opportunities for
targeted greening, restoration, and climate-resilience investments.
The PROS Plan builds on the city’s rich natural assets and identifies strategies to
enhance community health and social well-being through a balanced system of active
and passive parks, recreation facilities, and nature-based experiences that celebrate
Renton’s unique environment.
Existing Park System and Services
The parkland inventory details the park sites and acreage
that make up the City’s system. This includes Community
Parks, Corridors, Natural Area Parks, Neighborhood Parks,
Regional Parks, Special Use Parks, and Urban Plazas. The
inventory also includes details of the amenities available at
each park. Among Community Planning Areas, the City
contains the highest number of parks, while Cedar River
has the most park acreage. The inventory also describes
special use facilities and trails, as well as operations and
maintenance for non-park facilities.
The chapter highlights the City’s diverse and growing
recreation programs, which include a full range of events,
classes, skill-building opportunities, and volunteer
activities for all ages. Participation in City-led
programming has steadily increased since the COVID-19
pandemic, demonstrating strong community interest and
engagement. While some large community events and certain youth programs have
not returned to pre-pandemic levels, this reflects evolving community preferences,
shifting staffing and facility capacities, and the department’s focus on offering
programs that are safe, high-quality, and responsive to current demand.
The Renton Community Center continues to serve as the City’s primary hub for
recreation, recording the highest level of program registrations across all facilities. In
addition to City-provided services, Renton benefits from a broad network of
community organizations that offer complementary recreational opportunities. The
City supports this ecosystem by making select community and recreation spaces
available to nonprofits that provide additional low-cost, high-value services and
experiences for Renton residents. This approach strengthens community access while
maintaining flexibility to adapt partnerships as community needs evolve.
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COMMUNITY NEEDS AND ENGAGEMENT
Community Engagement
Renton Parks and Recreation led an extensive community
engagement effort to guide the PROS Plan update. This
included more than 30 events, a community survey, and a
park rating interactive map tool. A citywide survey
conducted in mid-2025 also included questions about
parks and recreation. More than 5,000 residents were
engaged from March through September 2025, including
573 survey respondents, 586 interactive pin map
comments, and thousands of event attendees such as at
Renton River Days.
Community input suggested parks should be accessible,
connected, clean, green, maintained, modernized, secure,
and sustainable. Participants also highlighted a range of
amenities they want to see in Renton parks.
Trends
Park trend data indicate that usage varies across the Renton park system. Overall
system-wide park visits have increased since 2021, with Kiwanis Park experiencing the
largest annual growth following a major renovation in 2023. The City’s only regional
park, Gene Coulon Memorial Park, along Lake Washington offers a wide range of
community events, water access, play and social amenities, trails, sports facilities. It
attracts the highest number of annual visits by both local and regional visitors.
Renton’s park system serves a growing population efficiently, with a similar number of
people using each park as seen in peer communities. While Renton has fewer acres of
parkland and fewer full-time equivalent parks staff per 1,000 residents, the system
continues to deliver well-used amenities and responsive services. Higher use levels for
certain facilities such as playgrounds and rectangular fields highlight strong community
demand and present clear opportunities for strategic investment. These findings
reaffirm the importance of continued staffing and capital improvements to sustain
quality service and meet the evolving needs of Renton’s residents.
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Other sources of trend data suggest a county, state, and national focus on family
activities, sports and fitness, gathering spaces, special use facilities, access to green
space, walking and biking, and water access, as well as support facilities like restrooms.
Gaps in the System
The plan evaluates opportunities within the park system by examining park conditions,
amenity completeness, and access across the community. To assess park conditions,
the project team conducted on-site evaluations, engaged with community members,
and reviewed additional data sources. Amenities were scored individually and
combined into an overall score for each park, with perceptions of safety and ADA
accessibility included to help identify areas where enhancements could further support
community use. This analysis showed that several Community Planning Areas such as
Cedar River, Kennydale, and the Valley have parks with lower overall condition scores,
highlighting clear opportunities for reinvestment and revitalization.
Park completeness was also assessed to determine whether each park offers the
amenities typically expected for its classification. When combined with condition
scores, these factors created an overall “amenity value” score. Parks in Benson, Cedar
River, Kennydale, Valley, and West Hill received lower scores than others, signaling
areas where thoughtful upgrades could significantly enhance user experience and
better meet community needs.
The access analysis, which incorporated amenity value scores, identified portions of
West Hill, Talbot, Benson, East Plateau, and the Highlands as having lower access to
parks. When population density and social and health indicators were added, these
areas continued to emerge as having the greatest opportunity for expanded park
access and improvements. These findings provide a strong foundation for prioritizing
future investments that advance equity, improve quality, and ensure all residents
benefit from a vibrant and accessible park system.
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Recreation Needs
Community survey results show that residents are eager to engage more with City
programs and would do so with greater visibility, easier registration, and more
convenient options. The Recreation team consistently delivers a wide range of quality
programs. Program variety also depends on each location’s amenities. Investing in a
registration system with a customer experience focus and expanding communication
capacity would improve access, awareness, and participation aligning with community
feedback and our commitment to responsive service.
Needs by Community Planning Area
Each Community Planning Area has unique needs shaped by demographics, physical
characteristics, current park access, and community input. A summary of these
attributes is included for each Community Planning Area. Overall, Community Planning
Areas in south and east Renton need more access to parks whether by opening
undeveloped park land or acquiring or partnering to provide more parkland. Community
Planning Areas in central Renton need improved maintenance and updated amenities.
Central Renton Community Planning Areas are also projected to experience the
majority of the City’s future growth and see greater demand which would mean adding
capacity for active and passive facilities at existing parkland and potential expansion or
additions in growing areas.
THE FUTURE OF RENTON’S PARKS
This chapter includes a Vision, describing how the Parks and Recreation Department
will manage the parks system over the long term, and Framework Principles, which
describe fundamental values.
Vision:
To foster a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community through the enhancement of
Renton's parks and recreational services, promoting health, equity, and environmental
stewardship.
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Framework Principles:
Promote
Community Health
and Wellbeing
Support Equitable
Park Access for All
Strengthen
Environmental
Resilience
Steward Our
Resources
Effectively and
Responsibly
Goals and Objectives describe the specific desired outcomes and the action-oriented
steps to achieve the Vision. Goals and Objectives are organized by each Framework
Principle.
PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL AREAS SYSTEM
STRATEGIES
Park Types & Classifications
Parks in Renton are organized into eight categories (Exhibit 1-5):
Regional Parks
Community Parks
Neighborhood Parks
Urban Plazas
Corridor/Linear Parks
Special Use Parks
Natural Areas
Greenways and Greenscapes
These classifications help the City define what parks amenities are typical in different
types of parks, develop maintenance management plans, and allocate resources.
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Exhibit 1-4: Park Classifications
Source: Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025; U.S. Census Bureau, 2024.
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Minimum Standards
Minimum standards define the typical size, service area,
and key features for each park classification. This section
of the plan describes these standards and the parks that
fit into each classification. Parks should be improved over
time to achieve these minimum standards.
Park Maintenance
Renton Parks and Recreation maintains alongside the
Facilities Division a large inventory of parks and trails,
indoor recreation facilities, urban trees, and other facilities.
28 staff members conduct the park maintenance activities
that allow the public to enjoy the parks system and
participate in programs. Specific “levels of care” describe
the maintenance activities and frequencies necessary to
keep parks in good working condition. As the population
and the park system grow, greater City investment in
maintenance will be needed to address current staffing
challenges, continue existing levels of care, and meet
community demand.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT AND PROGRAM
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
A series of recommendations guide the City’s park project list:
Quick Wins. These emphasize a focus on major 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. These focus on acquisition and filling gaps as well as making
investments that serve both current and future generations.
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Concept Plans
Concept plans for Northeast Renton
Park, Cleveland-Richardson Park, Tri-Park
and Tiffany and Cascade parks,
demonstrate how specific sites can be
developed to align with the PROS Plan
vision, community engagement, and
park classifications.
Key Priorities
“Level of service” (LOS) standards are
defined to quantify the amount and
quality of parks, trails, and open space
that are necessary to meet current and future
needs. An LOS helps the City plan for capital
facilities. The PROS Plan defines these three LOS
for parks:
Improve quality through capital
replacement and levels of major
maintenance care. This supports usability
and safety. Revenue sources supporting
capital replacement and maintenance
include, but are not limited to, Real Estate
Excise Tax (REET 2) and King County Levy
pass through funds.
Respond to growth by investing in active and passive facilities such as by
adding and moving park sites towards completeness of their park classification
standards. Adding capacity by adding active (organized sports) and passive
(family or individual) recreation on existing sites would be eligible for park
impact fees.
Provide access in park access gap areas by opening undeveloped parks in
areas that lack parks within a ½ mile of lower density residential areas and ¼
mile of higher density residential areas, or developing partnerships to make
sites available to the community (e.g., after-hours use of schools or utility
corridors).
Exhibit 1-5: Northeast Renton Park Concept
Exhibit 1-6: LOS Measures
Improve Quality
Invest & Respond
Provide Access
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Park Capital Planning
The Capital Plan provides a strategic and forward-looking roadmap for strengthening
Renton’s parks, trails, and open spaces. It outlines the projects the City can pursue as
funding becomes available and reflects a commitment to providing safe, welcoming,
and high-quality spaces that evolve with community needs. While past resource
challenges and organizational transitions have shaped the current state of the system,
they also create a significant opportunity: to reinvest in what we have, extend the life
of existing capital assets, and ensure that our parks system continues to serve
residents well into the future.
The plan includes 85 projects organized around the areas of greatest community
impact, emphasizing reinvestment, quality maintenance, and thoughtful development
of existing facilities. Priority project categories include:
Preservation, Sustainability, and Capital Reinvestment
Responsive and Quality Maintenance & Replacement of Existing Amenities
Support Facilities (restrooms, parking, utilities, lighting, accessibility upgrades)
Multi-Amenity and Community Park Enhancements
Active and Passive Recreation Facilities
Park Master Planning and Site-Specific Design Work
Natural Resources Management and Ecological Stewardship
Public Access and Trail Improvements
Social, Cultural, and Recreation Uses
Targeted Acquisition or Expansion (where access gaps or strategic needs
remain)
Special Uses
Alongside site-specific projects, the plan identifies systemwide improvements that will
elevate overall quality and usability across the entire park network. These include ADA
accessibility upgrades; improved entry, wayfinding, and informational signage;
restroom replacements; park and shade structures; path and trail renovations and
expansions; playground renovations; structural reviews and building repairs; and
stormwater management improvements.
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Projects will rely on a range of funding sources, including Real Estate Excise Tax
(REET), grants, park impact fees, King County Parks Levy funds, and, where
appropriate, bonds or other financing tools.
Renton continues to manage and enhance its park system through responsible
stewardship - holding and preparing properties for future development, conducting
project studies and master plans, leveraging partnerships, completing design work, and
constructing improvements in phases. This flexible and responsive approach ensures
the City can adapt to changing needs while maximizing community benefit from every
investment. See Exhibit 1-9.
Exhibit 1-7: Capital Improvement Project Lifecycle
As Renton serves as the community’s largest provider of recreation programs, ongoing
evaluation is essential to ensure offerings remain responsive, inclusive, and aligned
with community interests. The plan introduces a structured review process that helps
identify opportunities to enhance existing programs, introduce new ones, or
thoughtfully adjust offerings as participation and needs evolve.
Renton’s recreation division currently operates with a cost recovery model informed by
best practices from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), recovering
approximately 25–50% of program delivery costs. This framework supports fiscal
responsibility while maintaining broad community access. The City has future
opportunities to refine its cost recovery policy in a way that continues to promote
equity and reduces financial barriers for residents.
A key component of Renton’s commitment to accessibility is the Gift of Play program,
which provides financial assistance that either reduces or fully eliminates program fees
for eligible participants. Families and children who qualify for free or reduced lunch or
receive SNAP benefits are automatically eligible for Gift of Play scholarships. Additional
fee reductions are also available for participants in adaptive recreation programs and
for many senior programs serving income-restricted older adults. These resources help
ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation in enriching recreational opportunities.
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The plan includes guiding principles for Renton’s recreation program, emphasizing
accessible services, clearly defined program focus areas, and thoughtful cost and
performance evaluation.
Park System Implementation Actions
The plan outlines several key implementation actions to support a vibrant, well-
maintained, and community-centered parks and recreation system:
Partnerships: Strengthening collaborations across City departments and with
community organizations, public agencies, and public and private landowners to
support park development, maintenance, programming, and shared stewardship.
Funding and Strategic Investment: Advancing the Capital Improvement Plan;
monitoring undeveloped sites; exploring efficient approaches to development;
identifying diverse funding sources; updating park impact fees; and investing in
staff training and professional development.
Park Planning, Design, and Activation: Applying life-cycle analysis to guide
reinvestment; refining design approaches; establishing standards for quality,
safety, and sustainable care; improving signage and wayfinding; and promoting
active, inclusive use of park spaces.
Recreation Program Enhancement: Increasing program visibility; improving
data collection and evaluation tools; refining the cost recovery policy; and using
a balanced cost-benefit approach to strengthen long-term program
sustainability.
Monitoring, Reviewing, and Updating
To ensure the PROS Plan remains effective and responsive, the City will track progress
through performance metrics aligned with the plan’s Framework Principles. These
include periodic reviews of park conditions and completeness scores, measures of park
access, progress in ADA improvements, and implementation of capital projects.
Integrating these metrics into budgeting and capital improvement processes will help
the City monitor progress, celebrate achievements, and identify new opportunities to
strengthen Renton’s park and recreation system over time.
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2.RENTON TODAY
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This chapter presents an overview of Renton’s community demographics and physical
characteristics, and an inventory and classification of the park system. It provides a
baseline for the Community Needs evaluation in the following chapter.
COMMUNITY
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population
As of 2025, Renton has a population of about 110,000 residents (Washington OFM,
2025). The population has grown by around 10% since 2015 and is expected to
continue growing. The City’s adopted growth target for 2019-2044 is approximately
17,000 new housing units (City of Renton, 2025). This is a substantial increase: it
represents 39% more housing units than the 2020 housing supply (US Census Bureau,
2025; City of Renton, 2025).
Population density varies across the city (Exhibit 2-1). The most densely populated
Community Planning Areas are Highlands, Benson, and West Hill (see (Exhibit 2-1 for
Community Planning Areas). Some areas of higher density are also located in Valley
(north end), Talbot, Fairwood, and East Plateau. Other areas, like Cedar River and
Kennydale, are less dense.
Exhibit 2-2 shows a future population density index. This takes into consideration the
intensity of current zoning as well as planned future growth. A higher Population
Density Score indicates areas that are currently dense or will be dense in the future in
terms of population. In the future, the densest Community Planning Areas are
expected to be City Center, Benson, and Highlands, with pockets of high density also
found in other parts of the city, like West Hill, Kennydale, and Cedar River. Longacres in
the Valley may also see mixed use growth.
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Exhibit 2-1: Population Density
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025; U.S. Census Bureau, 2024.
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Exhibit 2-2: Future Land Use and Population Index
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
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Age
Parks and Recreation needs and desires may vary by age. Renton’s population has
similar age proportions to King County as a whole. Approximately 21% are under age 18,
67% are aged 18 to 64, and 12% are 65 and older (Exhibit 2-3). The population under 18
has remained steady from 2021 to 2023.
Exhibit 2-3: Age
Age Renton King County
Under 18 21%20%
18 to 64 67%67%
65 & Over 12%14%
Source: American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2018-2022)
Race, Ethnicity, and Language
Designing parks and recreation programs and events to promote belonging and social
connection is important to Renton Parks and Recreation.
Renton has a racially and ethnically diverse population, with a larger proportion of
Asian, Black, and Hispanic residents than King County as a whole (Exhibit 2-4).
Exhibit 2-4: Race and Ethnicity
Race/Ethnicity Renton King County
White 41%56%
Asian 26%19%
Hispanic 15%10%
Black/African American 8%6%
Two or More Races 8%7%
Pacific Islander 0.8%0.7%
American Indian 0.4%0.4%
Some Other Race 0.5%0.5%
* Hispanic includes respondents of any race. Other categories are non-Hispanic.
Source: American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2018-2022)
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The city’s diversity is also reflected in the languages spoken by Renton residents. 38%
of residents speak a language at home that is not English, compared to only 29% of
King County residents (Exhibit 2-5). Compared to the county, there is a higher
proportion of Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Tagalog speakers in Renton.
Exhibit 2-5: Languages Spokane at Home (Population 5+ Years Old)
Language Renton King County
English Only 62%71%
Spanish 10%7%
Vietnamese 5%2%
Other Asian and Pacific Island languages 4%4%
Other Indo-European languages 3%4%
Chinese (incl. Mandarin, Cantonese)6%5%
Tagalog (incl. Filipino)3%1%
Russian, Polish, or other Slavic languages 2%2%
Other and unspecified languages 2%2%
Korean 1%1%
French, Haitian, or Cajun 0%1%
German, other West Germanic languages 0%0%
Arabic 0%1%
Source: American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2018-2022)
82% of Renton residents speak English as their only language (62%) or “very well”
(20%), and 17% speak English less than “very well” (Exhibit 2-6). In comparison, 11% of
King County residents speak English less than “very well.”
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Exhibit 2-6: Ability to Speak English (Population 5+ Years Old)
Language Renton King County
English Only 62%71%
Non-English as Primary Language 38%29%
Speak English "very well"20%17%
Speak English less than "very well"17%11%
Source: American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2018-2022)
Disability
Renton has higher rates of disability than King County as a whole, with 14% of the
population over 18 and 39% of the population over 65 having one or more disabilities
(Exhibit 2-7). Renton has developed Adaptive and inclusive recreation sites and
programs.
Exhibit 2-7: Disability
Disability Renton King County
18 & Over Population with Disability 14%12%
65 & Over Population with Disability 39%32%
* "Disability" includes hearing, vision, cognitive, ambulatory, self-care, or independent living difficulties
Source: American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2018-2022)
Income
Parks and Recreation services are an essential part of community wellbeing, offering
spaces and programs that are accessible to everyone. The City of Renton remains
committed to providing affordable, inclusive opportunities that meet community
needs.
Renton’s median household income of $92,292 is lower than the King County median
income of $116,340, a difference of approximately 26% (Exhibit 2-8). While the overall
poverty rate is the same at 8%, Renton has a slightly higher share of residents living at
or below twice the federal poverty level (20% compared to 18%). This indicates that
while core poverty levels are similar, a larger proportion of Renton households are near
or just above the threshold where they may still struggle to afford essential needs.
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Exhibit 2-8: Income Characteristics
Income Characteristic Renton King County
Median Household Income $92,292 $116,340
Average Household Income $118,925 $161,206
Population At or Below Poverty Level 8%8%
Population At or Below 2x Poverty Level 20%18%
Source: American Community Survey, 5-year estimates (2018-2022)
Access to a Vehicle
Roughly 8% of Renton households do not have access to a vehicle, compared to 11% of
King County residents. Accessing parks and recreation sites by walking, rolling, driving,
and transit is important for the community.
Employment
A well-maintained, accessible, and connected parks and recreation system is a key
component of Renton’s economic development strategy. Quality parks, trails, and
recreational amenities help make the city an attractive place for employers to locate
and grow. Businesses increasingly look for communities where their employees and
customers have access to safe, vibrant outdoor spaces, opportunities for recreation,
and amenities that support health and wellbeing.
In addition to supporting employers, the Parks and Recreation Department directly
contributes to workforce development. Each year the department hires a large
seasonal workforce of more than 200 seasonal employees during peak spring and
summer operations. These positions provide meaningful entry-level and early-career
employment opportunities for young adults, and residents seeking flexible schedules or
skill-building roles. Seasonal and part-time roles in aquatics, park maintenance,
recreation programming, customer service, and youth sports offer valuable experience
that prepares individuals for future employment both within the city and in the broader
regional workforce.
As of 2022, Renton supported approximately 67,620 jobs, with employment centers
concentrated in the City Center and Valley Community Planning Areas (U.S. Census
Bureau, 2025). Renton’s adopted growth target for 2019–2044 is 31,780 new jobs an
increase of roughly 50% over the 2020 baseline (City of Renton, 2025). As the city
continues to grow its employment base, a strong parks and recreation system and the
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department’s ongoing workforce development efforts will remain essential elements of
Renton’s overall economic vitality.
Health
Exhibit 2-9: Health Characteristics
Health (Adults)Renton King County
Asthma 10%9%
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)4%4%
Coronary Heart Disease 5%4%
Depression 24%23%
Diabetes 9%7%
Fair or Poor Health 15%12%
High Blood Pressure 26%26%
Lack of Health Insurance 8%5%
Source: CDC Places, 2024.
A well-planned parks and recreation system supports community health by providing
accessible opportunities for physical activity, social connection, and outdoor
recreation. Health characteristics among Renton adults are generally comparable to
King County overall (Exhibit 2-9). However, several indicators—including lack of health
insurance, diabetes prevalence, and the share of adults reporting “fair or poor” health—
are modestly higher in Renton. Slightly elevated rates of asthma, coronary heart
disease, and depression also suggest opportunities to strengthen community wellness
resources.
While parks and recreation are not primary health intervention systems, they contribute
meaningfully to public health by reducing barriers to active living and offering no- or
low-cost opportunities for movement, stress reduction, and community engagement.
These benefits are particularly relevant for residents who may experience financial,
transportation, or access limitations to private recreation facilities.
To further assess community needs, Exhibit 2-10 presents a combined equity index
incorporating social vulnerability and health indicators. This index draws on established
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datasets, including the Social Vulnerability Index and the Washington Health Disparities
Index, and aligns with the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office’s
equity and priority-need framework. The analysis identifies areas of Renton specifically
West Hill, segments of the City Center, the Highlands, and the Benson area as
exhibiting higher combined social and health risks. These findings support targeted
planning and resource allocation strategies that improve park access, enhance program
availability, and increase the distribution of health-supportive amenities in areas of
higher need.
Within this context, the City’s parks and recreation system functions as a
complementary component of a broader public health landscape. Through coordinated
planning, interdepartmental collaboration, and data-informed investment, the system
can contribute to improved health outcomes while remaining aligned with its core
mission and service capabilities.
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Exhibit 2-10: Social and Health Risk Index
Source: Washington State Department of Health, 2022; BERK, 2025.
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PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Renton’s parks and recreation system is shaped by the city’s diverse geography and
the need to steward natural resources in a manner that is resilient to changing
environmental and climate conditions.
Geographic Context
Located at the south end of Lake Washington, Renton encompasses approximately
23.4 square miles (US Census Bureau, 2025). The Cedar River bisects the city, serving
as both a defining natural feature and a central corridor for parks, trails, and open
space. Regional connectivity is influenced by the I-405 corridor, which traverses the
City Center and links Renton to neighboring jurisdictions and regional transportation
networks. The city is organized into ten Community Planning Areas, each reflecting
distinct land use patterns, population characteristics, and environmental conditions
(Exhibit 2-11).
Cultural Resources
Located at the juncture of the Black and Cedar rivers and Lake Washington, the land
that had been Duwamish tribal homelands for centuries would become the City of
Renton with the influx of coal miners, loggers, and other workers. By 1901 growth and
investment allowed the city to officially incorporate. Since 1901, Renton grew through
residents arriving to be part of a robust economy, first for coal mining, then for jobs at
PACCAR and Boeing, and recently for high tech and service occupations. (City of
Renton, 2026)
According to the State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation’s
Archaeological Risk Assessment Model, many of Renton’s shorelines and valley are
likely to contain cultural resources, and many of the City’s parks and open spaces are
located along Lake Washington, Cedar River, Black River, and Springbrook Creek.
(Washington Department of Arhaeology and Historic Preservation, 2026) The City has
adopted a shoreline master program policies and regulations that identify when cultural
assessments are required and also require stop work if there is a discovery of materials
(see RMC 4-3-090D). Further, the City’s Comprehensive Plan includes specific
Objectives and Policies aimed at providing for the protection of cultural resources
(City of Renton, 2024). When designing parks the City also meets state and federal
guidelines and Tribal consultation requirements and conducts environmental review.
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Tree Canopy, Urban Heat, and Flooding Considerations
Tree canopy coverage varies substantially across the city. The City Center and Valley
neighborhoods exhibit the lowest levels of canopy, largely reflecting historic
development patterns particularly business and industrial areas built with minimal tree
planting. In contrast, neighborhoods such as Talbot, Cedar River, Fairwood, and
Kennydale maintain higher levels of canopy coverage, supported by older residential
areas and significant natural corridors (Exhibit 2-12). Parklands, especially those along
the Cedar River and May Creek, contribute substantially to the long-term preservation
of the urban forest, as trees on public lands are less susceptible to redevelopment-
related loss. Urban heat exposure follows similar patterns. A 2021 heat-mapping study
identifies Valley, City Center, and areas of Benson, Fairwood, and the Highlands as the
warmest parts of the city, generally correlating with lower canopy coverage and
increased impervious surfaces (CAPA Strategies, 2021; Exhibit 2-13).
Flood susceptibility is another important environmental consideration. Portions of the
Valley neighborhood, segments of the City Center and Cedar River corridor, and
smaller areas in Benson and the East Plateau fall within mapped flood zones (Exhibit
2-14). These conditions influence park planning, infrastructure design, and strategies to
enhance climate resilience.
Urban Forestry Program and Its Citywide Role
Renton’s urban forestry program housed within the Parks and Recreation Department
plays an essential role in managing and expanding the citywide tree canopy. The
program has two dedicated FTEs, including the Urban Forestry and Natural Resources
Manager and an Inspecting Arborist, who oversee the health and management of trees
in public spaces. Their work is closely integrated with Parks Maintenance and other city
departments to ensure coordinated land stewardship across streetscapes, rights-of-
way, parks, and public properties.
In addition to supporting daily land management needs, the urban forestry team leads
Renton's comprehensive tree canopy strategy, including all citywide planting efforts.
As the city continues to address heat exposure, stormwater challenges, and shifting
climate conditions, expanding and investing in this program presents a significant
opportunity. Strategic tree planting and long-term canopy preservation can
meaningfully reduce heat island effects, improve stormwater mitigation, enhance
neighborhood livability, and support the economic attractiveness of Renton. Research
consistently shows that communities with a healthy tree canopy benefit from higher
property values, improved public health outcomes, and stronger commercial vitality all
outcomes aligned with Renton’s long-term goals.
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Exhibit 2-11: Renton Community Planning Areas
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK 2025.
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Exhibit 2-12: Tree Canopy Cover
Note: This map reflects findings from the 2025 Renton Urban Tree Canopy Assessment.
Source: EarthDefine, 2025; BERK, 2025.
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Exhibit 2-13: Urban Heat
Source: CAPA Strategies, 2021; BERK, 2025.
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Exhibit 2-14: Flood Zones
Source: City of Renton, 2025; FEMA, 2024; BERK, 2025.
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EXISTING PARK SYSTEM AND SERVICES
PARKLAND INVENTORY
The City of Renton owns and maintains an extensive inventory of parks and natural
areas as well as special use facilities. The park system is comprised of 58 sites primarily
including neighborhood parks as well as parks serving the whole community and
region. Other parks provide access to nature, opportunities for social events at urban
plazas, corridors between parks, and special use sites that provide unique recreation
and education opportunities such as community centers, a museum, public golf course,
a skate park, a community garden and greenhouse, boat launch, and a dog park. See
Exhibit 2-15.
Exhibit 2-15: City of Renton Park Types and Acres
Park Type Number of Sites Total Acres Unopened Acres Public Access
Acres
Community Park 9 123 13 110
Corridor 5 36 -36
Natural Area Park 11 826 5 821
Neighborhood Park 22 146 64 82
Regional Park 1 86 -86
Special Use Park 5 119 -119
Urban Plaza 5 3 -3
Total 58 1,339 81 1,258
Note: See details in Appendix B. Inventory and Condition Detail. Numbers may not sum due to rounding.
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
Parks in Renton are intended to provide a safe, clean, attractive, accessible and well-
maintained environment for the public’s enjoyment of active and passive recreational
opportunities along with natural resource and habitat preservation, and stewardship.
A map of Renton park sites is shared in Exhibit 2-16. Recreation-oriented sites are
mapped as parks, nature-oriented parks are illustrated as open space, and undeveloped
parks are identified.
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Exhibit 2-16: Park Inventory
Source: City of Renton, 2025.
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Park sites contain different amenities that support family activities such as play and
picnics, passive facilities for walking and viewing, and team or individual sports, as
shown in Exhibit 2-17 and Exhibit 2-18. Community and Regional parks often have the
greatest range of amenities, whereas Neighborhood Parks may have fewer amenities
(e.g. parking) as they are meant to serve adjacent residents who may walk or ride to
them. See details in Appendix B. Inventory and Condition Detail.
Exhibit 2-17: Types of Facilities at Renton Parks
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
• Playgrounds
• Park Shelters and
Shade Structures
• Barbeque Facilities
Family
Activities
• Pathways
• Trails
• Water Access
• Open Lawns
• Art Amenities
Passive
Facilities
• Sports Fields -
Diamonds
• Sports Fields-
Rectangular
• Sports Fields - Other
• Exercise Equipment
Sports Fields and
Exercise
Equipment
• Basketball
• Tennis and Pickleball
• Futsal
Sports
Courts
• Community, Senior,
Neighborhood, and
Aquatic Centers
• Skate Park
• Dog Park
• Golf Course
Special
Use
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Exhibit 2-18: Parks and Amenities by Community Planning Area
Community
Planning
Area
Park Park Class Current
Status Acres Trail
miles
Family Activities
Passive Facilities
Sports Fields
Sports Courts
Special Use Facilities
Restrooms
Parking
Benson Cascade Park Neighborhood Park Park 11.5 l l 0 0 0 0 l
Benson Tiffany Park Neighborhood Park Park 6.8 l l l l 0 l l
Benson Tiffany -Cascade Connector Natural Area Park Undeveloped 4.8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Benson SE 186th Pl Open Space Neighborhood Park Undeveloped 0.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Benson Parkwood South Park Neighborhood Park Undeveloped 0.6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Cedar River Cedar River Natural Area Natural Area Park Open space 279.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Cedar River Maplewood Open Space Natural Area Park Open space 93.2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Cedar River Cedar River Dog Park Community Park Park 4.1 l 0 0 0 l 0 0
Cedar River Cedar River Park*Community Park Park 31.6*0 l l 0 l l l
Cedar River Cedar River Trail -South Community Park Park 9.0 5.4 0 l 0 0 0 0 l
Cedar River N.A.R.CO Property Community Park Park 7.7 0 l 0 0 0 0 0
Cedar River Ron Regis Park Community Park Park 29.9 0 l l l 0 0 l
Cedar River Maplewood Park Neighborhood Park Park 2.1 l l l l 0 l 0
Cedar River Riverview Park Corridor Park Park 13.9 l l 0 0 0 l l
Cedar River Maplewood Golf Course Special Use Park Park 111.3 0 0 0 0 0 l 0
Cedar River Maplewood Roadside Park Corridor Park Park 1.5 l l 0 0 0 0 l
City Center Cedar River Trail -Logan to Library Community Park Park 2.0 See CRT
South 0 l 0 0 0 0 0
City Center Cedar River Trail Park Lake to Logan Community Park Park 15.0 l l l 0 0 l 0
City Center Liberty Park Community Park Park 12.3 l l l l l l l
City Center Cedar River Trail Extension Corridor Park 2.4 0 l 0 0 0 0 0
City Center Burnett Linear Park Neighborhood Park Park 1.6 l l 0 0 0 0 0
City Center Jones Park Neighborhood Park Park 1.8 l l 0 0 0 l 0
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Community
Planning
Area
Park Park Class Current
Status Acres Trail
miles
Family Activities
Passive Facilities
Sports Fields
Sports Courts
Special Use Facilities
Restrooms
Parking
City Center Philip Arnold Park Neighborhood Park Park 11.0 l l l l 0 l l
City Center Gene Coulon Memorial Park Regional Park Park 86.3 l l l l 0 l l
City Center Community Garden / Greenhouse Special Use Park Park 2.2 0 0 0 0 l 0 0
City Center Renton History Museum Special Use Park Park 0.6 0 0 0 0 0 l l
City Center Senior Activity Center Property Special Use Park Park 2.8 0 l l 0 l l 0
City Center Legacy Square Urban Plaza Park 0.7 0 l 0 l 0 0 0
City Center Piazza Park Urban Plaza Park 1.1 0 l 0 0 0 0 l
City Center Sit-in Park Urban Plaza Park 1.0 0 l 0 0 0 0 0
City Center Tonkin Park Urban Plaza Park 0.2 l l 0 0 0 0 0
City Center Veterans Memorial Park Urban Plaza Park 0.2 0 l 0 0 0 0 0
East Plateau NE Renton Park Neighborhood Park Undeveloped 18.9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Highlands Honey Creek Greenway Natural Area Park Open space 54.4 1.0 0 l 0 0 0 0 0
Highlands Highlands Park Community Park Park 10.9 l l l l l l l
Highlands Glencoe Park Neighborhood Park Park 0.5 l l 0 0 0 0 0
Highlands Heritage Park Neighborhood Park Park 9.5 l l l l 0 l l
Highlands Kiwanis Park Neighborhood Park Park 9.2 l l 0 l 0 l l
Highlands North Highlands Park Neighborhood Park Park 2.0 l l l l 0 l l
Highlands Sunset Neighborhood Park Neighborhood Park Park 3.2 l l l 0 0 l 0
Highlands Windsor Hills Park Neighborhood Park Park 4.7 l l 0 l 0 0 0
Kennydale May Creek Greenway Natural Area Park Open space 51.7 1.5 0 l 0 0 0 0 0
Kennydale May Creek Trail Park Natural Area Park Open space 3.1 0 l 0 0 0 0 l
Kennydale Kennydale Beach Park Neighborhood Park Park 1.6 l l 0 0 0 l l
Kennydale Kennydale Lions Park Neighborhood Park Park 5.7 l l l l 0 0 l
Kennydale Kenyon-Dobson Property Neighborhood Park Undeveloped 2.2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Talbot Lake Ave S Open Space Natural Area Park Open space 0.3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
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Community
Planning
Area
Park Park Class Current
Status Acres Trail
miles
Family Activities
Passive Facilities
Sports Fields
Sports Courts
Special Use Facilities
Restrooms
Parking
Talbot Panther Creek Wetlands Natural Area Park Open space 67.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Talbot Edlund Property Neighborhood Park Undeveloped 17.7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Talbot Talbot Hill Reservoir Park Special Use Park Park 2.6 0 l 0 l 0 l l
Talbot Thomas Teasdale Park Neighborhood Park Park 9.7 l l l l 0 l l
Talbot Springbrook Watershed Natural Area Park Open space 13.6 **0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Talbot Cleveland-Richardson Property Neighborhood Park Undeveloped 23.8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Valley Black River Riparian Forest Natural Area Park Open space 99.3 0.4 0 l 0 0 0 0 0
Valley Renton Wetlands Natural Area Park Open space 158.2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Valley Springbrook Creek Natural Area Park Open space 14.4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Valley Springbrook Trail Corridor Park 3.6 2.5 0 l 0 0 0 0 0
West Hill Earlington Park Neighborhood Park Park 1.5 l l 0 l 0 0 0
Legend: Feature Not Present = 0 Feature Present = l
Notes:* Acres include 12.5 undeveloped acres.
**Acres of eastern portion only.
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
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The park sites are classified as shown in Exhibit 2-18 above and the textbox below
based on their primary service areas and purposes. A more detailed description of park
classifications and minimum standards for park development is provided in Chapter 5
Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas System Strategies.
Park Classifications
Neighborhood Park: Close-to-home recreation
opportunities for nearby residents, who typically
live within walking and bicycling distance (0.25-
0.5 miles) of the park in a residential setting.
Community Park: Opportunities for active
recreation and organized play in a location that
can accommodate increased traffic and demand,
while also serving the neighborhood park
function for nearby residents.
Regional Park: Destination park locations that
can accommodate communitywide and regional
traffic and demand, while also fulfilling the
function of a community and neighborhood park
for nearby residents.
Special Use Park: Space for unique features or
places that create variety in the park system but
cannot be accommodated within other park sites
due to size or location requirements.
Urban Plaza: Offer urban community gatherings
and special event space, and other recreation
features. Many offer places to sit and space for
performers and vendors. They may provide
neighborhood park functions for residents living
in the City Center or other denser urban areas.
Natural Area: Opportunities for users to interact
with local nature or protect natural resources and systems within the standards of the
existing natural resource regulatory environment.
Corridor/Linear Parks: Include built corridors that provide recreation or non-motorized
transportation facilities and green buffers between communities. Recreational use is
generally passive or trail related. Linear trail corridors may also include supporting
facilities, such as interpretive areas, picnic tables, restrooms, or trailheads.
Neighborhood Community
Regional Special Use
Urban Natural
Corridor
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COMMUNITY PLANNING AREA
The Cedar River Planning Area has the most park land, but the City Center Planning
Area has the greatest number of parks. A number of sites are also found in the
Highlands and Talbot Planning Areas but relatively smaller in size (acres). See Exhibit
2-19.
Exhibit 2-19: Parks Inventory by Community Planning Area
Community
Planning Area
Count Total Acres Undeveloped
Acres
Developed
Acres
Benson 5 24 6 18
Cedar River 11 584 13 571
City Center 16 141 -141
East Plateau 1 19 19 -
Highlands 8 95 -95
Kennydale 5 64 2 62
Talbot 7 135 42 94
Valley 4 275 -275
West Hill 1 2 -2
Total 58 1,339 81 1,258
Note: Acres may not sum exactly due to rounding.
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
SPECIAL-USE FACILITIES
Renton maintains a diverse portfolio of special-use facilities that enrich the city’s
recreational environment and reflect its character, history, and community priorities.
These facilities are unique within the system, often requiring specialized management
and maintenance, and they frequently serve both local and regional users. Many also
provide opportunities for private rentals when not programmed for recreational or
community use supporting access, flexibility, and financial sustainability within the
City’s recreation system. Above all, this network of facilities ensures residents have a
broad range of high-quality recreational opportunities close to home.
Major special-use facilities are described below.
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Renton Community Center
The Renton Community Center, constructed in 1989, encompasses approximately
36,000 square feet along the Cedar River adjacent to Cedar River Park. The facility
includes two full-size gymnasiums, racquetball courts, a dance and yoga studio, fitness
room, classrooms, meeting rooms, and a banquet room with a full kitchen. When not
programmed with recreational activities, many of these spaces are available for private
rental, supporting family celebrations, community gatherings, corporate events, and
more. The Center serves as a cornerstone of public recreation in Renton, offering a
wide range of programs tailored to diverse interests and ages.
Highlands Neighborhood Center
The Highlands Neighborhood Center includes approximately 11,960 square feet of
programmable space, including a gymnasium with spectator seating and a dividable
multipurpose room with a kitchenette. Like other special-use facilities, the center
supports both scheduled recreation activities and private rentals for events such as
meetings, celebrations, and youth sports. Its location within a residential neighborhood
helps ensure convenient, local access to recreation opportunities.
Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center
Built in 1978 and encompassing roughly 22,150 square feet, the Don Persson Renton
Senior Activity Center serves adults aged 50 and older with recreational, social,
educational, health, and nutritional programming. Outdoor amenities include fitness
equipment, a ping pong table, a cornhole court, and seating areas. Select spaces are
available for rentals when not in use for senior-focused programming. Named in honor
of longtime resident, police officer, and City Council member Don Persson, the Center
reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to supporting healthy aging and social
connection.
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Renton History Museum
At approximately 5,300 square feet, the Renton History
Museum occupies a 1942 Art Deco Moderne building
originally constructed as a fire station. Now a recognized
historic property, the Museum is a source of civic pride and a
reflection of Renton’s cultural identity. Operated in
partnership with the Renton Historical Society, the Museum
preserves, documents, and interprets local history through
exhibits, educational programs, publications, and community
outreach. Its presence within the Parks and Recreation
system underscores the City’s commitment to celebrating
and sharing the stories that define Renton.
Maplewood Golf Course
Maplewood Golf Course is an 18-hole, par 72 public course featuring a driving range,
pro shop, restaurant, and event space. The clubhouse measures approximately 15,508
square feet. Established in 1928 and acquired by the City in 1995, the course is a long-
standing community asset and a significant recreational destination. Maplewood has
participated in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary program for more than 20 years,
supporting environmentally responsible course management and reinforcing Renton’s
commitment to ecological stewardship.
Henry Moses Aquatic Center
Opened in 2004, the Henry Moses Aquatic Center includes approximately 6,320
square feet of indoor space housing locker rooms, showers, offices, and concessions.
The outdoor aquatic complex operates seasonally and features a lap pool, lazy river,
wave pool, and water slides. When not programmed for public aquatic activities,
certain spaces may be available for rentals such as birthday parties or private events.
The Aquatic Center is one of Renton’s most popular warm-season destinations and
contributes significantly to youth activity, water safety education, and community
enjoyment.
Renton History
Museum
City of Renton
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TRAILS
Many trails are associated with shorelines such as along the Cedar River, Springbrook
Creek, Black River, and Lake Washington and connect many of the City’s parks and
natural areas. This Plan focuses on parks, recreation, and open space, and serves as a
companion to the Trails and Bicycle Master Plan (2019). That plan identified existing
and planned trails serving neighborhoods, community, and region. See Exhibit 2-20.
Exhibit 2-20: City of Renton Existing and Proposed Trails
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
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OTHER FACILITIES OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
In addition to maintaining parks grounds, Renton Parks and Recreation maintains the
grounds at Renton City Hall.
The Renton Parks and Trails Division will also be responsible for maintenance of the
future Renton Connector, a continuous non-motorized facility along Burnett Avenue S
between S 2nd St and S 5th St via separated walkways, protected bicycle lanes (cycle
track), and a multi-use path. See Exhibit 2-21.
Exhibit 2-21: Renton Connector Concept
Source: City of Renton, 2018.
The department also has major responsibilities for tree canopy in public rights of way
citywide (See Exhibit 2-22). The City is creating a classification for Gateways and
Greenscapes (see text box) to recognize the responsibilities and refer to standards,
such as for maintenance.
Gateways and Greenscapes: Gateways and Greenscapes provide landscape features that offer visual relief and limited public access or amenities such as places to sit. They are often located at entries to neighborhoods and along roadways in the city. They are small in size and may only provide a visual buffer or beautification enhancement to the urban or other environment that surrounds them. They may offer connectivity for pedestrian or bicycling routes.
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Exhibit 2-22: Additional Facilities Maintained by Renton Parks
Source: King County, 2025; City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
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RECREATION PROGRAMMING AND SERVICES
City Programs
Overview
The Recreation Division provides the City’s primary system of recreational programs,
facility operations, and community engagement services. The division manages daily
operations at the Renton Community Center, Renton Senior Activity Center, Henry
Moses Aquatic Center, and the Highlands Community Center. These facilities function
as multi-use community hubs supporting public access, structured programming,
private rentals, partner services, and major civic events.
The division is also a significant contributor to workforce development in Renton. It
recruits, hires, trains, and supervises the majority of the City’s part-time and seasonal
employees. During peak spring and summer operations, more than 200 seasonal and
numerous part-time staff support aquatics, youth programs, customer service, facility
supervision, events, and recreation operations. These positions provide foundational
work experience, technical skill development, and career pathways into municipal
service, aquatics, childcare, recreation, and the regional service economy.
Recreation’s business operations are among the City’s most customer-facing financial
services. The division processes over 70% of the City’s annual credit card
transactions, manages the City’s registration software system, and administers
operational budgets and cost-recovery strategies while maintaining equitable access
to community recreation.
Program and Service Delivery
The Recreation Division provides a broad, diverse portfolio of recreational programs
and community services that support health, learning, engagement, and social
connection for residents of all ages and abilities (see Exhibit 2-23). Programs are
delivered through direct instruction, contracted providers, collaborative partnerships,
and community-based activations.
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Exhibit 2-23: Renton Recreation Programs
Program Type City
Age-Based Programs
Preschool Programs X
Child Care
Before & After School Care
Teen Activities X
Senior Adult Programs X
Senior Nutrition & Social Programs X
Singles Activities
Parent & Child Activities X
Intergenerational X
Camps and Outdoor Activities
Summer Day Camps X
School Break Activities/Camps
Day Trips X
Outdoor Programs X
Classes, Skills
Arts & Crafts X
Dance X
Education/Career Development X
Emergency Preparedness X
Environmental/Wilderness X
Gardening *
Language & Creative Writing X
Life Skills/Safety Skills X
Martial Arts X
Music X
Special Interest Classes X
Theatre Arts **
Social, Health, and Wellbeing
Adaptive Recreation X
Community Events X
Fitness X
Health & Wellness X
Respite Care
Support Groups
Transportation Services X
Volunteer Opportunities X
Sports
Aquatics X
Program Type City
Court Sports X
Field Sports X
Sports Leagues Youth X
Sports Leagues Adult X
Track Sports
Golf X
Sports Camps X
Drop-in/Open Gym X
Gymnastics X
Populations Served
All Ages X
Families X
Infants and Toddlers (0-3 Yr. Olds)
Preschool (3-4 Yr. Olds)X
Children (5-9 Yr. Olds)X
Youth (10-12 Yr. Olds)X
Teens (13-18 Yr. Olds)X
Adults (19+)X
Older Adults (50+)X
Disabled X
Service Characteristics
Public X
Private Non-Profit
Private for Profit
Open to All X
Membership
Residents Only
Year-round X
Seasonal X
*See community garden. **See Renton IKEA
Performing Arts Center, joint with School District.
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
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Adaptive Recreation
Specialized programs for individuals with developmental and physical disabilities that
promote social engagement, physical activity, and life enrichment. Examples include
Special Olympics sports, pickleball club, Club Thursdays, art and enrichment classes,
field trips, and day programs.
Aquatics
Aquatic services include operations at Henry Moses Aquatic Center, equipment
management, seasonal staffing, and guest services. Program offerings include:
• swim lessons
• water fitness
• lap and open swim
• lifeguard training
• water walking
• summer camps and movie nights
• free life jacket distribution
• annual Pooch Plunge
Public lifeguarding has also been offered at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park and
Kennydale Beach Park in previous years.
Community Volunteer Program
Project-based volunteer opportunities are initiated by residents, partner organizations,
and regional companies. Annual projects include Arbor Earth Day, habitat restoration,
park clean-ups, Eagle Scout projects, and corporate volunteer days that support a
clean, safe, and welcoming city.
Culture, Arts, Health, and Wellness Programs
Skill-building and enrichment programs including dance, theatre, art, music, fitness,
civic engagement, and wellness workshops designed to promote lifelong learning and
support community well-being.
Community Events
City-hosted, partnered, and permitted events providing accessible community
experiences and economic and cultural activation. Events include:
• Polar Bear Double Dip
• Winter Family Dance
• Community Garage Sale
• Safety Fest
• Summer Concert Series
• Neighborhood BBQs
• Family Fun Events
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• Renton River Days
• Truck or Treat
• Holiday Bazaar
• Clam Lights
• K9 Candy Cane Fun Run
Educational programs connecting the public with local natural resources and
ecosystems such as the Cedar River, salmon habitat, open spaces, and neighborhood
natural areas. The program includes tours, lectures, stewardship activities, and
conservation-themed youth and family programs.
Renton Farmers Market
A seasonal market that activates Downtown Renton, supports small and emerging
businesses, and increases access to locally grown food. Amenities include live music,
Kids Patch, ready-to-eat foods, and City outreach opportunities.
Rentals and Leases
Management of public rentals for rooms is supported by the Facilities division,
gymnasiums, athletic fields, picnic shelters, and event spaces are managed by the
Recreation division. The Facilities division also oversees leases of City-owned
recreation and cultural facilities—including Carco Theatre, Renton Rowing Center, and
nonprofit-operated sites—which expand service offerings and regional partnerships.
Recreational Sports and Leagues
Instructional and recreational sports programs for youth and adults including baseball,
basketball, softball, volleyball, gymnastics, tennis, pickleball, martial arts, cheerleading,
aquatics, and open gym opportunities. The City also contracts with private sports
providers to broaden available options.
Camps
Seasonal camps during summer and school breaks, delivered directly by City staff and
through contracted providers offering specialized themes and curriculum.
Social and Supportive Services
Through contracted services located at recreation facilities, residents access health
services, senior nutrition, transportation, legal assistance, tax preparation, dental and
foot care, and community education programs.
Neighborhood Program
The primary liaison between recognized neighborhood associations and City
government. The program supports neighborhood leadership, communication, identity,
localized engagement, and resident connections to City services.
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Program Portfolio Summary
The Recreation Division is the largest public provider of recreation programs in Renton
and delivers services across the full spectrum of age groups, interests, and abilities. The
program portfolio includes:
• youth, teen, adult, and older-adult programming
• adaptive recreation
• fitness, aquatics, and sports
• camps and outdoor programs
• arts, culture, and enrichment
• community events and environmental education
• volunteer opportunities and neighborhood engagement
• social-support programs in partnership with health and service providers
Program inventory tables and participation data are available in Exhibit 2-23 through
Exhibit 2-26.
Role in the Parks and Recreation System
The Recreation Division is a core operational component of the City’s parks and
recreation system. Through its programming, facility management, workforce
development role, partnerships, volunteer programs, community events, and customer-
facing operations, the division strengthens community health, activates public spaces,
enhances economic and social vitality, and supports the City’s long-term livability and
service delivery goals.
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Exhibit 2-24: 2019-2024 Recreation Registrations
*Senior programs were part of adult programs in the registration system, until 2022.
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
Exhibit 2-25: Registrations by Community Center
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
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Exhibit 2-26: Aquatic Programs Registrations
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
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Other Providers
The City of Renton also expands community access to recreation, education, and
wellness through partnerships with nonprofit organizations, some that operate out of
City-owned recreational facilities, and others like King County Library System and the
Renton School. While complementary to City services, these providers have distinct
missions, delivery models, and funding structures, and therefore contribute unique
offerings to Renton’s overall recreation ecosystem. Their presence allows the city to
broaden programming reach, increase service variety, and leverage subject-matter
expertise that aligns with community needs.
Renton School District
The Renton School District provides indoor and outdoor facilities that support
recreation as well as education. The District provides athletic facilities and programs to
its students. Additional indoor pools are owned and operated at two area high schools
and are programmed by the school district.
There is a formal partnership between the City of Renton and Renton School District
through an interlocal agreement, which enables more flexible and efficient use of
resources and expands recreational opportunities. Partnerships and public use include:
The Renton School District partners with the City of Renton to use the Renton
IKEA Performing Arts Center.
Renton School District athletic fields are available for public rentals after hours
provided the activities do not interfere with education of students.
Renton School District elementary schools each have a playground that is
generally available outside of school hours. The City and School District also
partnered with the inclusive playground area at the Meadow Crest Playground
in the Highlands.
Family First Community Center
The Family First Community Center is a City-owned facility located adjacent to
Cascade Elementary School and leased to a nonprofit operator in partnership with the
Renton School District and HealthPoint. The center delivers programming that
supports recreation, education, health, wellness, and cultural enrichment for the
Benson Hill and Cascade Community Planning Areas home to nearly one-quarter of
Renton’s population, including a higher-than-average proportion of households below
the poverty level.
Programs serve toddlers through older adults and include sports, fitness, music, dance,
arts and crafts, tutoring, language programs, health navigation, and other community-
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driven services. The model integrates recreation with wellness and social services that
complement the City’s own program offerings.
Renton Rowing Center
The Renton Rowing Center operates from a City-owned waterfront recreational facility
under a long-term lease to a nonprofit rowing organization. The Center provides youth
and adult rowing classes, seasonal camps, novice-to-advanced instruction, and
membership-based competitive programming. Seasonal kayak rentals are also available
to the general public.
The nonprofit operating model allows for specialized training, regional participation,
and water-sport opportunities that extend beyond the scope of City-led recreational
programming.
Renton Sailing Club at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
The Renton Sailing Club operates its instructional and sailing programs from City-
owned park space at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park through a long-standing lease.
The Club provides sailing instruction, youth and adult lessons, community sailing
opportunities, safety training, and hosted events.
While the City maintains responsibility for park operations and infrastructure, the Club
contributes a specialized recreation opportunity that enhances waterfront activation
and complements other aquatic offerings.
Bezos Academy at North Highlands Neighborhood Center
The North Highlands Neighborhood Center is a City-owned recreational building that is
leased to Bezos Academy, a nonprofit provider of free, full-day, Montessori-inspired
early learning. The academy offers tuition-free programming to families regardless of
income and increases access to early childhood education within the Highlands
Planning Area.
Although distinct from traditional recreation programs, its presence strengthens
community well-being, supports working families, and reinforces public use of a long-
standing community facility.
King County Library System
The Renton Parks and Recreation Department and Renton School District help to
facilitate the summer meals program at King County Library System events in Renton
Parks. In 2025, the program served infants, children, and teens at four park locations
throughout the summer in addition to other locations, including Heritage Park, Kiwanis
Park, Liberty Park, and Sunset Neighborhood Park.
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3.COMMUNITY NEEDS AND
ENGAGEMENT
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This chapter provides a community parks needs assessment that incorporates
community engagement, trends, gaps, and recreation needs to ensure Renton’s parks,
recreation, and open space system addresses resident needs and adds adequate
capacity as the population grows.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The City of Renton developed an engagement plan and strategy designed to:
Set the Vision & Guide the Planning Effort
Hear Community Needs about Park Qualities
Identify Park System Gaps and Priorities
Between March and September 2025 Renton Parks and Recreation went to the
community at over 30 events and meetings, as well as online activities, highlighted
below.
WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA
Renton Parks and Recreation established a webpage at Your Voice Renton
(https://yourvoice.rentonwa.gov/pros), which was regularly updated with activities and
content. From March 26 to September 1, 2025, there were over 4,100page views.
Messages on Renton’s “This Week in Renton” weekly newsletter and email blasts were
timed to share information about engagement opportunities and calls to take surveys.
Social Media themes included:
“Shaping Renton’s Parks Together”
“Your Voice, Your Renton Parks”
“Why Renton Parks Matter”
“We’re Making Progress, Renton!”
OUTREACH EVENTS AND GROUPS
The City of Renton engaged the community through more than 30 events, ranging
from hosted gatherings to participation in existing celebrations. These efforts created
opportunities to hear concerns, ideas, and priorities for improving Renton’s parks,
recreation, and open space system. Highlights included outreach at major events like
Renton River Days; targeted engagement with skateboarders, skate park users, and
teenagers; and pop-up activities tied to the Summer Meals program in local parks.
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Additional outreach occurred at neighborhood barbecues hosted by the Renton
Neighborhood Program, the Renton Farmers Market, and in South Renton, where
recently annexed neighborhoods have fewer park assets. In South Renton, efforts
included connecting with families at the Family First Center, engaging with students
and families at Benson Hill Elementary’s end-of-year celebration, and engaging
Punjabi-speaking community members. See Exhibit 3-1. Additional photos of
engagement events and results are included in Appendix A. Engagement Results.
SURVEYS
Surveys allow community members to respond in their own time rather than in-person
events. Renton offered a community-wide online survey about many parks and
recreation topics and an interactive map to rate park and trail qualities. A separate
survey specific to the skateboarding community was also developed and shared.
Additional input was collected from city staff as well as participants in a Teen Parks and
Recreation Internship. Finally, a statistically valid survey conducted for the City’s
administration included questions on parks and recreation services. Each is addressed
below.
PROS PLAN COMMUNITY SURVEY
The City widely advertised a survey about the Renton PROS Plan update asking about
current use of parks and trails, park and recreation needs, and priorities. A full summary
is included in Appendix A. Engagement Results. Highlights are shared below.
Who Responded
573 people responded to the survey from a wide range of geographic areas in the city.
See Exhibit 3-2.
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Exhibit 3-1: Highlighted Engagement Activities and Community Priorities
PUNJABI ENGAGEMENT –
TEASDALE PARK
Emphasis on community’s cultural and
spiritual connection to nature.
Ideas for parks include: gardens, nature
viewing, shaded spaces for gathering.
RENTON RIVER DAYS
Top priorities: Water access, Trails and
walking paths, Sports fields and courts,
Dog parks and off-leash areas, Nature
spaces and tree planting
FUTURE OF SKATING
Top priorities: Build a skate park under
freeway for year-round use.
Improve Liberty Park Skate Park.
Add skate features in the Highlands.
YOUTH PARKS and
RECREATION INTERNSHIP
Parks and program ideas include:
Build a park focused on teens.
More Teen Nights
FAMILY FIRST CENTER
Top priorities: swimming, play, sports,
trails
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Exhibit 3-2: Resident responses by Community Planning Area
Source: BERK, 2025; Survey Monkey 2025.
The PROS Plan Community Survey was offered in English, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese,
and Vietnamese. Nearly all who responded identified English as their preferred
language. However, survey respondents were similar in racial and ethnic profiles of the
city as a whole. Slightly less than half of survey respondents (45%) selected only
“white” in their selection of applicable racial and ethnic identities, which reflects city-
wide estimates of the White alone population (41%). Other most common racial
identities of survey respondents include East Asian (12%), Hispanic and Latino (8%),
and two or more races (9%).
Most were homeowners (79%). Survey respondents reflect a diversity of household
types, with households With Children comprising 43% of the survey response pool,
With Seniors at 20%, Adults only at 31% and Both Children and Seniors at 7%.
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Key takeaways in the PROS Plan Community Survey:
About 573 persons took the survey over the spring and summer months of
2025.
Survey respondents are fairly diverse like the city in terms of household types
and race/ethnicity but tend to be homeowners and frequent visitors to Renton
parks.
Parks most visited include Gene Coulon, Cedar River Trail Park, Liberty Park,
Cedar River Park, and Kiwanis Park. Usage matches data collected citywide at
all parks.
Activities at parks tend to be individual trail use and social activities with
playgrounds, picnics, and community events more than field sports. Aquatic
sports and sport court use are moderately common.
Safety and security and availability of restrooms are barriers to park use and
addressing these concerns would improve their experience.
In terms of priorities for spending, improving trail access, creating new parks,
and improving sport courts and playgrounds are more highly desired
investments. These were more highly prioritized than improving bathrooms that
was a concern under barriers to park use.
Park System Use
Most respondents use the park system followed by the trail system. The data shows
that all household types use all of Renton’s parks, recreation, and open space offerings,
with adult-only households being slightly more likely to use Renton’s trail system, and
households with Seniors and Children being more likely to use the aquatic center, the
golf course, recreation programs, and Renton’s community and neighborhood centers.
Fewer use special use sites like the golf course or museum. See Exhibit 3-3.
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 3-6
Exhibit 3-3: Renton’s Parks and Recreation Use by Household Type
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 3-7
Survey details in Appendix A. Engagement Results show that the most visited parks in
the system include:
Gene Coulon Memorial
Park
Cedar River Trail Park
Liberty Park
Cedar River Park
Kiwanis Park
Survey respondents represent high-frequency users, with 85% reporting that they use
Renton’s PROS system at least once per week. Most drive to parks but also often walk.
The survey included questions about what activities respondents enjoy in Renton’s
parks. Walking, jogging, running, or trail use was the most common response with 376
responses. The most common water-focused activities are swimming and/or water-
play. The question also provided response options for the use of athletic fields and
sports courts, with courts more widely used than fields. See Exhibit 3-4 and Exhibit 3-5.
Exhibit 3-4: Activities respondents enjoy in Renton’s Parks
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
Survey respondents and actual usage data are
similar
There is similarity in the top parks visited and the
park usage data below from Placer.ai highlighted
in the Trends section below.
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 3-8
Exhibit 3-5: Fields and courts enjoyed by respondents
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
Barriers and Improving Experience
The City of Renton is interested in understanding the barriers community members
face in accessing its PROS offerings, as well as how the City could increase community
member utilization of its PROS offerings. The most common response was “Some of
the activities other people are doing in the park make me feel unsafe”, selected by 175
respondents (35% of respondents). Notably, the option “There is nothing about the
parks preventing me from using them” had 134 respondents, or 27% of respondents. A
similar proportion (137 responses, 28%) noted the lack of restrooms as preventing
respondents from using parks near their home.
An analysis of responses by residents of different Community Planning Area shows
that barriers vary:
Cedar River, City Center, Valley, West Hill, East Plateau, Highlands: Some of the
activities other people are doing in the park make me feel unsafe.
Benson, Highlands, Kennydale: There is a lack of parking.
Benson, Cedar River, City Center, Talbot, West Hill: The parks do not have a
restroom.
See Exhibit 3-6.
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Exhibit 3-6: Barriers by Community Planning Area
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
PROS Plan | January 2026
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In response to what improvements would most enhance your experience at Renton
parks, survey responses showed “Better maintenance of existing facilities”was
ranked “Important” or higher than all other available options (84%). The other
categories ranked highest in importance include: More open restrooms, upgraded
park amenities, and improved security. See Exhibit 3-7.
Exhibit 3-7: Improvements that would most enhance respondents' experience at Renton
parks
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
Investment Priorities
In terms of priorities respondents could spend $0 to $100 across categories of
improvements. Four hundred thirteen (413) respondents to the prompt distributed the
$100 across the available categories. Respondents' budget allocations favor improving
trail access and conditions ($5,955) as well as creating new parks in neighborhoods
that do not have any ($5,925). The high average budget scores for Improving sports
courts ($26.96) and Improving athletic fields ($25.45) are driven by a handful of
respondents who put all $100 of their budget into those categories. See Exhibit 3-8.
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 3-11
Exhibit 3-8: Preferred allocation of a $100 improvement budget
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
RATE YOUR PARKS
To better understand how residents experience Renton’s parks and recreation spaces,
the City invited the community to evaluate the visual appeal, safety, condition, and
cultural relevance of its parks. Through an interactive map and surveys, Renton Parks
and Recreation asked community members to identify what is working well and where
improvements are needed. Specifically, the community was asked:
Do you think our parks and recreation spaces are visually appealing?
What improvements would most enhance your experience?
Where can we improve the condition of our equipment, paths, trails and
signage, fields or courts, landscaping, accessibility, and more?
Are there specific areas in parks that feel unsafe or need better
lighting/signage?
Are there opportunities to enhance community’s culture, history, and
connection?
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 3-12
Key takeaways of the various park rating efforts include:
Maintenance and Security: Strong desire to see improved maintenance and
repair, cleanliness, and safety/security.
Access: Focus on access to and from parks, accessibility onsite, water access,
multimodal improvements, and bike and pedestrian trails.
Facility Improvements: Upgrade of fields (e.g., turf) and courts and waterfront
facilities (boathouse, docks).
Most of the comments were applied to parks that see the greatest amount of
usage.
Through an interactive map tool
participants could drop pins with
comments about:
Park accessibility
Condition of equipment,
paths, and signage
Condition of fields or courts
Cleanliness
Condition of landscaping
Other
Between March 27 and September
4, 2025, 586 comments were
pinned. They often selected “park
accessibility” as a specific
comment theme except for “other.”
See Exhibit 3-9 and Exhibit 3-10.
Exhibit 3-9: Interactive Map Tool Results
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
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P a g e | 3-13
Exhibit 3-10: Park Quality Comment Pins – Comment Themes
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
All open-ended comments were reviewed for common sentiments and a number of
comments addressed improvement of parks and buildings, access to places and
accessibility onsite, security and sense of safety (primarily regarding encampments
and homeless, as well as physical safety at crossings). A number of comments
highlighted where there are needs for improved trails, road cross sections for all
modes, and others. See Exhibit 3-11.
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 3-14
Exhibit 3-11: Park Quality Comment Pins Comment Tags Under All Themes and Under
“Other”
Comment Tags All Themes:
Count
Comment Tags Other:
Count
Improvement of parks and
buildings
60 Multimodal travel 21
Access / accessibility 53 Recreation program
Improvement
18
Security / Sense of safety 51 More trees 12
Data (map) improvement 41 Aquatics needs 11
Multimodal travel 38 Improvement of parks and
buildings
10
More maintenance, cleaning,
repair
34 More waterfront access 9
Bike/Ped Trails 54 More pickleball 9
More trees 22 Security / Sense of safety 9
Recreation program
improvement
21 More / improved play areas 8
Turf fields 21 More maintenance 8
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025
The top parks with comments are also those that have the most usage. See Exhibit 3-12.
Exhibit 3-12: Top 10 Parks with Comments
Park Comment Count Top Issues
Cedar River Park 71 Recreation program improvement, youth
program improvement, aquatics needs
Gene Coulon Memorial Park 37 More lifeguards, more parking/better
location
Cedar River Trail Park Lake to Logan 34 More waterfront access, improve
Liberty Park 30 Park improvements, skate park
improvement
PROS Plan | January 2026
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Park Comment Count Top Issues
Philip Arnold Park 26 More pickleball, restroom improvement
Cedar River Trail -South 22 Cleanliness, garbage, accessibility, trails
Cedar River Trail -Logan to Library 17 Parks and buildings improvement,
especially boathouse
Ron Regis Park 15 More turf fields, opportunities for rugby
and soccer
Sunset Neighborhood Park 15 Shade, trees, proper function of splash
pad, parking
Tiffany Park 15 More trees, more pickleball
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
More details regarding parks and trail-related comments is provided in Appendix A
Engagement Results.
Additional Park Ratings and Feedback
Teen Parks and Recreation Internship Academy
As part of a Teen Internship Academy developed by the Neighborhood Program
(shared under Outreach Events and Groups), teens signed up to be park quality raters
and reviewed several parks.
They visited Gene Coulon Memorial Park, Liberty Park, Cedar River Trail, Tiffany, and
Cascade. They found play areas were crowded (Liberty, Gene Coulon). The cleanliness
was adequate. Court conditions were not rated as good. They desired more parks,
allowance for dogs (Gene Coulon), bigger playground (Tiffany), and better access by
transit (Gene Coulon, Tiffany).
Community Park Quality Survey
A park quality survey was also available in Survey Monkey, with 20 respondents
providing specific feedback on particular parks including Burnett Linear Park, Cedar
River Dog Park, Cedar River Trail Park, Gene Coulon Memorial Park, Glencoe Park,
Highlands Park, Liberty Park, Maplewood Park, Philip Arnold Park, and Sunset
Neighborhood Park. Areas that appeared crowded included playgrounds (Highlands)
and parking (Sunset). Concerns included accessibility (Burnett, Dog Park, Highlands),
cleanliness (Dog Park), condition of equipment/paths (Burnett, Dog Park, Liberty,
Sunset Splash Pad), and courts (Maplewood).
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 3-16
Staff Survey
Renton Parks and Recreation staff are deeply committed to the department’s mission
to “provide exceptional parks and recreational opportunities that enrich the health,
wellness, and quality of life for all Renton residents.” As the frontline teams who
maintain parks, prepare athletic fields, operate recreation facilities, activate community
events, oversee customer service, and support daily operations, their perspectives
offer a direct understanding of how the system functions on the ground.
Most Pressing Issues Facing Parks and Recreation System
To inform the PROS Plan, the project team asked these frontline employees: “What do
you see as the most pressing issues facing the Renton Parks and Recreation system
today?” Forty-seven staff responded. Their insights closely aligned with themes
identified by the community and reflect both deep pride in their work and a clear
understanding of emerging system needs.
Staff comments highlighted opportunities to improve operational efficiency,
modernize aging assets, and strengthen the foundation needed to support a growing
and increasingly complex system. Key themes included:
Ensuring parks and facilities remain clean, safe, welcoming, and accessible,
including reliable restroom access.
Addressing aging buildings, dated equipment, and deferred maintenance that
limit program capacity and service quality.
Increasing staffing and resourcing to match the scale of community
expectations.
Enhancing safety through visible presence and updated infrastructure.
Improving athletic field drainage, turf quality, and usability.
Expanding the use of technology to streamline communication, maintenance
workflow, customer experience, and asset management.
Representative comments include:
“Deferred maintenance and updates to reflect changing community needs.”
“Keeping the parks clean, safe, and accessible with open and working
bathrooms.”
“Keeping RCC updated and ensuring it remains a central programming hub.”
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 3-17
“Greater visible security in parks and facilities.”
“Old/dated buildings and equipment.”
“Swampy fields.”
Management Response & Organizational Alignment
This feedback was provided by frontline team members reflecting the operational
perspective of those who directly steward Renton’s parks, facilities, and recreation
programs. Their insights reaffirm that sustaining a high-quality parks system requires
parallel investment in:
Employees – ensuring staff input continues to inform decision-making,
operational planning, and resource allocation.
Technology – modernizing communication tools, maintenance systems,
customer service platforms, and facility operations.
Operational Infrastructure – updating internal processes and organizational
tools to match the quality and expectations of the physical park system.
Management acknowledges these themes and recognizes that modernizing operations
is essential to fully realizing the potential of an updated and high-performing park
system. As the community seeks improved fields, safer parks, accessible amenities, and
diverse recreation opportunities, the internal systems that support these outcomes
must evolve alongside them.
Community Needs Identified by Staff
Staff were also asked: “What do you think community members want or need in the
Renton Parks and Recreation system?” Their responses closely mirrored community
survey results.
Examples of staff perspectives include:
More pickleball courts, dog parks, bird-watching areas, and community gardens.
Additional amenities such as benches, tables, grills, and activity space.
Higher-quality, more accessible athletic fields.
Safer, better lit, and more connected trail systems.
A desire for fewer encampments and improved safety in parks.
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P a g e | 3-18
Summary
Feedback from frontline employees and the community largely converges,
emphasizing shared priorities around safety, modernization, reinvestment in aging
assets, and improving user experience. The PROS Plan integrates these insights to
guide resource allocation, operational updates, and capital planning. This alignment
positions Renton to invest not only in parks and facilities, but also in the people and
systems that sustain them.
SKATEBOARDING SURVEY
City staff shared an online survey to gather input specifically on the skate park and
skateboarding in Renton. 53 respondents participated throughout summer 2025. There
was strong interest in creation of an official skate park under I-405, providing more
citywide skating opportunities and culture, and expanding current formal and informal
facilities like Liberty Park. Some respondents saw crime as a threat to safety and
skating culture in Renton and others mentioned that they would like to see more skate
park lighting later into nighttime hours.
COMMUNITY STATISTICALLY VALID SURVEY
A citywide survey conducted every two years to hear input on a full gamut of city
services included questions about parks and recreation. The survey was conducted in
mid-2025 and had 576 participants. The survey is statistically valid. Findings and
takeaways include:
Satisfaction
Six in 10 residents give high marks to City parks and outdoor recreation
opportunities and a similar number feel their tax dollars are being used
responsibly regarding Parks and Recreation maintenance and services.
Renton’s special events remain a valued part of civic life with three-quarters
feeling these events build sense of community, highlight Renton’s diversity, and
are a good use of public resources.
Most important priorities:
Safety and Security: Safety along trails is an area of improvement
Walkability: Higher priority for residents under 55, homeowners, and middle-to-
high income households
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 3-19
Other key findings:
Attendance to special events varies by race, with Hispanic/Latino being the
lowest at 7%, and the highest being Asian at 29%, with women attending more
frequently than men overall.
Renton’s most popular activities center around getting outside, such as to a
park, hiking, or attending the Farmer’s Market.
KEY ENGAGEMENT FINDINGS
A summary of engagement activities and findings are shared on the following pages
and are woven into plan recommendations in Chapters 5 and 6.
COMMISSIONS AND COUNCIL
In Summer 2025, Renton Parks and Recreation shared the PROS Plan update process
and engagement opportunities with:
City Council Community Services Committee
Senior Advisory Board
Parks Commission
Equity Commission
Prior to adoption, the Draft PROS Plan was shared with:
Parks Commission
Equity Commission
Planning Commission for review and a hearing
City Council Planning and Development Committee
City Council Committee of the Whole
City Council for consideration and adoption
The plan must be adopted by the Renton City Council and transmitted to RCO before
March 1, 2026, per RCO guidance.
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PROS Plan | January 2026
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PROS Plan | January 2026
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TRENDS
PARK USAGE
Renton parks see varying levels of usage. Foot traffic data shows that Gene Coulon
Memorial Beach Park gets far more visitors than any other park: 43% of all Renton park
visits in 2024 were visits to Gene Coulon (Exhibit 3-13). Liberty Park, Maplewood Golf
Course, Kiwanis Park, and Cedar River Trail Park were the next most visited, with more
than 100,000 visits each in 2024.
Exhibit 3-13: 2024 Park Visits (Top 10 Parks)
Park Number of Visits % of All Park Visits
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach
Park 1,103,326 43%
Liberty Park 178,099 7%
Maplewood Golf Course 155,088 6%
Kiwanis Park 124,301 5%
Cedar River Trail Park 115,862 4%
Renton Community Center 90,803 4%
Philip Arnold Park 74,115 3%
Highlands Park 65,943 3%
Ron Regis Park 62,778 2%
Heritage Park 48,454 2%
Total Park Visits (All Parks)2,582,871
Source: Placer AI, 2024; City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
Annual park visits have changed over time. In 2019, there were 2.3 million visits to
Renton parks, dropping to 1.8 million visits in 2020 at the time of the coronavirus
pandemic, a reduction of 23% (Exhibit 3-14). The number of visits has since recovered
and surpassed 2019’s numbers, at 2.6 million visits in 2024 (Exhibit 3-15).
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 3-23
Parks with major increases in visits from 2023 to 2024 include Kiwanis Park and Philip
Arnold Park, both of which reopened in 2023 after major renovations. Both parks also
see far more visitors as of 2024 than they did pre-renovation.
Exhibit 3-14: Number of Annual Park Visits (2018-2024, greater than 10 minutes)
Source: Placer AI, 2024; City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
Exhibit 3-15: Change in Annual Park Visits from Previous Year (2019-2024)
Source: Placer AI, 2024; City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 3-24
COMPARISON TO OTHER CITIES
Benchmarking compares Renton’s park system to national and local agencies that are
similar in size to assess Renton’s performance. Kent is a larger community abutting
Renton with similar funding challenges for parks. Bellevue and Tacoma (Parks Tacoma)
are also large communities with accredited park systems and greater funding for their
systems.
In terms of total acres, the City’s level per 1,000 population is similar to the National
Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) median for all park systems. However,
excluding natural areas and undeveloped lands, the City’s acres per 1,000 is less than
those of peer communities including Kent, Bellevue, and Tacoma. See Exhibit 3-16.
Based on the number of active or developed parks (excluding natural area parks), the
population served per park is similar to the national median and to Bellevue and Kent.
Parks Tacoma serves more people per park than other examples. See Exhibit 3-17.
Exhibit 3-16: Park Acres per 1,000 Population 2025 (excluding natural areas and
undeveloped lands)
Source: OFM, 2024; NRPA, 2024; City of Renton, 2024; BERK, 2025.
17.7
12.7
7.7
12.2
10.6 11.3
8.7
6.6
4.7
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
12.0
14.0
16.0
18.0
20.0
Bellevue Parks Tacoma Kent Renton NRPA Median
Acres per 1000 Population
Parks Acres Park Acres Developed
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 3-25
Exhibit 3-17: Population Served per Park 2025 (excluding natural areas and undeveloped
lands)
Source: OFM, 2024; NRPA, 2024; City of Renton, 2024; BERK, 2025.
Renton serves more population per playground compared to peer communities. This
could mean greater demand for playgrounds in Renton. See Exhibit 3-18.
Exhibit 3-18: Population Served per Playground 2025
Source: OFM, 2024; NRPA, 2024; City of Renton, 2024; BERK, 2025.
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 3-26
Renton serves more people per rectangular field (e.g., soccer and cricket) compared to
the national median and most peer cities. There could be more demand in Renton for
this. Diamond field provision (e.g., baseball/softball) is similar to other communities, but
slightly more people served than the NRPA. While Renton has a variety of sports fields,
they may not be of the highest quality in terms of condition. Pickleball court provision
is at a better than median level since more were added at Talbot Hill Reservoir Park and
Liberty Park in 2025. See Exhibit 3-19.
Exhibit 3-19: Population Served per Field & Court 2025
Source: OFM, 2024; NRPA, 2024; City of Renton, 2024; BERK, 2025.
Regardless of park classification, more people are served per park in the Benson, East
Plateau, Highlands, and West Hill planning areas. See Exhibit 3-20. There is a higher
demand for playgrounds in Benson and Talbot. See Exhibit 3-21.
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 3-27
Exhibit 3-20: Population 2024 Served by Community Planning Areas
Developed Parks, all but Natural Area Parks; Full Service - Neighborhood, Community, Regional Parks
Source: OFM, 2024; NRPA, 2024; City of Renton, 2024; BERK, 2025.
Exhibit 3-21: Residents 2024 per Playground
Source: OFM, 2024; NRPA, 2024; City of Renton, 2024; BERK, 2025.
Special uses can also be benchmarked to communities of similar size. Renton serves
more people per Community Center, Community Garden, Skate Park, and Off-Leash
Dog Park than the NRPA median or than accredited peer communities but has similar
results as Kent. See Exhibit 3-22.
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 3-28
Exhibit 3-22: Special Use Benchmarking
Source: OFM, 2024; NRPA, 2024; City of Renton, 2024; BERK, 2025.
Parks and Recreation staff address pressing needs in the parks system regarding
maintenance, repair, safety, and the needs of a growing community. Compared to the
NRPA median and accredited peer communities like Bellevue and Parks Tacoma, the
City of Renton has fewer Full-time Equivalents (FTEs). See Exhibit 3-23.
Exhibit 3-23: Comparison of Peer Communities – Full-time Equivalents per 10,000 Residents
Source: NRPA, 2024; BERK, 2025.
For additional evaluation of maintenance levels of care and staffing, please see Chapter
5 Standards and Strategies.
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 3-29
RECREATION TRENDS
Findings from national, state, and county sources provide context on recreation trends:
Recreation Magazine publishes a survey report every few years on national
recreation trends.
The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Plan includes a survey of
state residents on recreation needs, including results at the county level.
The 2019 State of Play: Seattle-King County Report examined county-level
needs for youth physical activity.
Exhibit 3-24 describes key findings from these sources and Exhibit 3-25 summarizes
overarching themes. Facilities trends include family activities, sports and fitness,
gathering spaces, special use facilities, access to green space, walking and biking, and
water access, as well as support facilities like restrooms. Programming for
environmental education and stewardship, sports and fitness, youth programs, and
mind-body balance has been a trend, as well as a focus on program accessibility and
community events.
Exhibit 3-24: Trend Sources
Source Geography Key Findings
Recreation
Magazine
National Emphasis on facilities and programs for learning, gathering,
staying active, connecting to the natural environment, and
supporting mental health
Ongoing demand for support facilities like restrooms
Washington State
Recreation and
Conservation
Plan
State and
County Desire for more trails, swimming areas and water access,
cultural activities, wildlife and birdwatching areas, leisure
activities, athletics facilities, and outdoor adventure sports
Need for more opportunities nearby, better facilities, and
better neighborhood access
State of Play:
Seattle-King
County
County Most youth do not meet recommended physical activity
guidelines
Girls, teens, and youth who do not speak English at home
are less likely to be physically active
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 3-30
Source Geography Key Findings
South King County has poor transit access to parks and
fewer playfields and parks
Need for more fields, facilities, and transportation options
Source: Recreation Magazine, 2024; Washington State Recreation and Conservation Plan, 2023; Aspen Institute,
2019; BERK, 2025.
Exhibit 3-25: Trend Themes
Need National State County
Facilities
Family activities
(ex. playgrounds, splash pads)
✓✓✓
Sports and fitness ✓✓✓
Facilities for gathering
(ex. park shelters)
✓✓✓
Special use facilities
(ex. dog parks, community gardens)
✓✓✓
Natural parks and green space ✓ ✓✓
Walking/biking facilities ✓ ✓ ✓
Water access ✓ ✓✓
Restrooms and support facilities ✓✓✓
Programs
Environmental education / stewardship ✓✓✓
Fitness/sports ✓✓✓
Mind-body balance ✓
Youth programs ✓✓✓
Accessible programming ✓✓
Community events ✓✓✓
Source: Recreation Magazine, 2024; Washington State Recreation and Conservation Plan, 2023; Aspen Institute,
2019; BERK, 2025.
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P a g e | 3-31
GAPS IN THE SYSTEM
While Renton has parks distributed throughout the city, some Community Planning
Areas have better park access than others. Gaps in the system are based on physical
proximity to parks and the quality of those parks. Some areas also may have greater
need based on population density and health and social characteristics. A series of
indices help point to where investment is needed in the form of park improvements,
new amenities, and new parks.
PARK QUALITY AND ACCESS
Park quality and park access are two factors that make up a broader Access Index.
Quality considers the condition of parks as well as how “complete” they are in terms of
amenities, while access considers walking distance to parks. This index helps the City
understand where improvements may be needed to improve residents’ access to parks
and recreation and which Community Planning Areas may need greater investment.
QUALITY
Measuring quality, or “amenity value,’” can help the City understand where new and
improved amenities in existing parks may be most needed. Amenity value is based on
both the condition of existing amenities and the “completeness” of a park.
Condition
Park condition is one component of amenity value. For example, two neighborhoods
could both have sports fields nearby, but if one field is in poor condition and one is in
great condition, the neighborhoods do not have equal access to sports fields. Based on
information collected from park visits, staff input, and community feedback, all
amenities in Renton parks received a score to indicate how well they are performing in
terms of condition. This included features in three categories: recreation amenities,
perceptions of safety, and ADA accessibility (Exhibit 3-26). Amenity scores were then
used to calculate an overall score for each park. Higher scores indicate better
condition.
PROS Plan | January 2026
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Exhibit 3-26: Park Condition Metrics
Category Score
Recreation Amenities
Playgrounds 1: Poor physical condition and
does not meet current
standards.
2: Fair physical condition but
showing signs of age and/or
does not meet current
standards.
3: Good or better physical
condition and meets current
standards and does not show
wear and tear that creates
hazards.
Sports
Courts
1: Court is in poor condition,
with visible cracking or other
damage.
2: Fully usable, but surfaces
and/or equipment show signs
of wear (i.e., faded striping,
minor cracking, or paint
discoloration).
3: Good or better condition
on play surface and related
equipment.
Sport Fields
(Diamond)
1: Poor condition.
1.5: Same as "2" but has dirt
infield, which is considered
less desirable by diamond
sports teams.
2: Fair physical condition, not
quite current standards, turf
infield.
3: Good or better physical
condition and meets current
standards.
Sport Fields
(Rectangular)
1: Poor condition. 2: Fair physical condition but
does not meet current
standards.
3: Good or better physical
condition and meets current
standards.
Sport Fields
(Multi-
purpose)
1: Poor condition. 2: Fair physical condition but
does not meet current
standards.
3: Good or better physical
condition and meets current
standards.
Pathways /
Trails
1: Inadequate access
provided.
2: Pathways provide adequate
access, but with cracking or
other physical damage.
3: Appropriate degree of
pathways provide easy access
to various site areas/features.
Skate Park 1: Poor condition that limits
use.
2: Fair physical condition and
fully usable, although does
not meet current standards.
3: Good or better physical
condition and meets current
standards.
Perceptions of Safety
Clear
Sightlines
1: Sightlines are blocked and
make site feel less safe.
2: Fair visual access, although
some areas can feel isolated
or visually obstructed.
3: Good or better visual
access across key portions of
site that support heightened
sense of safety.
Signage 1: Poor physical condition
and/or lack of signage that
makes site feel less safe.
2: Fair distribution and quality
that denotes entrances and
the like, but not more than
that.
3: Good or better physical
conditions, quantities, and
placements that effectively
orient visitors and enhance
sense of safety.
PROS Plan | January 2026
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Category Score
Natural Areas 1: Degraded and/or overgrown
conditions that diminish a
sense of safety.
2: Adequate conditions,
access, and sightlines.
3: Excellent condition with
good access and sightlines.
Parking
Areas
1: Poor condition and/or sense
of safety with extensive
damage.
2: Adequate physical
condition and a moderate
sense of safety, although
show signs of wear (i.e., burnt
out lights, asphalt cracking,
paint damage, vandalism, poor
vegetation maintenance, etc.).
3: Good or better physical
condition with a strong sense
of safety due to design,
lighting, siting, and adjacent
programming.
Lighting
(Field)
No: No lighting is present Yes: Lighting is present for at
least some of the ballfields,
allowing for increased field
use and enhancing sense of
safety.
Lighting
(Non-field)
No: No lighting is present Yes: Lighting is present for
some of the non-field areas,
allowing for increased site use
and enhancing sense of
safety
ADA Accessibility
Compliance 1: Key accessibility
infrastructure is missing
and/or in disrepair.
2: Accessibility
accommodations are present
and usable, but they generally
do not meet current
standards (i.e., undersized
ramps, sloped landings).
3: Generally, appears to meet
or exceed current
accessibility standards, with
full access to site features.
Source: City of Renton, 2025; MxM, 2025.
As shown in Exhibit 3-27, some Community Planning Areas have a higher average park
condition score than others. Cedar River, Kennydale, and Valley have lower average
scores, while Talbot and Highlands have higher scores. Other Community Planning
Areas have moderate scores.
Scores for specific parks and amenities are included in Appendix B. Inventory and
Condition Detail.
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Exhibit 3-27: Developed Park Condition by Community Planning Area
Community
Planning Area
Average
Condition
Score
Parks with Higher
Condition Scores
(2.2 or greater)
Parks with Moderate
Condition Scores (1.9
to 2.1)
Parks with Lower
Condition Scores (1.8
or lower)
Benson 1.9 N/A Cascade Park Tiffany Park
Cedar River 1.8 Cedar River Park
Cedar River Trail
- South
Ron Regis Park Cedar River Dog
Park Maplewood
Park
Maplewood
Roadside Park
N.A.R.CO
Property
Riverview Park
City Center 2.1 Burnett Linear
Park
Legacy Square
Park
Philip Arnold
Park
Piazza Park
Senior Activity
Center Property
Veterans
Memorial Park
Cedar River Trail
Extension
Cedar River Trail
Park Lake to
Logan
Gene Coulon
Memorial Park
Liberty Park
Cedar River Trail
- Logan to
Library
Jones Park
Sit-in Park
Tonkin Park
East Plateau N/A N/A N/A N/A
Highlands 2.2 Glencoe Park
Heritage Park
Kiwanis Park
North Highlands
Park
Sunset
Neighborhood
Park
Highlands Park Windsor Hills
Park
Kennydale 1.9 May Creek Trail
Park
N/A Kennydale Beach
Park
Kennydale Lions
Park
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Community
Planning Area
Average
Condition
Score
Parks with Higher
Condition Scores
(2.2 or greater)
Parks with Moderate
Condition Scores (1.9
to 2.1)
Parks with Lower
Condition Scores (1.8
or lower)
Talbot 2.3 Talbot Hill
Reservoir Park
Thomas Teasdale
Park
N/A
Valley 1.2 N/A N/A Springbrook
Trail
West Hill 2.0 N/A N/A
Citywide
average
2.0
Source: City of Renton, 2025; MxM, 2025; BERK, 2025.
As shown in Exhibit 3-28, the average score for each park classification varies, with
Special Use Parks having the highest score on average and Corridors and Natural Area
Parks having the lowest scores on average.
Exhibit 3-28: Park Condition by Classification
Classification Average Condition Score
Neighborhood Park 2.1
Community Park 1.9
Regional Park 2.1
Special Use Park 2.6
Urban Plaza 2.1
Corridor 1.6
Natural Area Park 1.7
Source: City of Renton, 2025; MxM, 2025; BERK, 2025.
Completeness
Park completeness is another aspect of amenity value and refers to whether a park is
developed to meet the minimum standards for its classification. For example, a park
may be classified as a community park but not yet have the amenities that would
typically define a community park. This park would not be considered complete.
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Completeness of each park was determined on a scale of undeveloped to complete:
Undeveloped
1: Partial completion. Does not meet minimum standards for park class.
2: Meets minimum standards. Further implementation of master plan needed.
3: Complete to expected standards and master plan.
Standards for each park classification are described in Chapter 5 Parks, Recreation, and
Natural Areas System Strategies.
Amenity Value
Amenity value takes into consideration a park’s completeness scores and condition
scores. Some Community Planning Areas have higher average amenity values than
others (Exhibit 3-29). For example, Benson, Cedar River, Kennydale, Valley, and West
Hill have lower scores; City Center, Highlands, and Talbot have the highest scores; and
other areas have more moderate scores.
Exhibit 3-29: Developed Park Amenity Value by Community Planning Area
Community
Planning
Area
Average
Amenity
Value
Parks with High
Amenity Value (2.2 or
greater)
Parks with
Moderate
Amenity Value
(1.9 to 2.1)
Parks with Low Amenity
Value (1.8 or lower)
Benson 0.8 N/A N/A Cascade Park
Tiffany Park
Cedar River 1.1 Cedar River Park
Riverview Park
N/A Maplewood Roadside
Park
N.A.R.CO Property
Cedar River Dog Park
Maplewood Park
Cedar River Trail – South
Ron Regis Park
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Community
Planning
Area
Average
Amenity
Value
Parks with High
Amenity Value (2.2 or
greater)
Parks with
Moderate
Amenity Value
(1.9 to 2.1)
Parks with Low Amenity
Value (1.8 or lower)
City Center 1.3 Cedar River Trail
Park – Lake to
Logan
Gene Coulon
Memorial Park
Liberty Park
Philip Arnold Park
N/A Cedar River Trail
Extension
Sit-in Park
Jones Park
Tonkin Park
Cedar River Trail – Logan
to Library
Piazza Park
Veterans Memorial Park
Gateway Park
Burnett Linear Park
Community Garden /
Greenhouse Museum
Senior Activity Center
Property
East Plateau N/A N/A N/A N/A
Highlands 1.9 Heritage Park
North Highlands
Park
Sunset
Neighborhood
Park
Kiwanis Park
Highlands
Park
Glencoe Park Highlands
Park
Windsor Hills Park
Kennydale 1.1 N/A N/A Kennydale Lions Park
Kennydale Beach Park
Talbot 2.3 Talbot Hill
Reservoir Park
N/A Thomas Teasdale Park
Valley 0.3 N/A N/A Springbrook Trail
West Hill 1.0 N/A N/A Earlington Park
Citywide
average
1.1
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
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When reviewed by park classification, regional parks perform the highest, with Gene
Coulon Park as the only regional park (Exhibit 3-30). Urban plazas and natural area parks
score the lowest. Neighborhood parks and community parks also score somewhat low.
Special use parks and corridors score moderately.
Exhibit 3-30: Average Amenity Value by Park Classification
Classification Amenity Value
Neighborhood Park 1.5
Community Park 1.4
Regional Park 3.0
Special Use Park 1.3
Urban Plaza 0.9
Corridor 1.1
Natural Area Park 0.4
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
Findings suggest that, while most Community Planning Areas have access to a range of
parks, many of the parks in Benson, Cedar River, Kennydale, Valley, and West Hill either
have condition issues or are not yet fully developed. More investment is needed to
maximize the usability of existing parks, including upgrades and repairs and the
development of new amenities.
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PARK ACCESS
Measuring park access can help the City understand where new parks may be most
needed, either on existing undeveloped properties, with new acquisitions, or
partnerships, such as with other public agencies. An Access Index score, shown in
Exhibit 3-31, Exhibit 3-32, and Exhibit 3-33, considers the distribution of developed and
undeveloped parks and natural areas, with park condition and amenity value factored
in.
Exhibit 3-31 shows how access differs when only considering developed parks. Exhibit
3-32 shows the same Access Index but includes both developed parks and natural
areas. Exhibit 3-33 also includes undeveloped parks and natural areas. Differences in the
maps show how undeveloped properties could fill gaps in the system if developed.
Gaps would primarily be filled in parts of Talbot, East Plateau, and Kennydale if
undeveloped properties were developed. However, parts of West Hill, Talbot, Benson,
and East Plateau would still show low park access, suggesting these areas may benefit
the most from new park acquisitions or partnerships.
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Exhibit 3-31: Park Access - Developed Parks
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025
Note: The Stoneway property next to Cedar River Park was inventoried after the analysis, but results are expected to be similar.
Access Findings – Developed Parks
Areas with high access:
Cedar River
City Center
Most of Highlands
Areas with low access:
Benson
Talbot
West Hill
East Plateau
South part of Highlands
Kennydale
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Exhibit 3-32: Park Access - Developed Parks and Natural Areas
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025
Note: The Stoneway property next to Cedar River Park was inventoried after the analysis, but results are expected to be similar.
Access Findings – Developed Parks and Natural Areas
Areas with high access:
Cedar River
City Center
Most of Highlands
Areas with low access:
Benson
Talbot
West Hill
East Plateau
South part of Highlands
When developed natural areas are considered in
addition to developed parks, parts of Kennydale,
East Plateau, and Valley show improved access.
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Exhibit 3-33: Park Access - All Parks and Natural Areas
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025
Note: The Stoneway property next to Cedar River Park was inventoried after the analysis, but results are expected to be similar.
Access Findings – All Parks and Natural Areas
Areas with high access:
Cedar River
City Center
Most of Highlands
Areas with low access:
Benson
Talbot
West Hill
East Plateau
South part of Highlands
When undeveloped parks and natural areas are
considered in addition to developed parks and
natural areas, parts of Kennydale and Talbot show
improved access.
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PARK NEED
This PROS Plan evaluates potential investment needs in existing parks or new parks
considering land use and population density, social and health risk, and park quality and
access. Park need maps point to areas of Renton that may need the most park
investment overall based on current and future population density, health and other
disparities, and the quality of and access to existing parks. As described in Chapter 2
Renton Today (Population and Health), the Land Use Index evaluates differences in
current or planned population density and the Social and Health Risk Index shows
disparities in rates of health conditions. See Park Quality and Access above for more
details on the Access Index.
Exhibit 3-34: Park Need Index
The Land Use Index, Social and Health Risk Index, and Access Index were weighted
equally in the development of the Park Need Index.
The Park Need Index (see Exhibit 3-35, Exhibit 3-36, and Exhibit 3-37) indicates that
developing undeveloped properties would have the greatest improvements to access
in Kennydale and Talbot. Areas of high need would still remain in the West Hill, Talbot,
Benson, and East Plateau Community Planning Areas, and in the south part of
Highlands.
Land Use IndexSocial/Health
Risk Index Park Need=Access Index
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Exhibit 3-35: Overall Park Need – Developed Parks
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025
Note: The Stoneway property next to Cedar River Park was inventoried after the analysis, but results are expected to be similar.
Needs – Developed Parks
Areas with high need:
Benson
Talbot
West Hill
South part of Highlands
East Plateau
Areas with low need:
Valley
City Center
Cedar River
Kennydale
Most of Highlands
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Exhibit 3-36: Overall Park Need – Developed Parks and Natural Areas
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025
Note: The Stoneway property next to Cedar River Park was inventoried after the analysis, but results are expected to be similar.
Needs – Developed Parks and Natural Areas
Areas with high need:
Benson
Talbot
West Hill
South part of Highlands
East Plateau
Areas with low need:
Valley
City Center
Cedar River
Most of Highlands
Kennydale
When developed natural areas are considered in
addition to developed parks, parts of Kennydale
and Valley show lower need.
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Exhibit 3-37: Overall Park Need – All Parks and Natural Areas
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025
Note: The Stoneway property next to Cedar River Park was inventoried after the analysis, but results are expected to be similar.
Needs – All Parks and Natural Areas
Areas with high need:
Benson
Talbot
West Hill
East Plateau
South part of Highlands
Areas with low need:
Valley
City Center
Cedar River
Most of Highlands
Most of Kennydale
When undeveloped parks and natural areas are
considered in addition to developed parks and
natural areas, parts of East Plateau and Talbot
show lower need.
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Where there are gaps, some opportunities to increase park access include:
Trail or linear park development on utility corridors
Use of road ends for access to water bodies
Developing natural areas with thoughtful and context-sensitive features, such
as trails
Partnerships with other governments or agencies like King County
Partnership with Renton School District updated to include use of school
grounds during after-school hours, expanding upon existing interlocal
agreement
The map below (Exhibit 3-38) shows a number of possible sites that could provide
opportunities following more detailed review.
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Exhibit 3-38. Utility Corridors, Schools, Government, and Vacant Lands
Source: King County GIS; City of Renton GIS; BERK, 2025.
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EXISTING FACILITY DEMAND
For some of the City’s park facilities, there is already more demand than capacity.
Examples of known bottlenecks in the system during peak use periods include:
Parking at Gene Coulon Memorial Park
Boat launch use at Gene Coulon Memorial Park
Parking at Ron Regis Park
RECREATION NEEDS
The City of Renton is the primary provider of recreation services for the community.
While several non-profit and for-profit organizations also offer recreation
opportunities, their programs do not typically match the city’s geographic reach,
accessibility, or year-round availability. A comparison of regional providers and their
service offerings is included in Appendix E. Recreation Analysis.
As outlined in Chapter 2 Renton Today, participation in recreation programming has
continued a steady but uneven recovery following the pandemic. Adult and senior
program enrollment trends demonstrate notable improvement, reflecting growing
interest and stabilized service delivery. Youth participation, however, has recovered
more slowly and remains an area of focus for continued outreach and program
development.
During the Summer 2025 community engagement process, residents expressed
strong appreciation for the City’s events, programs, and facilities. Feedback
emphasized the value of accessible, community-centered recreation opportunities and
reinforced the importance of maintaining high-quality services citywide.
The PROS Plan Community Survey asked each of the 574 respondents to select up to
three options in response to the following question: What could Renton do to
encourage you or your household to participate in more of Renton’s recreation,
museum, and senior center programs?
Responses are presented below in Exhibit 3-39. The most common response relates to
information about upcoming programs (41%). The rest of the responses were
distributed among things that could increase access to programs (more convenient
times (27%), easier sign-up process (19%), reduced program costs (18%), among
others) and broadening the offerings (more high-interest options (24%), programs for
specific age groups (children (20%) and Seniors (13%), more programs for all abilities
(9%), and in preferred languages (2%)). Notably, 16% said that there is nothing Renton
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could do to encourage more participation in programming and 10% said they already
participate as much as they want to.
Regarding age-specific programs, the Teen Parks and Recreation Internship identified
some desired programs, such as:
More teen nights
Paid teen internship
Teen pickleball league
Teen swim - Older teen separate night (15-17)
Teen night around Halloween (Costume Party)
Exhibit 3-39. Things Renton could do to encourage participation in Renton’s recreation,
museum, and senior center programs
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025
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Additional descriptions of recreation program trends see Appendix E. Recreation
Analysis. In addition, funding trends are described in Chapter 6 Capital Improvement and
Program Implementation Plan.
NEEDS BY COMMUNITY PLANNING AREA
Each of Renton’s Community Planning Areas has unique park needs, based on
demographics, physical characteristics, current park access, and community input.
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4.THE FUTURE OF RENTON
PARKS
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This chapter describes the future Vision of Renton’s parks, recreation, and open space
(PROS) system and how the City intends to achieve this vision through day-to-day
decision making, management, and investment. This chapter includes the following
components:
Vision – describes how the City will manage the parks system over the long
term.
Framework Principles – describe fundamental values to help the City interpret
and implement the PROS Plan and provide a bridge from the Vision Statement
to the goals and objectives.
Goals – describe a desired future outcome for the park system topic.
Objectives – are specific, action-oriented steps that support the achievement
of a goal.
VISION
The Renton Parks and Recreation Department has developed a Vision to guide its
efforts and that has shaped policies and strategies in the PROS Plan.
A Vision Statement focuses on tomorrow and describes how the Parks and Recreation
Department will manage the parks system.
To foster a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community through the
enhancement of Renton's parks and recreational services, promoting health,
equity, and environmental stewardship.
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FRAMEWORK PRINCIPLES
Framework principles describe fundamental values and support the City and
Department as they make decisions and prioritize work to achieve the Vision of this
PROS Plan.
Promote Community
Health and
Wellbeing
Creating a healthy,
connected and thriving
community
Support Equitable
Park Access for All
Fostering social
connection and
belonging
Strengthen
Environmental
Resilience
Stewarding and
expanding healthier
parks and natural
spaces for our Renton
community today and
tomorrow
Steward Our
Resources
Effectively and
Responsibly
Achieving a higher
quality park, recreation,
and open space system
and promoting a
positive, higher-level
direction of
improvement
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The following section contains goals and objectives about the parks and recreation
facilities and services that the City provides.
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FRAMEWORK PRINCIPLE 1: PROMOTE
COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Goal A: Promote healthy and active lifestyles and
build community through programs that are inclusive,
engaging, and responsive to the needs and preferences of
Renton’s diverse population.
A.1 Provide a park and recreation system that makes it easy for people to be
active year-round and supports positive health outcomes in all
communities. Ensure facilities are usable in multiple seasons, support
active transportation connections to trails and parks, and invest in parks
and recreation in proximity to high population density areas and
community destinations.
A.2 Expand community access to fitness and health through park and facility
design, formalized programs and events, promoting active lifestyles
through social marketing, and education initiatives.
A.3 Make all parks, including playgrounds and restrooms, ADA accessible and
inclusive. Encourage universal design of parks and trail facilities.
A.4 Develop and implement accessible parks, facilities, and programs that
serve people of all ages and abilities.
A. 5 Expand Renton’s tree canopy coverage in the park system where
appropriate to support community health and wellbeing.
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Goal B: Provide educational, healthy,
and affordable recreation programs that
serve community needs.
B.1 Provide clear and easily accessible information
about the park system and facilities to expand
community knowledge and awareness of
available recreation opportunities.
B.2 Provide flexible recreation programming that
adapts and responds to current trends, needs,
and community desires.
B.3 Provide programs and community events that
encourage interaction between neighbors and
celebrate the diversity and history of Renton.
B.4 Create and expand recreational opportunities
through enhanced partnerships and
volunteerism.
B.5 Enhance the connection between local food production and the
community through the farmer’s market, community gardens, education,
awareness, and community events.
Goal C: Create a distinct identity that celebrates the
natural, historic, and culturally diverse character of the
Renton community through park and facility design,
recreation programming, interpretation, and education.
C.1 Offer programs and events at the Renton History Museum and at parks
and recreation facilities that celebrate the unique community character
and history of Renton.
C.2 Incorporate unique features into parks and facilities to contribute to
community identity. Unique features may include cultural, historic, natural,
Renton
Community
Center
City of Renton
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educational, and place-based art and interpretation that complement the
existing space, park or facility.
C.3 Provide opportunities to create and appreciate art through recreational
programming and park design.
C.4 Preserve, invest in, and elevate the Renton History Museum as a historic
community asset worthy of long-term care. Strengthen and sustain
programming that reflects Renton’s evolving and complex history past,
present, and future through exhibits, storytelling, and educational
experiences. Continue the City’s long-standing partnership with the
Renton Historical Society, ensuring shared stewardship of collections,
interpretation, and programs that honor the diversity of Renton’s people,
cultures, industries, and natural environment.
FRAMEWORK PRINCIPLE 2: SUPPORT
EQUITABLE PARK ACCESS FOR ALL
Goal D: Expand access to parks and recreational
opportunities for all current and future community
members.
D.1 Using a data-driven decision-making process, expand recreation
opportunities to meet existing needs, future growth needs, and planned
density.
D.2 Based on the PROS vision, framework principles, demand and need, and
available resources, determine priorities for planning, development,
restoration, acquisition, and projects. Priorities include:
i.Improving existing parks and recreation facilities, including adding
variety to existing parks to appeal to current users and entice new users
and improve environmental sustainability, support community well-
being, and making parks feel safer and more welcoming.
ii.Opening undeveloped parkland in the City’s inventory to maximize
existing resources.
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iii.Adding new parks and amenities to ensure all residents can access the
benefits of recreation.
iv.Adding trailheads, trails, and other low-impact amenities in natural areas
that can support public use.
v.Adding parkland and trail connections through partnerships with other
landowners to support the PROS Plan vision including parkland owned
by others, utility corridors, private development, or others.
D.3 Develop a capital program and maintenance program responding to the
following levels of service:
Improve Quality: Make facility
upgrades that improve their quality
and usability. Set capital replacement
schedules. Provide levels of care for
maintenance.
Invest and Respond: Add active and
passive recreation facilities on park
sites to meet growth and demand based on population served per
facility.
Provide Access: Develop parks that provide service to residences
within ½-mile of residential low- or residential-moderate density land
uses and within ¼-mile of the areas planned for residential high density
land uses in the Comprehensive Plan and implementing zones.1
D.4 When filling gaps in the parks and recreation system, consider park need
based on proximity, social vulnerability and health disparities, and
population density.
D.5 Prioritize addition or enhancement of tree canopy in parks or in rights of
way in areas lacking canopy and greater exposure to urban heat islands.
Consider the 3-30-300 principle i.e., where each Renton resident can see
three trees from their dwelling, have at least 30% tree canopy in their
1 See Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element and Map LU-2, and RMC 4-2-010.D.
Improve
Quality
Invest &
Respond
Provide
Access
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neighborhood, and live within 300 meters of a high-quality green space to
promote equitable nature access and public health.
Goal E: Create a connected system of parks, corridors,
trails, and natural areas that provide equitable access to
recreation opportunities and nature.
E.1 Link parks to other community destinations in Renton and the region, such
as schools, parks, trails, natural areas, privately owned public spaces,
commercial areas, and business districts.
E.2 Create safe, accessible, and convenient non-motorized park access.
E.3 Improve the ability for people to walk, bike, and roll to and within parks.
E.4 Maximize the use of parks for recreation, gathering, and open space
services. Provide non-motorized parking. Provide only the minimum
necessary vehicular parking for regional and community parks and limit
parking at neighborhood parks to preserve open space.
E.5 Complete multimodal transportation and recreation connectivity across
the system.
E.6 Incorporate natural areas and unique ecological features into the park and
trail system to conserve significant resources and habitat like riparian and
wetland areas, and protect migration corridors that are unique and
important to local wildlife.
E.7 Encourage use of transit and non-motorized transportation modes to
access recreation opportunities.
E.8 Develop and implement a consistent system of wayfinding signage and
branding for the Parks and Recreation Department to help users navigate
its parks, trails, recreation, and natural areas system.
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Goal F: Provide special use facilities that offer unique
recreational, cultural, and environmental services.
F.1 Provide a quality and affordable public golf course that is economically
sustainable and meets cost recovery goals.
F.2 Provide programs to encourage greater access to golf by
underrepresented populations.
F.3 Sustain and enhance the golf course’s environmental values.
F.4 Promote multi-use of the golf course. Improve
connections to adjacent recreation sites along
the Cedar River, Ron Regis Park, Cedar River
Trail, upland forests, and other unique features
that may provide additional recreational
opportunities.
F.5 Expand water access to the community through
thoughtful facility and park design and
programming.
F.6 Provide safe, sustainable, and enjoyable
swimming and water play facilities that promote
health and recreation for a broad range of ages,
abilities, and cultural backgrounds.
F.7 Maintain and enhance programs, classes,
camps, and events at Renton’s community and
senior centers and the Renton History Museum
to support participation from people of different ages and cultural
backgrounds.
Skate Park
City of Renton
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FRAMEWORK PRINCIPLE 3: STRENGTHEN
ENVIRONMENTAL RESILIENCE
Goal G: Protect, conserve, and enhance Renton’s
diverse natural resources for the long-term health and
resilience of ecosystems, and for the benefit and
enjoyment of future generations.
G.1 Minimize environmental impact by incorporating green infrastructure and
promoting water and energy efficiency and storm water management in
parks and facilities.
G.2 Promote urban green spaces and joint use of facilities like stormwater
parks to meet multiple benefits and expand funding opportunities.
G.3 Promote water conservation and climate adaptive landscaping, such as
selecting native landscaping and establishing low-mow or no-mow areas
that are drought tolerant.
G.4 Increase energy efficiency and reduce fossil fuel consumption at park
facilities in support of Renton’s Clean Economy Strategy.
G.5 Thoughtfully activate open space, natural areas, and sensitive habitat
corridors to promote stewardship, education, access to nature, and
community health and wellbeing.
G.6 Develop site-specific management plans and inventories for natural areas
managed by Parks and Recreation.
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G.7 Develop a vegetative management plan to
guide development and stewardship of
individual parks.
G.8 Develop and apply maintenance management
plans and standards for parks, trails, play fields,
landscaped areas, forested areas, and
recreation amenities and facilities consistent
with the PROS Plan and Department policies.
Budget accordingly to meet the standards and
frequencies expected.
G.9 Use best practice industry standards and
technology for maintenance of grounds,
recreation facilities, greenways, natural areas,
and special use parks that are sustainable,
practical, and appealing. Set an example in
environmental stewardship in Renton parks and
natural areas.
G.10 Identify and plan for climate impacts to parks and facilities including
extreme precipitation and flooding, drought, extreme heat, and wildfires
and smoke. Develop climate resilience strategies including:
Tree planting and preservation, shade elements, and where feasible,
water access
Environmental restoration and drought-tolerant plantings,
Vegetation management guidelines
Re-design or relocation of facilities
Floodable park and trail design
Indoor air filtration, and
Other strategies to adapt to climate hazards.
G.12 Conserve open space and protect critical areas in the park system.
Encourage habitat enhancement in degraded riparian and wetland areas.
Protect properties in frequently flooded and geologically hazardous areas.
Walkers on
Renton trails
City of Renton
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P a g e | 4-11
G.13 Facilitate healthy stream and river corridors to protect water quality,
provide wildlife habitat, and connect people to nature.
G.14 Protect and preserve natural resources and systems when developing or
redeveloping parks and facilities.
G.15 Monitor and manage natural areas to minimize colonization of invasive
plants and improve riparian, upland, and forest habitat health.
G.16 Use Renton’s diverse natural areas to provide environmental education
and facilitate stewardship in the community.
G.17 Enhance and restore native forests to maximize ecosystem services such
as stormwater management, air quality, aquifer recharge, carbon
sequestration, wildlife habitat, and other ecosystem services.
G.18 Implement Renton’s urban forest management plan and tree canopy goals
when improving or adding to the park and recreation system.
FRAMEWORK PRINCIPLE 4: STEWARD OUR
RESOURCES EFFECTIVELY AND RESPONSIBLY
Goal H: Ensure long-term economic sustainability in
system planning, design, operation, maintenance, and
decision making.
H.1 Consider long-term management, staffing resources, operations, and
maintenance needs when planning capital projects and creating programs.
H.2 Consider the full operating and maintenance impact of new park sites and
features prior to their development.
H.3 Consider cost recovery when developing and implementing projects and
programs.
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H.4 Create community partnerships and encourage
volunteerism that contribute to the
maintenance and sustainability of the parks
system.
H.5 Balance new acquisition and development with
the need to provide a high quality of existing
parks and facilities.
H.6 Seek funding from a wide variety of sources for
park acquisition, development, maintenance,
and program implementation. Strive to
adequately fund parks capital investment and
system operation through proactive well-
planned budgets and leveraging partnerships.
H.7 Reinvest in parks and facilities to reflect the
evolving needs and desires of the community
and ensure a sustainable, modern, and resilient park system.
H.8 Create park master plans with community input in conjunction with or
prior to major park development projects to achieve cohesive design and
efficient phasing.
H.9 Explore alternative service approaches to provide recreation opportunities
in parks or programmable space; leveraging the strengths and facilities of
other organizations
H.10 Design indoor and outdoor spaces for flexible, year-round use.
Goal I: Cultivate strong, positive partnerships at the local
and regional levels to unite community efforts to develop
and sustain the park system.
I.1 Develop, strengthen, and facilitate strong partnerships with individuals,
service groups, non-profits, tribes, and other agencies and organizations
to expand recreation opportunities in a way that is complimentary and
mutually beneficial.
Sunset Park
KCLS Summer
Lunch Program
City of Renton
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I.2 Strengthen cross-departmental coordination to expand public access to
recreation opportunities and open space through shared planning,
resources, and responsibilities.The City of Renton’s departments work
collaboratively to achieve communitywide outcomes. Parks and
Recreation, Public Works, and the Community & Economic Development
departments jointly advance initiatives that integrate recreation,
transportation, environmental stewardship, and economic vitality.
Examples of reciprocal collaboration include:
Co-developing trail, bicycle, and multimodal systems to enhance
connectivity and support active transportation goals.
Partnering on joint-use stormwater parks that provide recreation benefits,
ecological functions, and neighborhood resilience.
Coordinating the use of utility properties and corridors to expand
greenways, open spaces, and community access.
Advancing shared economic development objectives by investing in high-
quality public spaces and facilities including sports fields and tournament-
ready athletic complexes that attract regional visitors, support local
businesses, and contribute to Renton’s economic vitality. Enhanced park
assets strengthen the city’s ability to host sports tournaments, special
events, and community gatherings that generate measurable economic
impact.
Collaborating on Comprehensive Plan goals and policies related to parks
and recreation, multimodal transportation, urban forestry, climate
resilience, and greenhouse gas reduction.
Jointly reviewing and updating the Renton Municipal Code to support
development standards and ensure publicly accessible parks, recreation
opportunities, and open space.
I.3 Coordinate planning, programming, and operations between government
agencies, local school districts, and community groups to increase
awareness, availability, and accessibility of recreation resources.
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I.4 Formalize partnerships and agreements with local agencies, and other
organizations to increase access to diverse recreation opportunities.
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5.PARKS, RECREATION, AND
NATURAL AREAS SYSTEM
STRATEGIES
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This Chapter identifies parks and trail system improvement strategies. It establishes a
hierarchy of park classifications and minimum standards to ensure quality facilities
across existing and future parks. Example concept plans illustrate park strategies and
minimum standards for represented parks. This Chapter also provides system
recommendations.
Responding to Chapter 3 Community Needs and Engagement, this chapter includes
strategies to:
Improve facilities and access in the short term by focusing on quick wins
Make core investments in amenities that are up to the latest standards, reflect
community needs, allow versatility, support sustainability, improve safety, and
maximize resources through partnerships
Create increased access to parks through responsive and nimble acquisition and
development strategies, especially in park gap areas
PARK TYPES & CLASSIFICATIONS
Classifying parks and recreation facilities allows Renton to make resource allocation,
acquisition, and design decisions for park sites. Additionally, it allows for better
communication with the public about typical park amenities within the classifications
and helps with development of maintenance management plans so these spaces can
be effectively maintained. Classifications are based on the size, service area, and
typical character of the parks. Classifications are:
Applied to each park in Chapter 2.
Mapped on Exhibit 5-1.
Defined with key features in Exhibit 5-2.
Described in Minimum Standards.
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Exhibit 5-1: Renton Park Classifications
Source: City of Renton, BERK, 2025.
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Exhibit 5-2: Minimum Standards Matrix
Regional
Community
Neighborhood
Urban Plaza
Corridor/Linear
Special Use
Natural Area
Gateways and
Greenscapes
Typical Size (Acres)
Family and Passive Activities
Picnic Areas, Shelters, or Shade Structures A A B C C C
Open Lawn, Informal Activity A B B
Nature-based, Low-impact Recreation C C C A
Play, Courts and Fields
Playground A A A
Special: Climbing, Spray Pad, Inclusive Play A
Sport Courts A A C
Athletic Fields or Open Lawn: Turf A A C
Athletic Fields or Open Lawn: Natural C C B
Lighting System, directed/shielded A C C C C C
Trails and Paths
Park Path - impervious A A B B A B C A
Park Path - pervious B B B C B A C
Multi-use Trail - paved B B A C
Trailhead with Restroom C C C
Landscaped Areas and Furnishings
Site landscaping, furnishings A A A A B B
Viewing areas, interpretive areas A B C C A C A
Signage A A A A A A A C
Special Use Facilities (One or More)
Golf Course C
Boating, Fishing, Water Access A B C C
Alternative Sports: BMX, Skate Park, Ultimate,
Mountain Bike, Other B B C
Community Event Space, Amphitheater A B C B B
Meeting Rooms, Community Facility C C C B
Off-leash Area C C C C
Support Facilities
Restroom / Support Facility A A C B B B C
Access, Circulation, Parking A A C C A A C C
Features Legend: Typical: A Often: B Sometimes: C
Source: City of Renton, BERK, 2025.
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MINIMUM STANDARDS
Each park should be improved over time to achieve minimum standards to meet
community needs and to provide consistent and sustainable management and
maintenance. The minimum guidelines are meant to be considered during park concept
planning or as individual improvements are proposed. The guidelines are advisory since
site analysis and public engagement would produce information that best influence
each park’s future.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Neighborhood Parks are close-to-home recreation
opportunities for nearby residents, who typically live
within walking and bicycling distance (0.25-0.5 miles) of
the park in a residential setting.
Neighborhood parks provide passive, multiuse space,
with opportunities for active recreation consistent with
site conditions and compatibility. This may include areas
such as multi-use fields and courts, play equipment,
trails, picnic areas, and open space. They are less suited
for longer stays or heavily programmed activities. These
parks prioritize open space over parking and encourage
visitation through pedestrian and bike networks.
Typical Size and Service Area
Size: 1-10 acres (of developable park area)
Service area: Local serving
Parks in Renton’s Collection
A-J
Burnett Linear Park
Cascade Park
Cleveland-Richardson Park (future)
Earlington Park
Edlund Property (future)
Glencoe Park
Heritage Park
Jones Park
K-Q
Kennydale Beach Park
Kennydale Lions Park
Kenyon-Dobson Property (future)
Kiwanis Park
Maplewood Park
North Highlands Park
Northeast Renton Park (future)
Parkwood South Div #3 Park
Philip Arnold Park
R-Z
SE 186th Place Property
Sunset Neighborhood Park
Thomas Teasdale Park
Tiffany Park
Windsor Hills Park
Kiwanis Park
City of Renton
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Design Guidelines
Neighborhood and community parks should balance a consistent set of core amenities
with the flexibility to adapt as community needs, recreation trends, and environmental
conditions evolve. While each site will differ based on size, context, and neighborhood
preferences, parks in this typology typically include play areas, internal pathways,
informal open spaces, and essential site furnishings.
At a minimum, parks should aim to provide:
Consistent, high-quality maintenance and landscape care that supports safety,
usability, and long-term asset preservation.
Open and accessible areas for unstructured recreation, play, relaxation, and
community gathering.
Clear park identification signage to support visibility and wayfinding.
Safe and accessible pathways connecting key park elements and providing safe
entry and exit points.
Basic site amenities such as a bench or picnic table and other appropriate site
furnishings (e.g., litter and recycling receptacles, bike racks).
Inclusive and universally accessible play features when play equipment is
provided, especially for new or replacement installations.
Appropriate tree canopy and planting to support shade, comfort, ecological
function, and urban forestry goals.
Optional Elements Based on Site Context and Feasibility
Where feasible and appropriate, parks in this typology may incorporate additional
features that support community use, environmental goals, and operational
sustainability. These may include:
Community gardens
Green stormwater infrastructure approaches (rain gardens, bioswales, etc.)
Irrigation systems to support long-term landscape health
Natural or low-intervention areas, including pesticide-free zones
Open or informal playfields
Ornamental plantings or greenspace buffers
Park shelter structures for covered gathering or picnicking
Perimeter paths or sidewalks
Restrooms, where appropriate to site size, use, and context
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Shade structures or elements (fabric, metal, or other shade devices) and tree
canopy
Sport courts
Sports and fitness equipment, surfacing, or small activity areas
Spray park or special play features
Universal design applied to park facilities and circulation
These components should be evaluated based on neighborhood needs,
available space, environmental conditions, maintenance capacity, and long-
term sustainability.
Design Considerations and Limitations
Given the intended scale, purpose, and neighborhood context of these parks, they
should avoid or limit:
Off-street parking, except where necessary for accessibility or site-specific
conditions.
Amenities requiring specialized maintenance, heavy equipment, or regular staff
supervision.
Intensive or high-impact uses, including lighting systems or features that are
not compatible with the size, location, or immediate neighborhood or
environmental context of the park.
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COMMUNITY
Community Parks include opportunities for active
recreation and organized play in a location that can
accommodate increased traffic and demand, while also
serving the neighborhood park function for nearby
residents.
Community Parks provide a variety of major recreation
facilities, open space, and/or recreation programming,
and serve multiple neighborhoods. They may have views
or water access. These parks also tend to offer
accommodation and infrastructure for community
events. Their size and range of offerings require
provisions for parking, seating, restrooms, and play or
sports facilities. Community parks often contain special
features, either man-made or natural, that make the park
unique.
Typical Size and Service Area
Size: 10-30 acres
Service area: Citywide and local
Parks in Renton’s Collection
Tri-park Properties
Cedar River Park
Cedar River Dog Park
Liberty Park
Cedar River Trail
Cedar River Trail - Logan to
Library
Cedar River Trail - South
Cedar River Trail Park Lake to
Logan
Other Parks
Highlands Park
Ron Regis Park
Design Guidelines
At a minimum, Community Parks should aim to provide everything in Neighborhood
Parks, as well as:
Community gathering and event space
Infrastructure for gatherings and events (e.g., audio, lighting etc.) considering
context transitions to lower intensity uses and environmental conditions/
habitats
Off-street parking, adequate
Liberty Park
Skate Park
City of Renton
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Pathways between elements and to safely enter and exit the park as well as
pathways to navigate around the property (e.g., loop path)
Permanent restroom facilities (universal design)
Picnic tables, benches, and grills (multiple)
Play equipment, multi-age, and ability levels, medium to large scale
Shelters or shade structures that can accommodate numerous and/or larger
groups
Viewing places and interpretive signage
Youth and adult sports courts
Youth and adult sports fields
Optional Elements Based on Site Context and Feasibility
Where possible, and appropriate in their contexts, parks falling into this typology
should consider everything in Neighborhood Parks as well as:
Designated dog areas (on and off-leash)
Gardens, arboretums
More substantive plantings including groundcovers, understory, and canopy,
with a focus on native species and no invasive species
Sports facilities at a city scale
Sports facilities lighting appropriate to facility and site or environmental
conditions
Storage and maintenance buildings
Transition from intensive facilities to adjacent properties
Trees for shade and to preserve urban canopy cover
Water play / water access
Design Considerations and Limitations
Because of the intent and goals for Community Parks they should limit where
appropriate:
Regional-scale facilities
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REGIONAL
Regional Parks serve as major destination spaces within
Renton’s park system, supporting citywide and regional
use while also functioning as everyday neighborhood
parks for nearby residents. These parks typically offer
unique natural features, waterfront access, expansive
programming opportunities, and amenities that attract
both local users and visitors from across the region.
Due to their size, complexity, and regional draw, these
parks require a broader range of amenities and
infrastructure than smaller park types. They often
support large community events, specialized recreation,
and diverse outdoor experiences.
Typical Size and Service Area
Size: 30-100 acres
Service area: Citywide and region serving
Parks in Renton’s Collection
Gene Coulon Memorial Park
Design Guidelines
At a minimum, Regional Parks should provide everything offered in Community Parks,
plus:
Distinctive children’s play area(s) designed to reflect the site’s character and
offer unique play experiences.
Indoor and outdoor event spaces, which may include amphitheaters, plazas, or
open lawns that support community and regional events.
Large open turf areas for informal play, viewing, and event use.
Adequate parking, including accommodations for larger vehicles when
associated with water access (e.g., boats and trailers).
Picnic shelters and shade structures to support group gatherings.
Tree canopy and landscaping that provide comfort, ecological benefit, and
visual identity.
Gene Coulon
Memorial Park
City of Renton
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Water access and recreation amenities, where appropriate to the site.
Site-specific landscaping or landforms that contribute to placemaking and
reinforce the park’s unique role and setting.
Regional Parks may include:
Significant natural features, waterfront areas, or views that create a regional
draw.
A variety of recreational opportunities, including play, organized or informal
sports, trails, and educational amenities.
Large areas suitable for major community events or regional gatherings.
Access to water-based recreation such as fishing, boating, paddling, or
swimming.
Optional Elements Based on Site Context and Feasibility
Regional Parks may incorporate additional features based on site size, environmental
conditions, recreational goals, and operational capacity. These may include:
Athletic fields or courts capable of supporting tournament-level play.
Conservation areas with forest or vegetation management plans with a focus
on native species and no invasive species.
Enhanced waste management infrastructure, including larger receptacles or
collection points.
Pedestrian-scale lighting that improves visibility, safety, and nighttime usability
while respecting environmental and community context.
Design Considerations and Limitations
Regional Parks often require elevated levels of staffing, maintenance, and operational
support due to their size, amenities, and use patterns. Design decisions should
emphasize durability, safety, sustainability, and long-term maintenance efficiency,
ensuring these parks remain welcoming and high-functioning destinations for residents
and visitors alike.
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CORRIDOR/LINEAR
Corridor and Linear Parks are continuous park spaces
such as greenways, trail corridors, and buffers that
provide opportunities for recreation, non-motorized
transportation, and access to nature. These parks often
link neighborhoods, connect to larger trail systems, and
offer passive recreation experiences. Their long, narrow
configuration makes them well-suited for walking,
running, biking, habitat protection, and environmental
education.
While recreation in these spaces is generally trail-
focused or passive, Corridor/Linear Parks may include
amenities that support user comfort, environmental
learning, and access to larger park or trail systems.
Typical Size
Size: None
Service Area: Citywide or Sub-regional
Parks in Renton’s Collection
Cedar River Trail Corridor
Maplewood Roadside Park
Riverview Park
Springbrook Trail
Design Guidelines
At a minimum, Corridor/Linear Parks should include:
Corridor identification signage to support orientation and wayfinding.
Basic site furnishings, such as trash and recycling receptacles, bike racks, and
simple seating where appropriate.
Design and maintenance approaches should prioritize safety, accessibility,
durability, and environmental protection, particularly where corridors provide
ecological value or connect sensitive habitats.
Cedar River Trail
City of Renton
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Corridor / Linear Parks may include:
Impervious or pervious trail surfaces suited to walking, biking, and rolling.
Viewing points, rest areas, or interpretive features that highlight natural or
cultural resources.
Green buffers between neighborhoods, streets, or land uses.
Optional Elements Based on Site Context and Feasibility
Based on site conditions, community needs, and operational capacity, Corridor/Linear
Parks may incorporate:
Viewing or interpretive areas to support education and nature appreciation.
Picnic tables or small rest areas, where compatible with site use.
Trailheads, restrooms, or small parking areas at key access points.
Lighting infrastructure designed to balance user visibility and safety with
protection of natural habitat and nighttime conditions.
Accessibility features that improve usability for people of all abilities.
Additional garbage receptacles or waste management strategies at high-use
locations.
These components should be evaluated considering environmental impacts, safety,
maintenance capacity, and the intended recreational use of the corridor.
Design Considerations and Limitations
Given the purpose and ecological function of Corridor/Linear Parks, they should avoid
or limit:
Lighting and glare that could disrupt natural habitat or diminish the corridor’s
open-space character, while still providing essential visibility in appropriate
locations.
Large turf areas or high-intensity uses that are not compatible with linear
configurations or natural resource objectives.
Design should emphasize connectivity, environmental stewardship, and low-
impact recreation, ensuring these corridors remain safe, enjoyable, and
ecologically functional elements of Renton’s park system including native
species.
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SPECIAL USE
Special Use Parks support unique or highly specialized
recreation, cultural, educational, or operational
functions within the park system. These parks typically
focus on a single purpose or a distinct set of amenities
that cannot be accommodated within other park types
due to space, operational needs, or facility standards.
While some Special Use Parks serve citywide or
regional audiences, many also provide community
benefits and site-specific programming.
Typical Size and Service Area
Size: Not applicable
Service Area: Citywide or Sub-regional
Parks in Renton’s Collection
Community, Educational, Social
Community Garden/ Greenhouse
Senior Activity Center Property
Renton History Museum
Specialty Sports
Henry Moses Aquatics Center
Maplewood Golf Course
Talbot Hill Reservoir Park
Additional
Maintenance Shops
Design Guidelines
At a minimum, Special Use Parks should include:
Clear identification signage reflecting the unique character of the facility.
Basic site furnishings such as trash and recycling receptacles, bike racks, and
seating where appropriate.
Facilities should incorporate sustainable management practices, durable materials, and
site-specific maintenance standards tailored to the intended use of each location.
Special Use Parks may include:
Unique recreation venues (e.g., aquatics, golf, indoor sports).
Cultural and educational sites such as museums or interpretive facilities.
Spaces for social, community, or special events.
Infrastructure or operational facilities essential to supporting the park system.
Henry Moses
Aquatics Center
City of Renton
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Design Considerations and Limitations
Because each Special Use site is highly unique, design decisions should be informed
by:
The purpose and programming of the facility,
Safety and accessibility needs,
Operational capacity, and
Environmental considerations.
Guidelines, best practices, and maintenance standards should be developed or
adapted at the site level.
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URBAN PLAZA
Urban Plazas are active public gathering spaces located in high-density or mixed-use
areas, often serving as civic landmarks and event spaces. These plazas provide
opportunities for cultural expression, community activity, rest, and social interaction.
They may also serve a neighborhood park function for nearby residents in the City
Center.
Typical Size and Service Area
Size: Typically, 0-2 acres in size.
Service area: Often serve a citywide audience but may provide local social spaces for
nearby residents.
Parks in Renton’s Collection
Legacy Square
Piazza Park
Sit-in Park
Tonkin Park
Design Guidelines
Urban Plazas should aim to provide:
Spaces for community and cultural gatherings,
events, and daily use.
Greenery and plantings that contribute to comfort
and placemaking.
Ample seating options and opportunities for public
rest.
Lighting and utilities, as appropriate for safety,
programming, and activation.
Urban Plazas may include:
Landscaping, seating, and shaded areas.
Spaces for events, performances, vendors, or cultural gatherings.
Interpretive features that connect users to local history, art, or identity.
Accessible places for rest, respite, and social connection.
Piazza Park
Farmers Market
City of Renton
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Optional Elements Based on Site Context and Feasibility
Urban Plazas may incorporate:
Expanded utilities to support events and programming.
Shelters, shade structures, or canopies for weather protection.
A horticultural program, including maintained landscaping, planters, and hanging
baskets.
Interpretive or public art elements.
Green stormwater infrastructure such as permeable paving or rain gardens.
Design Considerations and Limitations
To preserve the intended character of Urban Plazas, they should avoid or limit:
Off-street parking, except when required for accessibility.
Unnecessary pesticide applications in high-traffic urban environments.
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NATURAL AREAS
Natural Areas provide opportunities for people to
interact with local nature or protection of natural
resources and systems within the standards of the
existing natural resource regulatory environment.
Natural Areas are conservation areas designed to protect
unique or significant natural features, such as rivers and
streams, wetlands and marshes, environmentally
sensitive areas, and wildlife habitats. Where appropriate,
these spaces may support passive, nature-oriented
outdoor recreation, such as trails and picnic areas.
Typical Size and Service Area
Size: Not applicable
Service area: Local or Community
Parks in Renton’s Collection
A-M
Black River Riparian Forest
Cedar River Natural Area
Honey Creek Greenway
Lake Street Open Space
Maplewood Open Space
May Creek Greenway
R-Z
Panther Creek Wetlands
Renton Wetlands
Springbrook Creek
Tiffany - Cascade Connector
Springbrook Watershed
Design Guidelines
Natural Areas should aim to provide:
Park identification signage placed minimally and sensitively.
Basic site furnishings such as trash receptacles or bike racks at trailheads or
access points.
Natural Areas may include:
Habitat and wildlife corridors.
Passive recreation elements such as trails or viewpoints.
Areas supporting quiet, reflective, or nature-based experiences.
May Creek Corridor
City of Renton
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Optional Elements Based on Site Context and Feasibility
Interpretive signage using low-intrusion methods.
Soft-surface or permeable trails.
Loop paths or circulation routes that allow safe navigation while minimizing
habitat disturbance.
Amenities that support solitude, quiet use, and passive enjoyment.
Restoration activities to maintain ecological health.
Limits on development, consistent with habitat and resource protection goals.
Design Considerations and Limitations
Because Natural Areas prioritize ecological protection, they should avoid or limit:
Expansive turf areas.
Exotic or non-native plantings.
Unnecessary pesticide use.
Lighting or glare that disrupts habitat or natural character.
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GATEWAYS AND GREENSCAPES
Gateways and Greenscapes provide landscape features
that offer visual relief and limited public access or
amenities such as gardens or places to sit. They are
often located at entries and along roadways in the city.
They are small and may only provide a visual buffer or
beautification enhancement to the urban or other
environment that surrounds them. They may offer
connectivity for pedestrian or bicycling routes.
Typical Size and Service Area - Not applicable.
Parks in Renton’s Collection
Landscaping in City-owned rights of way2
City Hall grounds/landscaping
City Center – Future Renton Connector
Design Guidelines
These sites should:
Follow a management plan with appropriate staffing and equipment.
Provide basic safety and visibility for adjacent pedestrian routes.
Gateways and Greenscapes may include:
Landscaping and planting beds.
Buffers from vehicular areas.
Seating or small pedestrian amenities.
Opportunities for urban greening and placemaking.
Optional Elements Based on Site Context and Feasibility
Utilities or irrigation systems.
Pedestrian amenities such as small seating areas or rest points.
Activation elements that encourage safe public use.
Urban buffers that separate people from busy streets.
2 There are occasional exceptions, where Parks maintains other landscaping. In some locations,
neighborhood associations maintain volunteer-led ornamental landscaping projects in City rights of
way.
Example
Plantings
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Native plants that attract wildlife.
Green stormwater infrastructure such as bioswales.
Trees for shade and urban canopy enhancement.
PARK MAINTENANCE
DEMAND
City Park Maintenance Responsibilities
Renton Parks and Recreation maintain a variety of facilities:
Parks and trails
Surrounding areas around recreation facilities
Urban forestry in public rights-of-way
City Hall grounds
The department will also maintain the Renton Connector once completed.
City Maintenance Staffing
As of the 2025-2026 City budget, there are 28 maintenance positions budgeted for
Renton Parks and Recreation (Exhibit 5-3).
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Exhibit 5-3: Maintenance and Related Staffing (non-golf course)
Position 2026 FTEs Budgeted
Maintenance Staff
Parks Maintenance Manager 1
Park Maintenance Supervisor 2
Park Maintenance Worker 25
Total Maintenance Staff 28
Other Related Staff
Encampment Cleanup 3
Urban Forestry and Natural
Resources Manager
1
Inspecting Arborist 1
Source: City of Renton, 2025.
Current and Projected Demand
When accounting for population growth alone, if Renton were to invest the same
amount per resident in 2044, maintenance costs would reach almost $11 million per
year, compared to the 2025 budget of $8.4 million (Exhibit 5-4). This represents an
increase of 29 percent.
Exhibit 5-4: Current and Future Maintenance Demand (2025$)
Renton -2025 Renton –2044
demand
Annual Parks Maintenance Costs $8,419,171 $10,887,800
Population 109,700 141,400
Cost per Resident $77 $77
Source: Washington OFM, 2025; City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
Peer Communities Comparison
When compared with peer jurisdictions, Renton performs efficiently but faces clear
operational challenges that impact long-term sustainability:
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 5-22
Renton’s maintenance cost per resident is similar to the City of Kent.
Renton’s maintenance employees per 1,000 residents is comparable to Kent and
Shoreline.
Renton, however, has significantly more park acres per maintenance employee
than Kent and SeaTac.
Renton’s maintenance cost per acre is lower than Kent, SeaTac, and Shoreline.
These findings highlight that Renton maintains a larger inventory of parkland with
fewer staff and lower per-acre investment than some peer communities (Exhibit 5-5).
While this reflects a high degree of efficiency and dedication from existing staff, it also
signals a growing need to rebalance investment toward operations and maintenance.
Jurisdictions that invest more per acre often maintain facilities at higher or more
consistent standards, and those differences influence park condition, user experience,
and long-term asset preservation. As Renton’s parks, recreation facilities, and tree
canopy continue to expand—and as community expectations increase—sustaining
high-quality service levels will require increased staffing, updated equipment,
modernized systems, and strengthened operational budgets.
Prioritizing operations and maintenance at a level comparable to capital investment
and property acquisition is essential for ensuring that Renton’s existing parks and
facilities remain safe, functional, resilient, and welcoming for decades to come.
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 5-23
Exhibit 5-5: Peer City Comparison - Maintenance
Renton Kent SeaTac Shoreline
Parks Maintenance
Costs (2025)
$8,419,171 $10,560,250 $3,362,304 $5,905,694
Population (2025)109,700 140,100 32,990 63,740
Annual Maintenance
Cost per Resident
$77 $75 $102 $93
Annual Maintenance
Cost Per Acre
$7,342 $12,000 $9,552 $14,334
Total Acres in System 1,147**880 352 412
Maintenance FTEs 28*40 22 12
Maintenance FTEs per
1,000 residents
0.3 0.3 0.7 0.2
Acres per
maintenance FTE
41 22 16 34
*Maintenance FTEs exclude forestry staff.
**Acres exclude undeveloped properties and the Maplewood Golf Course
Source: Washington OFM, 2025; City of Renton, 2025; City of Kent, 2025; City of SeaTac, 2025; City of Shoreline,
2025; BERK, 2025.
LEVELS OF CARE
Maintenance “level of care” classifications set expectations for maintenance activities
and frequencies for each park facility. They guide capital planning and budgeting by
outlining the level of resources needed to maintain the parks system to a specific
standard. Parks may change classification over time as use and features change
(Exhibit 5-6).
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 5-24
Classifications
Exhibit 5-6: Levels of Care Classifications
Level Name Description Facilities
1 Highest
Level of
Care
State of the art maintenance applied
to a high-quality diverse landscape.
Associated with high-traffic urban
areas.
These areas have individualized
maintenance plans in addition to
frequency schedules, and
maintenance procedures.
Cedar River Park
Cedar River Trail
Gene Coulon Memorial Park
Jones Park
Legacy Square
Liberty Park
Piazza Park
Renton History Museum
Riverview Park
Ron Regis Park
Senior Activity Center Property
2 Moderate
Level of
Care
Level 2 maintained areas do not have
individualized maintenance plans but
instead rely on the park frequency
schedules, operating policies, and
maintenance procedures for ballfield
preparation, etc.
Burnett Linear Park
Cascade Park
Cedar River Dog Park
Community Garden / Greenhouse
Earlington Park
Glencoe Park
Heritage Park
Highlands Park
Kennydale Beach Park
Kennydale Lions Park
Kiwanis Park
Maplewood Park
Maplewood Roadside Park
N.A.R. Co Property
North Highlands Park
Philip Arnold Park
Sit-in Park
Springbrook Trail
Sunset Neighborhood Park
Talbot Hill Reservoir Park
Thomas Teasdale Park
Tiffany Park
Tonkin Park
Veterans Memorial Park
Windsor Hills Park
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 5-25
Level Name Description Facilities
3 Natural
Resource
Areas
Receive a minimal level of
maintenance with the natural
communities left in their natural state.
Black River Riparian Forest
Cedar River Natural Area
Cleveland-Richardson Property
Edlund Property
Honey Creek Greenway
Kenyon-Dobson Property
Lake Ave S Open Space
Maplewood Open Space
May Creek Greenway
NE Renton Park
Panther Creek Wetlands
Parkwood South Park
Renton Wetlands
SE 186th Pl Open Space
Springbrook Creek
Springbrook Watershed
Tiffany - Cascade Connector
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
Most of the City’s park acres are undeveloped or natural areas and are currently
managed at level 3 (Exhibit 5-7). Over 300 acres are maintained at levels 1 and 2, the
most intensive classifications.
Exhibit 5-7: Acres Maintained at Levels of Care
Level of Care Total Acres Percent of Acres
1 197 16%
2 115 9%
3 904 74%
Trails 32 3%
ROW Public trees citywide –approximately
2,515 acres of rights-of-way with
average canopy cover of 18%
-
Note: Excludes golf course.
Source: City of Renton (2025), BERK (2025).
Levels of Care and Frequency
Each level of care assumes a different set of maintenance activities at different
frequencies. Exhibit 5-8 outlines typical activities for each level.
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 5-26
Exhibit 5-8: Levels of Care and Frequency of Maintenance Activities
Activity Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Mowing Every 3-5 working
days
Every 5 working days None
Aeriation Once per year or more As needed None
Reseeding/Sodding As needed As needed None
Weed Control As needed for less
than 1% of surface to
have weeds
As needed for less
than 5% of surface to
have weeds
Only if legally required
Fertilizer As needed to ensure
supply of nutrients for
optimal growth,
including for trees,
shrubs, and flowers
As needed to ensure
minimum supply of
nutrients. None for
trees, shrubs, and
flowers.
None
Irrigation Automated, depending
on site-specific needs
Automated, depending
on site-specific needs
None
Litter Control Daily 5 days per week Semi-annually or on
demand*
Pruning Depends on species Depends on species Only when safety is a
concern
Disease and Insect
Control
Prevented or
immediate at very early
stage
When damage
becomes noticeable or
a bother to the public
Only if an epidemic or
safety is a concern
Snow Removal Same day when
accumulation is 0.5
inch or more. Sand or
snowmelt is also used.
Sand or snowmelt may
be used
Sand or snowmelt
used on paved
surfaces
Sweeping, Cleaning, and
Washing Surfaces
As needed to prevent
accumulation of sand,
dirt, or leaves
As needed when
appearance is
noticeably
deteriorated
Only when safety is a
concern
Repairs and Vandalism Immediate when
problems are
discovered (or
postponed to a less
disruptive time period
if major disruption
would occur)
When safety, function,
or appearance is in
question
When safety or
function is in question
Inspections Daily Daily Semi-annually or on
demand*
Winterizing Once per year where
needed
Once per year where
needed
None
*Except Cedar River Natural Area, which has monthly litter removal and inspection.
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 5-27
Maintenance Operations
Maintenance Seasons
Maintenance needs fluctuate with weather, park use, and the types of natural systems
in Renton’s parks. The peak season, from May through October, requires more frequent
mowing, vegetation management, sports field preparation, and restroom servicing due
to higher use and faster plant growth. Renton supplements its year-round team by
hiring seasonal maintenance employees; however, recruitment can be challenging due
to labor market conditions and seasonal limitations.
Moving forward, there is an opportunity to modernize how seasonal hiring is
structured by creating positions aligned with job seekers’ interests and career
pathways, such as sports field maintenance, environmental restoration, urban forestry
support, or trail care, rather than generalist seasonal roles. This approach may improve
recruitment and retention while aligning seasonal work with the department’s
operational needs.
The non-peak season (November through April) focuses on storm response,
winterization of parks, vegetation management, repairs, and preparation for upcoming
spring and summer demands.
Operational Efficiencies and Modernization
Parks maintenance operations are evolving to meet the needs of a growing community
and a larger, more diverse park system. To improve service delivery, efficiency, and
long-term sustainability, several opportunities have been identified:
Technology Improvements: Modern asset management systems, work-order
tools, communication platforms, and data dashboards can reduce administrative
burden, improve internal coordination, and support proactive rather than
reactive maintenance.
Optimizing Shop Locations and Equipment Storage: Strategically locating
maintenance staff and equipment can reduce drive time, fuel use, and delays—
allowing crews to spend more time performing on-site preventive maintenance.
Proactive Equipment Replacement: Replacing equipment based on operational
effectiveness and site needs, rather than end-of-life cycles alone, supports
efficiency, reduces downtime, and ensures the right tools are matched to the
right landscapes.
Coordinated Departmental Workflows: The recent reorganization of the
Facilities Division, which oversees custodial services, restrooms, capital repairs,
and some maintenance, has introduced new coordination needs. Strengthening
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 5-28
cross-departmental communication is essential to ensure park maintenance
needs are understood, prioritized, and aligned with operations in the field. This
presents an opportunity to formalize communication, clarify roles, and
implement shared service standards.
Safety, Security, and CPTED
Parks face challenges related to vandalism, illegal activity, and unauthorized
encampments, which can impact maintenance workloads and public perceptions of
safety. These issues are not unique to Renton and reflect broader regional trends.
A proactive, systemwide approach to Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
(CPTED), combined with maintenance best practices, can help deter unwanted
behaviors, improve visibility, and support safe, welcoming parks. Strategies include:
thoughtful placement of lighting that balances visibility with environmental
sensitivity
use of cameras in appropriate locations, following City policy
maintaining clear sightlines
programming and activation that increase positive presence
coordinated response protocols with City departments
Additional staff presence, including park staff and security personnel, can also help
reinforce positive behavior and provide support where needed.
Partnerships
Partnerships continue to play an important role in stewardship and community
involvement. Opportunities include:
Vegetation management partnerships with King County, Washington State
agencies, and non-profits for selected rights-of-way and natural areas.
Volunteer engagement through “Friends of…” groups, Green Cities-style
programs, and corporate volunteerism, focused on tasks that complement
union-protected work, such as litter pickup, invasive species removal, planting,
and beautification.
Community organizations and business groups supporting park enhancements
and stewardship activities.
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 5-29
These partnerships help extend the reach of City-led maintenance while aligning with
labor agreements and operational priorities.
Environmental Considerations
Maintenance practices play an essential role in ecological health, climate resilience, and
long-term sustainability. Opportunities include:
Retaining organic material on site (e.g., mulch, woody debris) to support soil
health and habitat.
Reducing pesticides and herbicides and applying alternatives where feasible.
Transitioning to electric equipment to reduce emissions.
Rewilding appropriate areas and using climate-resilient native species to
reduce long-term maintenance needs.
Converting underutilized turf to wildflower meadows or pollinator habitat.
These practices support Renton’s urban forestry goals and align with broader City
sustainability initiatives.
Maintenance Challenges and Opportunities
While the park system has expanded, investments in operations have not kept pace.
The following challenges reflect areas where targeted investments and operational
improvements can significantly strengthen system reliability:
Staffing Capacity: Growing the system without expanding staff increases
pressure on existing crews and may affect service levels. Public input strongly
supports improving maintenance of existing parks. Investing in maintenance
staff is fundamental to meeting community expectations and protecting City
assets.
Maintenance Facility Needs: Staff and equipment are dispersed across multiple
locations, many of which lack adequate space. Consolidated or strategically
located facilities would reduce travel time and improve efficiency.
Aging Facilities and Equipment: Many parks and buildings require
modernization. Proactive replacement planning and regular park and facility
assessments would improve reliability and reduce long-term costs.
Impacts of Encampments and Vandalism: These issues increase cleanup needs
and strain maintenance resources. Coordinated approaches, CPTED, lighting,
and presence-based strategies offer paths toward safer, more welcoming parks.
PROS Plan | January 2026
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Restrooms: High public demand for open, clean restrooms underscores the
need for improved custodial care, durable materials, modern design that reduce
unwanted behaviors, and a coordinated approach with the Facilities Division.
Hazard Trees and Forestry Capacity: A larger in-house urban forestry team
could reduce response times, improve safety, and better support long-term
canopy management.
The challenges facing Renton’s park maintenance operations represent clear
opportunities for modernization, investment, and organizational alignment. Improving
technology, optimizing operational bases, strengthening cross-department
coordination, modernizing equipment, and expanding staff capacity will allow Renton
to meet community expectations and sustainably care for the City’s growing park
system. With the right investments, maintenance can become a proactive, efficient,
and innovative component of Renton’s long-term parks vision.
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 5-31
SYSTEM RECOMMENDATIONS
These recommendations guide Renton’s investment strategy by strengthening daily
care, modernizing existing parks, and planning for new parks where needed. They
balance operations, capital reinvestment, aesthetics, environmental function, and
long-term sustainability. In addition to building new amenities, Renton must also
renew, refresh, and elevate what already exists—because visible care builds trust and
reinforces pride in place.
QUICK WINS — HIGHLY VISIBLE IMPROVEMENTS
WITH IMMEDIATE IMPACT
Operational enhancements, small capital upgrades, and aesthetic improvements can
significantly improve the public experience—often at a lower cost and faster pace than
new construction. These actions demonstrate ongoing reinvestment and honor
community expectation for parks that feel loved, updated, and cared for year-round.
Establish Maintenance Standards for All Sites.
Develop consistent maintenance standards informed by National Recreation
and Park Association (NRPA) best practices and CAPRA accreditation criteria.
These standards should apply across routine maintenance, preventive care,
cyclical refurbishments, and service response times.
Use data, quality assurance measures, and performance analytics to monitor
cost efficiency, asset condition, life-cycle needs, staffing requirements, and
trends over time—allowing Renton to proactively identify opportunities for
improvement rather than react only when systems fail.
Refresh and Rejuvenate Parks Regularly.
Implement repainting cycles, signage renewal, power washing, and small-scale
upgrades that create “glow ups.” These improvements should occur
proactively—not only in response to vandalism—mirroring private-sector
reinvestment strategies that maintain relevance and pride in place.
Beautify with Native, Intentional Planting.
Expand native landscaping, pollinator gardens, seasonal plantings, and
purposeful design accents. Landscaping should feel curated and expressive of
Renton’s identity—not incidental or purely functional.
Light for Safety and Invitation.
Implement lighting that enhances both visibility and atmosphere. Aesthetic
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 5-32
lighting can convey celebration, comfort, and civic pride, while also supporting
CPTED strategies and safe, welcoming spaces.
Phase Park Openings to Increase Access.
Where appropriate, open new sites in phases so communities gain access
sooner, even as full development continues over time.
CORE INVESTMENTS — MODERNIZATION,
ADAPTATION, AND LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP
Core investments elevate park quality, completeness, and resilience. This includes mid-
range reinvestment projects that sit between routine maintenance and full capital
renovation—an area where many aging needs currently reside.
Renovate and Modernize Aging Facilities.
Upgrade structures, restrooms, furnishings, paint, and finishes. These
improvements improve public perception, increase use, and advance equity in
how maintenance is experienced across neighborhoods.
Add Amenities that Support Current Use Patterns.
Prioritize flexible courts, sports field improvements, shade structures,
comfortable seating clusters, and multigenerational play environments that
reflect evolving recreational preferences.
Design for Versatility Over Single-Use.
Invest in amenities that serve multiple functions—events + informal play, fitness
+ socialization, family use + tournament capacity.
Invest in Sustainability and Beauty, Together.
Pair habitat restoration, stormwater treatment, and canopy expansion with
aesthetic quality. Sustainable places should also be beautiful and joyful.
Build Parks with Safety in Mind.
Use CPTED design principles, line-of-sight management, program activation,
and well-placed amenities to reduce unsafe behavior and increase community
comfort without relying solely on enforcement.
Cultivate Reciprocal Partnerships.
Partner where values align and where shared stewardship enhances—not
replaces—City care. Partnerships should elevate community benefit, creativity,
programming capacity, and park and recreation identity.
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 5-33
INCREASED ACCESS — BRINGING PARKS CLOSER TO
WHERE PEOPLE LIVE
Increasing access to parks in high-need and growth areas requires strategic land
acquisition, development of existing holdings, and cross-agency collaboration.
Expand Access in Park-Need Areas.
Develop undeveloped parks and pursue new land or shared-use agreements
where gaps exist.
Plan for Growth with Operational Awareness.
Acquisition and development should be paired with increases in staffing,
maintenance equipment, technology, and operating budget to keep new parks
vibrant long after they open.
Serve Both Today and Tomorrow.
Create early access where possible, then build out amenities over time as
funding and staffing allow.
PLANNING AREA RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are based on Community Planning Area conditions
identified in Chapter 3 Community Needs and Engagement and the above system
recommendations.
Exhibit 5-9: Recommendations by Community Planning Area
Community Planning Area Recommendations
Benson Increase tree canopy cover and shade
Improve facility condition in existing parks
Add amenities to existing parks
Fill park gap areas
Cedar River Stormwater/flooding management features
Improvements to existing parks
Safety improvements
City Center Increase tree canopy cover and shade
Stormwater/flooding management features
Add amenities to existing parks
East Plateau Fill park gap areas
Highlands Increase tree canopy cover and shade
Add amenities to existing parks
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 5-34
Community Planning Area Recommendations
Filling park gap areas
Kennydale Improve facility condition in existing parks
Add amenities to existing parks
Fill park gap areas Safety improvements
Talbot Increase tree canopy cover and shade
Improve facility condition in existing parks
Add amenities to existing parks
Fill park gap areas
Valley Increase tree canopy cover and shade
Stormwater/flooding management features
Improve facility condition in existing parks
Add amenities to existing parks
Fill park gap areas
West Hill Increase tree canopy cover and shade
Improve facility condition in existing parks
Add amenities to existing parks
Fill park gap areas
Source: BERK, 2025.
CONCEPT PLANS
This section presents concept plans for several parks guided by the vision, community
engagement, and park classifications described earlier in this chapter. Based on the
concepts, broad costs are developed in Chapter 6 Capital Improvement and Program
Implementation Plan. The concepts are meant to be phased over the short, medium, and
long-term. The concept plans can change over time as needs and interests change.
PROS Plan | January 2026
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NORTHEAST RENTON PARK
Neighborhood Park, 18.5 acres
The future Northeast Renton Park’s location in the East Plateau planning area is
underserved by parks; residents do not have a park within a half mile of their homes
that is easily accessible. The City acquired a 10‐acre parcel in 1994 with a Washington
Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) grant. Additional parcels, contiguous to the
acquisition, have since come into city ownership and the property is about 18.5 acres.
Other acreage is identified as a future acquisition opportunity. Grant agreement terms
stipulate development. Based on community
engagement the City of Renton developed a park
Master Plan completed in August 2024. The City is
seeking grant funds to open the park up for passive
and active recreation.
The Master Plan, excerpted in Exhibit 5-10, identifies
a “unique opportunity to harmoniously conserve,
enhance, and steward… natural resources while
thoughtfully balancing development of an
accessible, inclusive, and safe park with defined
recreation facilities and trails that provide a
connection with nature ...” Key elements include:
A large network of trails through forests,
wetlands, and along view corridors.
Areas for habitat restoration and enhancement are called out along May Creek.
A large central area containing all active recreation, including a large nature play
area, portable toilets, a picnic shelter, and parking.
A potential off-leash dog park and an open space that could be developed with
additional Park amenities in the future.
PROS Community Engagement
Creating new parks in
neighborhoods that lack parks
and improving trail access and
conditions are top investment
priorities (PROS Survey, 2025)
An interactive “drop pin” map
results in some open comments:
This area needs some sort of park,
possibly turf, soccer field or off
leash dog park
Consider removing the trees
against Duvall so future parking lot
is in the open (CPTED)
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 5-36
Exhibit 5-10: Northeast Renton Park
Source: Anchor QEA, 2024; City of Renton, 2024.
PROS Plan | January 2026
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CLEVELAND-RICHARDSON PARK
Neighborhood Park, 23.8 acres
This property was acquired with a Washington
Wildlife and Recreation Program grant administered
by the state Recreation and Conservation Office
(RCO). The terms of the grant agreement stipulate
development. This property in the Talbot Community
Planning Area has been historically underserved in
terms of parks and open space. Alternative concepts
have been developed with different elements of play,
recreation, and connection to nature. One of the
concepts appears below. For more information see:
Cleveland-Richardson Park Master Plan | Your Voice
Renton.
PROS Community Engagement
Punjabi Engagement – Teasdale Park:
Emphasis on community’s cultural and
spiritual connection to nature.
Ideas for parks include gardens, nature
viewing, and shaded spaces for
gathering.
Renton River Days Engagement Ideas:
community garden, nature viewing areas,
educational/ cultural/ gathering
elements, landscaping, wading pools,
signage in multiple languages,
stormwater features, fishing pond,
walking paths, restrooms, etc.
Cleveland-Richardson Park Alternatives
Renton River Days
Punjabi Community Engagement
Tonkin Park
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 5-38
Cleveland-Richardson Park Concept
Source: Bruce Dees Associates, 2025; City of Renton, 2025.
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 5-39
TIFFANY/CASCADE STORMWATER PARKS
Ginger Creek is a tributary to the Cedar River, but sections of the creek run through an
aging pipe system located in Tiffany Park, Cascade Park, and residential
neighborhoods. During heavy rains the aging pipe overflows, causing flooding in parts
of Cascade Park. The City’s Ginger Creek Subbasin Plan has identified opportunities to
address flooding and reduce the impact of urbanization on Ginger Creek by exploring
concepts of "Stormwater Parks" at Tiffany Park and Cascade Park, and additional pipe
replacements.
Stormwater parks are an example of a facility that treats stormwater and provides
recreation opportunities. They can be a joint effort of Parks and Recreation and Public
Works departments.
Renton River Days
City of Renton, 2025
Pop Up Event
City of Renton, 2025
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 5-40
Exhibit 5-11: Tiffany Park Conceptual Stormwater Park
Source: MxM, 2025; City of Renton, 2025.
PROS Community
Engagement
Engagement
comments:
“Can the city look into
making this park less
swampy? It makes the
grass field unusable.”
“Picnic Cover near
playground, shade
covering benches”
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 5-41
TRI-PARK CONCEPT PLAN
Tri-Park is made up of several Community Parks of varying sizes.
The Tri-Park area includes Liberty Park, Cedar River Park, and the Cedar River Natural
Area, as well as an undeveloped approximately 12.5-acre parcel adjacent to Cedar River
Park that was acquired by the City in 2025 for future park expansion and development.
Visioning for this area began more than two decades ago, but updating concepts is
essential to meet the needs of today’s growing and evolving Renton community. See
Exhibit 5-13 and Exhibit 5-14.
Some key ideas include:
Liberty Park: Upgraded ballfields, expanded skate park, skate facility under
freeway
Cedar River Park: Expanded aquatic center, multisport and miracle field,
amphitheater, improved water access, dog park
Cedar River Natural Area (portion): Trail activation, habitat enhancement, sports
fields
Renton River Days
City of Renton, 2025
Comments
City of Renton, 2025
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 5-42
Exhibit 5-12: Tri-Park Concept Plan
Source: MxM, 2025; City of Renton, 2025.
PROS Plan | January 2026
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6.CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
AND PROGRAM
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
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P a g e | 6-1
This chapter describes Renton’s current capital funding sources and potential funding
options. It also describes how the capital facility plan will meet the community needs
and priorities in alignment with the Plan Vision.
The chapter also identifies strategies to maintain, fund, and provide recreation
programming to Renton residents and visitors.
KEY PRIORITIES
CAPITAL LEVELS OF SERVICE
A “level of service” (LOS) refers to the amount and quality of parks, trails, and open
space that are necessary to meet current and future needs. LOS standards are used to
guide how facilities or services may need to be expanded as the population grows.
A LOS helps establish a capital facility program. Costs and revenue can be matched,
and projects phased to help achieve the planned LOS.
LOS policies or standards are locally established and set by each community. Levels of
service are often related to a unit of population, e.g., acres of parks or miles of trail per
1,000 population. In addition to quantity-based LOS measures, communities often
consider quality and extent (distribution).
Communities may define one or more LOS measures for their systems.
This PROS Plan recommends investing in multiple park system aspects described
below and illustrated in Exhibit 6-1:
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 6-2
Exhibit 6-1: Level of Service Components
Level of Service Measures Park Need –Developed Parks
Source: BERK, 2025.
The multiple facets of Park system levels of service include:
Improve quality through capital replacement and levels of maintenance care.
This supports usability and safety.
Addressing Quality: Improving quality would happen system wide through
preservation, capital replacement, and sustainability projects or programs.
A number of site-specific and systemwide projects and costs are identified
to address quality.
Improve Quality
Invest & Respond
Provide Access
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 6-3
Respond to growth by investing in active and passive facilities at a similar rate
as enjoyed today and moving park sites towards completeness of their park
classification standards. Adding capacity by adding active (sports) and passive
(family or individual recreation) on existing sites would be eligible for park
impact fees.
Addressing Investment and Response to Growth: The City could add
active and passive facilities to existing park sites or new one. Based on
population served per facility today, the City could add up to 22 family
activities and passive facilities and 18 active facilities over a 20-year period.
See Exhibit 6-2.
Exhibit 6-2: Level of Service – Invest and Respond
Type of Facility Family
Activities
& Passive
Active
Paths (Onsite) -Presence 38
Playgrounds 19
Sport Courts 43
Sports Fields & Exercise Equipment 19
Spray Pads or Splash Pads 2
Community Gardens 2
Skate Parks 1
Off-leash Dog Parks 1
Shelters 14
Sum 77 63
Population 2025 109,700 109,700
Population 2044 141,400 141,400
Net Growth 31,700 31,700
Population per Facility 1,425 1,741
Added Facilities by 2044 22 18
Source: BERK, 2025.
Provide access (where)in park access gap areas by opening undeveloped
parks in areas that lack parks within a ½ mile of residential low or residential
moderate density areas and ¼ mile of residential high density land uses per the
Comprehensive Plan and implementing zones,3 or developing partnerships to
make sites available to the community (e.g., after-hours schools or utility
3 See Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element and Map LU-2, and RMC 4-2-010.D.
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 6-4
corridors). Adding capacity by opening or adding park acres this would be
eligible for park impact fees.
Addressing Access:Chapters 2 and 3 identify access needs and demand
that could be addressed by opening of undeveloped parkland, as well as
adding new sites. This is primarily proposed in Benson, Talbot, and East
Plateau Community Planning areas.
PRIORITIZATION TOOL
As the City develops capital improvement programs in the City’s budget, the tool can
be used to advance priority projects. See Exhibit 6-3.
Exhibit 6-3: Guidelines and Prioritization Indicators
Category Criteria
Support
Equitable
Parks Access
for All
Improves access in gap areas.
Improve facility condition.
Improves facility completeness.
Promote
Community
Health and
Wellbeing
Improves access or services in locations where health indicators illustrate a need.
Improves inclusivity of park features.
Improves year-round usability.
Improves access or services within dense areas or areas of planned future growth.
Strengthen
Environmental
Resilience
Provides habitat cobenefits.
Supports environmentally sustainable maintenance practices.
Provides climate resiliency cobenefits.
Steward Our
Resources
Effectively and
Responsibly
Capital funding is available.
Long-term maintenance resources are available.
Leverages other City plans or priorities.
City's role is suited for project.
Engagement Reflect public feedback, need, or trend.
Supports long-term partnerships and relationships with community groups.
Supports long-term engagement (e.g., volunteerism, learning).
Source: BERK, 2025.
Based on the evaluation, the top 5 projects by each level of service category are
identified below. See Exhibit 6-4. A full table is provided in Appendix F. Capital
Improvement Plan. As projects evolve the City can re-evaluate the projects such as part
of the biennial budget process.
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P a g e | 6-5
Exhibit 6-4: Prioritized Projects – Top 5 by Level of Service
LOS Community
Planning Area
Project Name
Composite
Equity
Health
Environmental
Stewardship
Engagement
Improve
Quality
Benson Cascade Park 4 4 3 4 4 3
Benson Tiffany Park 4 4 3 4 4 3
Cedar River Cedar River Natural Area 3 3 3 3 4 4
City Center Cedar River Trail - Logan to Library 3 3 3 4 4 3
Highlands Highlands Park 3 3 4 1 3 4
Invest
and
Respond
City Center Gene Coulon Memorial Park 4 3 4 4 4 4
West Hill Earlington Park 3 4 4 2 3 3
Cedar River Cedar River Park 3 3 3 4 4 4
City Center Liberty Park 3 3 4 3 4 4
Cedar River Ron Regis Park 3 3 3 4 4 4
Provide
Access
Talbot Cleveland-Richardson Property 4 4 3 4 3 4
Talbot Edlund Property 4 4 4 4 3 3
East Plateau NE Renton Park 3 4 1 4 4 3
Cedar River Cedar River Trail - South 3 3 2 4 4 3
Benson New Park - Benson Location TBD 3 4 3 2 2 3
Multiple
Citywide
Systemwide Trail Expansion, Development, and
Corridor Acquisition
4 4 4 3 4 3
Systemwide Structural Reviews & Repair - Park
Structures
3 2 3 4 4 2
Systemwide Park and Shade Structures 3 4 4 1 4 3
Sports & Special
Use
Emerging Recreation Needs* 3 4 2 2 2 4
Sports & Special
Use
Sport Court Repair/Resurfacing 3 4 2 3 4 3
*Examples: Disc golf, mountain bike trails, pump track facilities including ADA-accessible loops, skate dots and
parks, non-motorized water access, splash pads, flexible/modular recreation spaces, multi-generational and
universal/adaptive features.
Source: BERK, 2025.
CAPITAL PLANNING
CAPITAL PROJECT LIST
Fulfilling levels of service, the capital plan focuses on: investing and responding to
growth by improving existing sites; providing access including opening undeveloped
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 6-6
sites and adding new parks through expansions, acquisitions, and partnerships; and
improving quality through major capital replacement and major maintenance. Many
park sites have projects that both respond to growth by adding new facilities and
preserve existing facilities.
The Capital Plan includes projects that Renton should be able to accomplish if
adequate funding is available as described above. Actual project costs are likely to vary
from the $317 million (2025 dollars) estimates provided in Exhibit 6-5 and illustrated in
Exhibit 6-6. Most funding would be expended to add capacity to the system, whether at
new or existing parks or trails. Estimated project costs included in the capital plan
should be considered project allocations, as investments shown are based on a range
of planning-level estimates drawn from: 6-year Capital Improvement Program (2025-
2030), Master Plans containing cost estimates, the prior 20-year PROS Plan with
inflation, and example costs from City projects, Resource Conservation Office grant-
funded projects, or recreation industry standards.
Exhibit 6-5: Matrix of Level of Service and Costs over 6 and 20 years ($Year of Estimate)
Level of Service Element 6-Year 7-20 Year Total
Improve Quality $20,624,000 $37,553,000 $58,177,000
Invest and Respond $38,530,000 $100,901,000 $139,432,000
Provide Access $54,485,000 $64,304,000 $118,789,000
Total (2025)$113,640,000 $202,758,000 $316,397,000
Total (2031)$146,536,000 $261,452,000 $407,989,000
Total (2044)$327,788,000 $584,846,000 $912,634,000
Notes: Individual park cost estimates considered: Design and Construction Contingency, Mobilization, Project
Management/Construction Management (City), Sales Tax 10.3%
Inflation added based on year of estimate, approximately 4.33% per year.
Source: City of Renton, 2024; BERK, 2025.
Exhibit 6-6: Graph Level of Service and Costs over 6 and 20 years ($Year of Estimate)
Source: City of Renton, 2024; BERK, 2025.
7-20 years
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 6-7
The projects include investments in existing park sites and adding new sites as well as
park site quality improvements. See Exhibit 6-7.
Exhibit 6-7: Levels of Service and Comprehensive List of Project Types
LOS Project Types
Provide Access Natural areas with added public access: Maplewood Open Space (Cedar
River), Honey Creek Greenway (Highlands), May Creek Greenway (Kennydale)
Acquisitions and Expansions: Cedar River Trail - South, Renton Corridor
(Cedar River Trail Extension, Burnett Linear Park)
Trail Improvement and Extensions: Sam Chastain Waterfront Trail, Regional
Trails, Cedar River Natural Area (City Center, Valley, Benson)
New Parks on City-owned land: NE Renton (East Plateau), Cleveland-
Richardson Property (Talbot), Edlund Property (Talbot)
Urban green space sites opened: SE 186th Pl Open Space, Parkwood South
Park (Benson), Lake Avenue S Open Space (Talbot)
New Parks, location TBD: Soos Creek Greenway (County partnership,
Benson), new neighborhood park (unlocated Benson), new linear park, and
urban plaza (City Center – Rainier/Grady Way subarea), new neighborhood
park (unlocated East Plateau and West Hill), new neighborhood park at
Longacres (Valley)
Sports and Special Use: new sites, unlocated, community gardens, skate parks
Invest and
Respond
Multi-amenity parks and phases: Tri-Park (City Center and Cedar River areas –
Cedar River Park, Cedar River Natural Area, Liberty Park, N.A.R.CO
property/Cedar River Dog Park)
Add Active Facilities: Liberty Park, Ron Regis Park, Thomas Teasdale Park,
Philip Arnold (add property and improve access and usability)
Add Passive Facilities: unlocated, park and shade structures
Add Social and Recreational Facilities: Legacy Square and Piazza Park
Improved Natural Areas management and access: Black River Riparian Forest,
Trailheads and Parking at unlocated natural areas
Sports and Special Use: Senior Activity Center, expand for multi-use; add
sports courts and special uses at existing sites, unlocated (e.g., disc golf, dog
park, mountain bike/skills area, sports courts
Improve
Quality
ADA transition plan implementation
Capital Replacement: Playgrounds, multiple sites
Irrigation improvements: Replacements and upgrades to improve
maintenance and conservation.
Shoreline renovations: Gene Coulon Memorial Park, Cedar River Boathouse
Signage: including entry, wayfinding, informational
Special Use: Relocate/expand park maintenance building
Structural Reviews and Repairs
Support Facilities: Maplewood Park comfort station, unlocated park restroom
replacements and additions
Sustainability: Tiffany and Cascade stormwater parks
Trail restorations: Cedar River Natural Area, Springbrook Trail
Source: City of Renton, 2024; BERK, 2025.
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 6-8
The share of investments by District shows the greatest investment in the Cedar River
and City Center Community Planning Areas that have the most park sites, followed by
systemwide improvements that could be spent in multiple Community Planning Areas.
In terms of numbers of projects in addition to the Cedar River and City Center, a similar
number of projects are found in Benson and Talbot Community Planning areas. See
Exhibit 6-8 and Exhibit 6-9. Exhibit 6-10 summarizes project costs by type of project.
Exhibit 6-8: 2026-2044 spending and project counts by Community Planning Area
Community Planning Area 6-Year 7-20 Year Total Projects
Benson $128,000 $14,045,000 $14,173,000 9
Cedar River $25,538,000 $55,739,000 $81,277,000 14
City Center $33,947,000 $31,991,000 $65,938,000 21
East Plateau $7,594,000 $8,834,000 $16,428,000 2
Highlands $-$14,206,000 $14,206,000 9
Kennydale $10,849,000 $8,680,000 $19,529,000 7
Talbot $22,623,000 $9,248,000 $31,871,000 8
Valley $926,000 $19,546,000 $20,473,000 5
West Hill $1,277,000 $8,834,000 $10,111,000 2
Systemwide $8,472,000 $23,541,000 $32,013,000 19
Sports and Special Use $2,285,000 $8,094,000 $10,379,000 5
Total (2025)$113,640,000 $202,758,000 $316,397,000 101*
Total (2031)$146,536,000 $261,452,000 $407,989,000
Total (2044)$327,788,000 $584,846,000 $912,634,000
Notes: Individual park cost estimates considered: Design and Construction Contingency, Mobilization, Project
Management/Construction Management (City), Sales Tax 10.3%
Inflation added based on year of estimate, approximately 4.33% per year.
*There are 85 project sites or program types, but 101 projects when accounting for projects that are short term
versus long term.
Source: BERK 2025.
Exhibit 6-9: Number of Projects by Community Planning Area
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P a g e | 6-9
Source: BERK 2025.
Exhibit 6-10: Project Types by Planning Period
Project Type 6-Year 7-20 Year Total
Preservation, Sustainability, and Capital
Reinvestment*
$ 6,373,000 $ 8,829,000 $ 15,202,000
Responsive and Quality Maintenance &
Replacement of Existing Amenities*
$ 2,344,000 $ 4,357,000 $ 6,701,000
Support Facilities (restrooms, parking,
utilities, lighting, accessibility)
$ 2,773,000 $ 7,211,000 $ 9,984,000
Multi-Amenity and Community Park
Enhancements
$ 41,666,000 $ 33,686,000 $ 75,352,000
Active and Passive Recreation Facilities $ 16,375,000 $ 51,624,000 $ 67,999,000
Park Master Planning and Site-Specific Design
Work
$ 12,125,000 $ 8,564,000 $ 20,689,000
Natural Resources Management and
Ecological Stewardship
$ 150,000 $ 16,715,000 $ 16,865,000
Public Access and Trail Improvements $ 18,314,000 $ 16,202,000 $ 34,517,000
Social, Cultural, and Recreation Uses $ 1,746,000 $ 1,145,000 $ 2,891,000
Targeted Acquisition or Expansion $ 6,773,000 $ 54,243,000 $ 61,016,000
Special Uses $ 5,000,000 $ 181,000 $ 5,181,000
Total (2025)$ 113,640,000 $ 202,758,000 $ 316,397,000
Total (2031)$ 146,536,000 $ 261,452,000 $ 407,989,000
Total (2044)$ 327,788,000 $ 584,846,000 $ 912,634,000
Notes: Individual park cost estimates considered: Design and Construction Contingency, Mobilization, Project
Management/Construction Management (City), Sales Tax 10.3%
Inflation added based on year of estimate, approximately 4.33% per year.
*Projects involving preservation and capital investment and maintenance and replacement may have overlapping
project elements.
Source: BERK 2025.
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 6-10
FUNDING STRATEGIES
Current and Recent Funding Sources
General Fund
The City has primarily funded its parks and recreation services through the General
Fund. Renton supports the parks and recreation department as a public good and
contributor to economic development and residential quality of life. General Fund
revenue comes from taxes levied on property, the sale of merchandise, and utilities
within the city’s boundary. Other park and recreation related fees that contribute to the
General Fund include recreation program fees, boat launch fees, and park facility rental
fees.
Real Estate Excise Tax
A real estate excise tax (REET) is levied on all real estate sales measured by the full
selling price, including the amount of any liens, mortgages, and other debts given to
secure the purchase. Renton levies both of the available REET types. The first quarter
percent of real estate excise tax, or "REET 1," is 0.25% of the full sale price of real
estate. As a city that is planning under the Growth Management Act (GMA), Renton
can and does levy a second quarter percent tax (REET 2).
Special Use:
Senior Center
City of Renton, 2025
Active Facilities:
Pickleball
City of Renton,
2025
Natural Areas:
Public Access
City of Renton, 2025
Multi-amenity
Park, Phase
City of Renton,
2025
Trail Improvements
City of Renton, 2025
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 6-11
Since REET is based on the total value of real estate transactions in a given year, the
amount of REET revenues the City receives can vary substantially from year to year
based on the normal fluctuations in the real estate market. During years when the real
estate market is active, revenues are higher, and during softer real estate markets,
revenues are lower.
Competitive Grants
County, state, and federal grant programs can provide some funding from outside the
region. The City has a history of successfully pursuing grants from the Washington
State Recreation and Conservation Office and King County. Recent grants received by
Renton were funded by several organizations. See Exhibit 6-11.
Exhibit 6-11: Grants 2015-2024
Grant Program Count Awarding Agency
Aquatic Facilities Program 2 King County
CDBG 1 King County
Conservation Futures Fund 1 King County
Get Active / Stay Active 2 King County
Land and Water Conservation Fund 2 State RCO
Local & Community Projects Program 3 State Dept of Commerce
Parks Capital and Open Space Program 2 King County
Youth and Amateur Sports Grant 1 King County
Youth Athletic Facilities 1 State RCO
Youth Sports Facilities Grant 1 King County
Source: City of Renton, 2025.
This PROS Plan will assist the City with seeking grant funds, especially from RCO,
which requires this plan for eligibility. The park needs analysis in prior chapters also
uses similar social vulnerability, health, and access data as RCO and King County to
assist with park grant applications.
Park Impact Fees
Parks impact fees are fees on development intended to support the infrastructure
needs generated by growth. Rates are determined through a rate study and
consideration of system improvements needed to support growth at desired levels of
service. It assumes the fulfillment of the City’s access-oriented level of service
requiring parks within a ¼ to ½ mile of the population. The City currently collects fees
by housing type, and fees are higher for lower density forms of housing than for higher
density forms of housing based on household sizes and demand for parks. Renton’s
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P a g e | 6-12
existing (2025-2026) park impact fee is $3,276.44for single family and ranges between
$2,222.84 - $2,659.70 for multi-family (depending on number of units).
The City periodically reviews its park impact fees. It could update the fees based on
the capacity-oriented levels of service in this PROS Plan.
King County Levy
In August 2025, a King County Parks Levy passed that is anticipated to authorize $1.45
billion across the county over a 2026-2031 period. More than 25% of the levy is directly
allocated to local agencies, distributed based on population and equity considerations.
Investments will support a wide range of park space and recreation activities. In
addition to the pass-through amounts, King County anticipates $60 million in regional
trail investments in Renton.
Bonds and Financing
Revenues are the monies that are collected from services or scheduled taxation,
whereas financing is a set of tools that allows the City to move money through time.
For example, general obligation (GO) bonds are financing mechanisms that allow the
City to raise money in the short-term on the promise to pay off that debt in the future.
These tools do not create new revenues but encumber future revenues.
Other Funding Options
The City could also pursue several revenue sources that are not currently imposed or
received. Options for additional revenues include:
Recreation Registration Revenue
The City collects fees for camps, leagues, events, and other programs. These funds go
into Renton’s general fund. There may be an opportunity to use some of this revenue
for reinvestment into parks and facilities.
Metropolitan Park District
While Washington State law authorizes four types of parks and/or recreation districts,
urban areas tend to create Metropolitan Park Districts (MPD). Authorized by Chapter
35.61 RCW, MPDs are quasi-municipal corporations and independent taxing districts.
This means that MPDs have separate governing boards, although per RCW
35.61.050(4), a district wholly located with the City can define the City Council to be
the ex officio governing board.
An MPD can be initiated through resolution or initiative. As independent taxing
districts, MPDs have two property tax levies available with the total rate allowed up to
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P a g e | 6-13
$0.75/$1,000 of property value. As MPDs are a junior taxing district, if taxes go above
the $5.90 levy rate limit or the 1% growth limit, they are the first to be cut
(prorationing).
Donations
The donation of labor, land or cash by service agencies, private groups, or individuals is
a popular way to raise small amounts of money for specific projects. One common
example is a service club, such as Rotary, funding playground improvements. The City
could also accept donations for parks and recreation as an element of an estate.
Exchange of Property
If the City has an excess parcel of land with some development value, it could be
surplussed for private land more suitable for park use.
Joint Public/Private Partnership
Under this tool, a public agency would enter into a working agreement with a private
corporation to help fund, build and/or operate a public facility. Generally, the three
primary incentives a public agency can offer are land to place a facility (usually a park or
other parcel of public land), certain tax advantages, and access to the facility. While the
public agency may have to give up certain responsibilities or control of other
recreation services and amenities, it is one way of obtaining public facilities at a lower
cost.
Partnerships
The City has strong partnerships with the Renton School District and the King County
Library System. King County is coordinating with the City on regional trails in the city.
Other potential partners could include the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, private sport
groups, neighborhood organizations, and neighboring city governments.
Private Land Trusts
Private land trusts, such as the Trust for Public Land, Inc. and the Nature Conservancy
will acquire and hold land for eventual acquisition by a public agency. In some cases,
repayment of acquisition funds, including interest, may be required.
Shared Facilities
In some situations, Renton may be able to share the cost of improvements that would
benefit the parks, recreation, and natural areas system. One example is utility corridors;
in many cases land used for sanitary sewer, water or power lines may make an excellent
trail corridor, such as the City’s Honey Creek Trail. In this situation, the utility may pay
to develop a service road that can also serve as a trail.
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P a g e | 6-14
PARK SYSTEM PLANNING & EXPANSION
Renton manages and improves its parks, trails, and open space properties through
several activities described below and in Exhibit 6-12:
Holdings, Acquisitions: Holding and managing properties until funding and
resources are available to improve the property. Negotiating acquisitions or
partnerships for public access based on need and opportunity.
Project Studies, Master Plans, Partnerships: Preparing feasibility studies to
understand opportunities and constraints such as environmental, access,
cultural, or neighboring properties. Engaging community members. Laying a
foundation for design. This phase may also involve acquisition and partnership
agreements, as property rights should be secured before the City invests in
design and site development.
Design: Designing improvements with experts in landscape architecture, civil
engineering, and others. Obtaining environmental, land use, building, and
construction permits.
Develop, Construct: Constructing park or trail improvements based on
approved designs and available funding, including public access to major
improvements, like sports fields infrastructure over time.
Exhibit 6-12: Capital Improvement Project Lifecycle
Sources: BERK, 2025.
While this chapter identifies projects over the 20-year planning period, funding for
specific projects is identified during the adoption of the City’s biennial budget.
Projects that are not fully funded in the short or long-term are considered “wish list”
projects. Some wish list projects are included to provide alternatives if a scheduled
project is not possible, if additional resources are available, or if new partnership
opportunities arise. While the PROS Plan provides general direction on investments and
the type of facilities in a project, the master planning process looks closely at
constraints of the property and directly engages community members and other
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 6-15
interested parties to determine specific property improvements. Generally, a master
plan or improvement study will take place prior to design and construction and
provides the plan for building the park or trail.
SYSTEMWIDE IMPROVEMENTS
Systemwide improvements are identified in the Capital Improvement Program that will
be implemented at different facilities throughout the park system.
Preservation and Sustainability
Renton Parks and Recreation has included capital improvement programs that ensure
aging park facilities are replaced or upgraded as necessary to meet development
standards and environmental laws. These include:
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan – Parks and Recreation
Facilities: Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 prohibits
all state and local governments from discriminating on the basis of disability.
During the 2025-2031 period, a comprehensive evaluation of parks and park
facilities will be conducted to determine what types of access barriers exist for
individuals with disabilities. This plan will be used to help guide future planning
and implementation of necessary accessibility improvements. This project helps
ensure that the city parks are accessible to all members of the community in a
safe way, improving the quality of life for all.
Park Entry, Wayfinding, and Informational Signage: Most existing park entry
signage was designed and installed in the mid-1980's. The signage and
appearance are uninviting, outdated, deteriorating, and dates and age the city's
facilities. New entry signs have been installed at Philip Arnold Park, Kiwanis
Park, and the Renton Senior Center. This system-level project will expand this
first "welcome mat" to all of parks. Funds also allow for replacement of
wayfinding and informational signage. Park signage is replaced throughout the
system either as maintenance or capital replacement when replacing a large
quantity of signs.
Park Restroom Replacements and Additions: The capital program includes
system funds to provide new restrooms facilities that can be kept open year-
round and are maintenance friendly. Based on the PROS community survey,
safe and usable restrooms were a barrier to public use of Renton’s park sites.
Improving and adding restrooms will support public use of park sites.
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P a g e | 6-16
Park and Shade Structures: Shelters are available to rent at several parks. Park
shelters in the park system are well-used. They also generate revenue for the
park system. Additional park shelters and shade structures are desired at most
park properties. Public comments in the PROS Survey shared concerns and
desires for more shade elements including shade structures or trees. Funding
allows picnic shelters that are aging to be replaced, or new shelters to be built,
where a need has been identified. Funding may also be used to supplement an
existing capital project to add a picnic shelter, if desired.
Path/Trail Renovations and Expansions: Work includes ADA accessibility
improvements/additions, and safety repairs and replacements including
heaving, broken and settling pathways, trails, sidewalks, patios, and boardwalks.
During the 6-year period work is planned at Cedar River and Springbrook Trails.
In the 7–20-year period funds are set aside for other path/trail renovations or
expansions and trailheads and Parking at Natural Areas.
Playground Renovations: Playground equipment and surfacing replacements
based on condition, intensity of use/risk of damage, and age. The typical
lifespan of playground equipment is about 15 years. Work is planned at specific
sites in the 6-year period (e.g., Maplewood, Highlands, Windsor Hill, Glencoe,
Jones, Kennydale Lions, Heritage, Burnett, and Meadowcrest). Other play areas
that are more than 15 years old by the long-term period (7-20 years) would be
scheduled at that time.
Sport Court Repair and Resurfacing: Repairs, resurfacing, and flexible striping
based on specific site conditions and needs.
Structural Reviews & Repair - Park Structures: Structural reviews and repairs
are a significant aspect of keeping the city's outdoor park structures safe and
operating, driving public safety and quality of life in the parks throughout the
city. In order to maintain city assets, structural reviews should occur at least
every five years on every major outdoor park bridge, water walk, retaining wall,
bulkhead, pier/dock, wave breaks, etc. Identified repairs or replacements are
then designed and executed. This project includes budget for the structural
engineering reviews and an estimated amount for engineering designs and
implementation of repairs, based on structural review recommendations. A
proportional share of funding is assumed in the 7–20-year period as for the 6-
year period.
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P a g e | 6-17
Stormwater Parks/Stormwater Management: The Capital Improvement
Program addresses funding for drainage systems that may need modernization
to meet new requirements or to address ongoing drainage concerns, and where
feasible to incorporate recreation and open space elements like stormwater
parks.
System wide Upgrade to Water Management – Irrigation System: A thorough
upgrade to the park system’s current irrigation systems would support basic
maintenance and operational needs, as well as help the City meet sustainability
goals around water use and conservation, particularly if there is greater
operational control over the system as a whole.
Trails, Sports and Special Use Facilities
Through the PROS survey and park ratings process, public needs and desires included
adding and improving trailheads and trails based on the City’s Renton Trails And Bicycle
Master Plan. In addition, public input included desires for a variety of special uses or
sports facilities, such as:
Community Gardens
Dog Parks
Sport Courts (e.g., pickleball, tennis, futsal, basketball, volleyball)
Alternative Sports: Disc Golf, Skate Dots or Parks, and Mountain Bike and Skills
Area facilities
The Capital Projects List includes a general fund for each of these. As opportunities
arise, these facilities could be added to existing parks over the 6 and 20-year periods.
RECREATION PROGRAM
COMMUNITY NEEDS AND PROGRAMS
Renton is the largest public provider of recreation programs in the city and offers
programs serving the public across all ages and abilities. Renton’s programs have
grown in usage, recovering after the pandemic, particularly for adults and for the
aquatic program, though youth programs overall have dropped.
The survey, described in Chapter 4 Community Needs and Appendix A. Engagement
Results, included a question asking what the City could do to encourage participation in
recreation, museum, and senior center programs. Community survey results show that
PROS Plan | January 2026
P a g e | 6-18
residents are eager to engage more with City programs and would do so with greater
visibility, easier registration, and more convenient options. Most commonly,
respondents responded that more information about upcoming programs were
needed, followed by aspects of recreation programming that could increase access to
programs (e.g. more convenient times, easier sign-up process, reduced program
costs), and providing offerings that are of higher interest or for specific age groups or
abilities.
Investing in a registration system with a customer experience focus and expanding
communication capacity would improve access, awareness, and participation aligning
with community feedback and our commitment to responsive service.
Additionally, through an ongoing evaluation, the City can determine which programs to
add, increase, or reduce as shown in Exhibit 6-13. The review would consider
community needs, the City’s best role, available resources, and potential partners.
Exhibit 6-13: Program Evolution Process
Source: City of Renton, 2025; BERK, 2025.
Review Community
Need, Guiding Principles
including Best Role,
Partners, and Resources
Introduction Stage
•Revenue slow
•Costs high
•Participation increasing
Take-Off Stage
•Revenue Increases
•Nearing maximum
participant capacity
Maturity Stage
•Revenue increases slowly
•Maximum capacity reached
but beginning to drop
Saturation Stage
•Efforts to extend program
•Revenues level and drop
•No new participants
Decline Stage
•Revenue drops
•Low participation
•Cost and revenue not in
balance
Evaluate and Adaptively
Manage Program
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P a g e | 6-19
COST RECOVERY AND AFFORDABILITY
Parks are a public good supported primarily by public funding. Some facilities or events
are subject to user fees (e.g., day camp or class fees). Where programs provide mostly
community benefits, fees are lower than the cost of the service to allow broad access.
If programs mostly benefit individuals, or are competitive or exclusionary in nature,
fees are set to more fully recover costs.
In a national survey by Recreation Management in 2025, public/governmental
organizations reported a cost recovery rate of 45.3% (Recreation Management, 2025).
In 2024, the NRPA found the median cost recovery share was 25%. Renton’s recreation
division currently operates with a cost recovery model informed by best practices from
the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), recovering approximately 25–
50% of program delivery costs. This framework supports fiscal responsibility while
maintaining broad community access.
A key component of Renton’s commitment to accessibility is the Gift of Play program,
which provides financial assistance that either reduces or fully eliminates program fees
for eligible participants. Families and children who qualify for free or reduced lunch or
receive SNAP benefits are automatically eligible for Gift of Play scholarships. Additional
fee reductions are also available for participants in adaptive recreation programs and
for many senior programs serving income-restricted older adults. These resources help
ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation in enriching recreational opportunities.
The plan includes guiding principles for Renton’s recreation program, emphasizing
accessible services, clearly defined program focus areas, and thoughtful cost and
performance evaluation.
The City regularly reviews its rates and fees. The City has future opportunities to refine
its cost recovery policy in a way that continues to promote equity and reduces
financial barriers for residents. To support review of rates and fees, the City could
continue collecting data on the cost of programs and trends:
Maintain a data framework for understanding level of access and demand for each
discrete facility, activity, and service and the direct and indirect costs of the activity.
Use the data framework to generate a multi-year baseline measurement of trends in
access, demand, and cost. Appendix E. Recreation Analysis is an example for such
data.
Review specific cost recovery targets for each discrete facility, activity, and service.
Calibrate fees paid by individuals to minimize changes in access to and demand for
services.
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GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Based on the goals and objectives in Chapter 4, and trends and community needs in
Chapters 2 and 3, guiding principles for Renton’s recreation program are proposed to
include:
RECREATION SERVICE CHARACTERISTICS
Serve as many people as possible for all ages.
Provide accessible inclusive programs for all abilities.
Celebrate Renton’s unique and multi-cultural community in event design and
communication.
PROGRAM FOCUS
Focus on health and well-being including adult and youth sports and fitness.
Provide fun, creative, educational, and skill-oriented recreation programs,
leagues, classes.
Promote environmental stewardship and access to nature through recreation
and community volunteer programs.
Offer spaces for social connections and family and group events.
PROGRAM COSTS AND EVALUATION
Consider cost recovery when developing and implementing projects and
programs.
Provide equitable and affordable access to Renton’s recreation programs
Recognize and leverage the services offered by partners and nonprofit provides
(e.g., Renton Schools, King County Library Services, Family First Center, and
others) and avoid duplication.
Ensure ongoing evaluation of programs to ensure it remains responsive to
community needs and trends.
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PARK SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION
ACTIONS
Key implementation actions are provided below based on PROS goals and objectives,
community demand and need findings, and standards, recommendations, and capital
programs of this PROS Plan.
A. PARTNERSHIPS
1.Maintain and leverage working relationships with other City departments, adjacent
governments, special districts (schools, library, utilities, King Conservation District),
non-profit recreation providers, and community stakeholders to promote the
acquisition and development of high demand facilities.
2.Further develop the relationship with the Renton School District: Increase use of school
facilities through the development of a strong interlocal agreement with the Renton
School District.
3.Encourage formation of community “friends” groups to help support the volunteer and
special maintenance of parks.
B. FUNDING AND ACQUISITION
1.Pursue implementation of the Capital Improvement Plan reflecting the level of service
standard and community demands and needs identified in the PROS Plan and the policy
priorities.
2.Identify and monitor all remaining useful undeveloped properties in Renton. Engage
with the Community and Economic Development Department to review the vacant and
redeveloped land inventory for the Comprehensive Plan.
3.Pursue cost-efficient acquisition and development of those properties that satisfy
current or future park system needs.
4.Identify and pursue all reasonable funding sources for land acquisition.
5.Establish policy and procedures on private property dedication to the parks system.
6.Implement policy and procedures for using grants, mitigation, donations, foundations,
and land trusts to meet the acquisition needs of the city.
7.Work with the Community and Economic Development Department to update park
impact fees, as appropriate, to reflect the PROS Plan and support the city’s park and
trail system as the community grows.
8.Pursue necessary funding for department functions including structural and grounds
maintenance, facility rehabilitation, ADA compliance, land acquisition and development,
and recreational services. Include necessary equipment, vehicles, office, and storage
space for maintenance and operations. Encourage and fund staff education and training
with national, state and county professional associations.
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C. PARK PLANNING, DESIGN, AND ACTIVATION
1.Ensure master plans and conceptual plans include a life cycle cost analysis.
2.Ensure that design principles are established for every park to outline the desired
outcomes for the park reflecting minimum park standards by classification.
3.Establish standards to enhance park quality, safety, and sustainable maintenance.
4.Install new signage that supports the department’s initiatives throughout the parks
system based on the department’s signage plan and as resources allow. Encourage
measures that improve community and employee comfort and safety in the park
system, such as space activation, ranger programs, and others.
D. RECREATION PROGRAM ENHANCEMENT
1.Increase social awareness of recreation programs.
2.Invest in a registration system with a customer experience focus.
3.Develop and maintain a recreation data tracking system.
4.Evaluate periodically the City’s cost-recovery policy considering equitable access to
programs.
5.Utilize a cost benefit approach to pricing of fee based recreational programs.
MONITORING, REVIEWING, AND
UPDATING
MONITORING
Renton intends to track its performance periodically to determine progress on
implementation of this plan. Monitoring is recommended in association with updates to
the City budget and capital improvement program. Performance measurement is a
useful strategy in requesting additional funding and resources. See Exhibit 6-14.
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Exhibit 6-14. Potential Monitoring Measures and Targets
Category Metrics Data/Measurement
Support Equitable Parks
Access for All
Improves access in gap
areas.
Improve facility condition.
Improves facility
completeness.
Review progress in
meeting park needs within
a ¼ mile of high-density
residential area like City
Center and ½ mile of lower
density residential areas.
At time of biennial budget,
review the park condition
scores striving for
improvement.
At time of biennial budget,
review park completeness
scores and consider
needed improvements in
the capital program to
make progress towards
minimum standards.
Promote Community Health
and Wellbeing
Improves access or
services in locations where
health indicators illustrate a
need.
Improves inclusivity of park
features.
Improves year-round
usability.
Improves access or
services within dense areas
or areas of planned future
growth.
Improve access to
greenscape and shade.
Review changes in park
system access in areas
with social vulnerabilities
and health disparities as
well as in growing areas of
the city.
At time of biennial budget,
review progress in ADA
transition plans and
inclusive park features.
Number of amenities
added to park that increase
usage by any user group.
Tree canopy coverage and
shade elements in parks.
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P a g e | 6-24
Category Metrics Data/Measurement
Strengthen Environmental
Resilience
Provides habitat
cobenefits.
Supports environmentally
sustainable maintenance
practices.
Provides climate resiliency
cobenefits.
Progress in implementing
Clean Economy Strategy
actions relevant to parks
system, and Urban Forest
Management Plan activities
related to park system.
As part of park master plan
or conceptual plans,
integrate environmental
and climate resilience
design principles.
Steward Our Resources
Effectively and Responsibly
Capital funding is available.
Long-term maintenance
resources are available.
Leverages other City plans
or priorities.
City's role is suited for
project.
Report as part of budget
process or impact fee
tracking: Capital projects
implemented related to
adopted LOS.
Routine maintenance
performed by level of care
maintenance standards.
Projects leveraging other
City plans or priorities.
Engagement Reflect public feedback,
need, or trend.
Supports long-term
partnerships and
relationships with
community groups.
Supports long-term
engagement (e.g.,
volunteerism, learning).
Increase and evolve
methods of
communication and
feedback on parks and
recreation programs and
projects. Review level of
engagement.
Report as part of budget:
funding or partnerships
secured for capital
projects.
Increase in volunteerism.
Source: City of Renton, 2025
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN & CODE COORDINATION
The Comprehensive Plan includes a Parks and Recreation Element with goals and
policies last amended in 2024. The Comprehensive Plan also cross-references to the
Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas Plan, which this PROS plan replaces, in the Capital
Facilities Element. The Comprehensive Plan is largely consistent with this PROS Plan,
though less detailed. A future goal could include aligning the Comprehensive Plan and
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PROS Plan policies, capital program, and impact fees to more fully reflect the content
of the PROS Plan and avoid any disconnect between the two documents.
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7.CONCLUSION
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Renton’s parks, recreation facilities, and natural areas are among the community’s most
valued public assets. They support health, community connection, environmental
resilience, and quality of life for all residents. This PROS Plan reaffirms the City’s
commitment to providing a high-quality, welcoming, and sustainable park system that
reflects community priorities and meets the needs of a growing, diverse population.
Through an extensive analysis of park conditions, amenities, access, recreation trends,
and population projections, paired with robust community engagement, this PROS Plan
establishes a clear and actionable path forward. More than 5,000 residents contributed
perspectives during this process, and their voices shaped the vision and roadmap this
plan presents. Community members consistently expressed a desire for accessible,
connected, clean, safe, green, well-maintained parks and modern facilities that support
gathering, play, recreation, and nature. This plan responds directly to that guidance.
A COMMITMENT TO QUALITY AND
STEWARDSHIP
The PROS Plan underscores the City’s responsibility to steward public lands
thoughtfully and proactively. Renton’s 58 parks, natural areas, trails, and recreation
facilities comprise a system that must serve today’s users and adapt to tomorrow’s
needs. As the City grows in population, jobs, and housing density, investments in parks
and recreation will play an increasingly vital role in community health, livability, and
environmental resilience.
Ensuring a high-quality system requires a focus on:
Reinforcing and revitalizing aging assets
Bringing parks into alignment with classification standards
Designing facilities for long-term sustainability and versatility
Enhancing safety, accessibility, and ADA compliance
Maintaining the natural systems that define Renton’s landscape
Together, these efforts support a system that feels cared for, dependable, and inviting.
They reflect the pride and stewardship that the community expects and deserves.
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A PLAN GUIDED BY COMMUNITY VALUES
Every recommendation in this plan is rooted in community priorities and guided by the
Vision and Framework Principles. These principles center on promoting community
health, supporting equitable access, strengthening environmental resilience, and
stewarding resources responsibly. They serve as the foundation for decisions about
design, maintenance, programming, development, and reinvestment.
Neighborhood-specific needs, identified through detailed analyses of access,
conditions, and amenities, ensure that future improvements advance equity and reflect
the unique character of each area. Investments guided by this plan will deliver the
greatest benefit in the places where need is highest and opportunity is greatest.
A ROADMAP FOR THE FUTURE
The PROS Plan serves as a practical and strategic roadmap for the next six years and
for the years that follow. It outlines clear priorities, investment strategies, and capital
projects that will guide City budgeting, grant pursuit, partnership development, and
project planning. With 85 identified capital projects ranging from small-scale
enhancements to major park transformations, the plan balances reinvestment in
existing assets with targeted expansion where gaps persist.
The Plan also aligns with state requirements, ensuring eligibility for Recreation and
Conservation Office (RCO) funding. This is an essential resource for delivering park and
recreation projects across Renton.
ADVANCING RECREATION
OPPORTUNITIES
Recreation programs are a cornerstone of Renton’s service to the community. This plan
includes recommendations for strengthening the City’s approach to program delivery
by emphasizing accessibility, communication, evaluation, and long-term sustainability.
Enhanced visibility, improved customer experience tools, and continued commitment
to programs such as Gift of Play will expand opportunities for participation, particularly
for youth, seniors, and residents with limited income.
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ONGOING MONITORING AND
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
This PROS Plan is a living document. Its effectiveness relies on continued evaluation,
adaptable implementation, and meaningful collaboration across departments and with
community partners. By tracking progress through measurable indicators such as park
condition, access improvements, ADA upgrades, and recreation participation, the City
can ensure that investments remain aligned with community needs and organizational
capacity.
Regular review will highlight successes, inform future adjustments, and support
transparency in how the City delivers parks and recreation services.
LOOKING AHEAD
This Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan represents a shared vision for the future
of Renton’s parks system. It reflects the community’s aspirations and provides the
roadmap to achieve them. With thoughtful implementation, strategic investments, and
continued engagement, Renton will advance a park system that is high-quality,
resilient, inclusive, and reflective of the community it serves.
Stewarding this system is both a responsibility and an opportunity. It supports the
health and well-being of residents, protects natural resources, strengthens
neighborhoods, and creates enduring public spaces that future generations will enjoy.
The City remains committed to this vision and to delivering a parks and recreation
system that inspires pride and belonging for all Renton residents.
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8.GLOSSARY AND
REFERENCES
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GLOSSARY
ACRONYMS
ADA Americans With Disabilities Act
CDC Centers for Disease Control
CIP Capital Improvement Program
GIS Geographic Information Systems
LOS Level of Service
MPD Metropolitan Parks District
NRPA National Recreation and Parks Association
PROS Parks, Recreation, and Open Space
PSRC Puget Sound Regional Council
RCC Renton Community Center
RCO Recreation and Conservation Office
RCW Revised Code of Washington
REET Real Estate Excise Tax
SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
TERMS
Term Definition
3-30-300 Principle A benchmark for urban green space that includes 3 trees visible
from every home, 30% tree canopy cover in each neighborhood,
and a high-quality public green space within 300 meters.
Access Point A place where a park user can enter a park by walking, biking,
rolling, or driving.
Accessible Capable of being used or accessed. Accessibility of playgrounds
and facilities, for example, is often determined by Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Accessible is not the same
as inclusive. Accessibility of spaces is an important first step and
is often followed by looking at how to make those spaces more
equitable and inclusive.
Acquisition Purchase or acquisition of new property, increasing overall park
acreage.
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Term Definition
Active Recreation Activities focused on health, competition, skill development or
play that center around a recreation facility such as a sports field,
court, playground, or building.
Active Transportation Forms of pedestrian mobility including walking or running, the
use of a mobility assistive device such as a wheelchair, bicycling
and cycling irrespective of the number of wheels, and the use of
small personal devices such as foot scooters or skateboards.
Active transportation includes both traditional and electric assist
bicycles and other devices. Planning for active transportation
must consider and address accommodation pursuant to the
Americans with disabilities act and the distinct needs of each
form of active transportation.
Adaptive Recreation Programs that provide people with disabilities the opportunity to
participate in group leisure and recreational activities in the least
restrictive environment possible.
Amenity See 'Recreational Amenity'in Visual Glossary below.
Asset Any built component in the park system valued at over $10,000
Capacity or Carrying Capacity The maximum use an asset, park, or system can handle before it
is either too full of people or the use causes difficult-to-repair
damage.
Capital Development Construction projects that develop previously undeveloped
parkland into a new formal park space or expand the use of an
existing park space, including the addition of major new
amenities.
Capital Project A project to construct either new facilities or make significant,
long-term renewal improvements to existing facilities.
Capital Repair / Redevelopment Construction projects that repair or replace failing infrastructure
or otherwise aging amenities in kind. Examples are repaving a
parking lot, replacing work-out athletic field synthetic turf, or
improving drainage of an existing grass field.
City Park A park owned and managed by the City of Renton.
Community Communities of place can mean a political jurisdiction or other
geographic boundary that identifies a collective group of people.
Community Park Opportunities for active recreation and organized play in a
location that can accommodate increased traffic and demand,
while also serving the neighborhood function for nearby
residents.
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Term Definition
Corridor Narrow swaths of land that serve as a connection between parks
or to other destinations.
County Park A park owned and managed by King County.
CPTED (Crime Prevention
through Environmental Design)
A philosophy that uses specific design principles to deter
criminal behavior while positively impacting the image and usage
of an area or facility.
Department Renton Parks and Recreation Department
Demand A finding based on unique, important,or multiple community
voices.
Equity The act of developing, strengthening, and supporting procedural
and outcome fairness in systems, procedures, and resource
distribution mechanisms to create equitable (not equal)
opportunity for all people. Equity is distinct from equality which
refers to everyone having the same treatment without
accounting for differing needs or circumstances. Equity has a
focus on eliminating barriers that have prevented the full
participation of historically and currently oppressed groups.
Facilities See 'Recreational Amenity'under Visual Glossary of Amenities
below.
Green Infrastructure A wide array of natural assets and built structures within an
urban area, including parks and other areas with protected tree
canopy, and management practices at multiple scales that
manage wet weather and that maintain and restore natural
hydrology by storing, infiltrating, evapotranspiring, and
harvesting and using stormwater.
Green space An area of land, vegetated by natural features such as grass,
trees, or shrubs, within an urban context and less than one acre
in size that creates public value through one or more of the
following attributes:
(a) Is accessible to the public;
(b) Promotes physical and mental health of residents;
(c) Provides relief from the urban heat island effects;
(d) Promotes recreational and aesthetic values;
(e) Protects streams or water supply; or
(f) Preserves visual quality along highway, road, or street
corridors.
Inclusion Authentically bringing traditionally excluded individuals and/or
groups into processes, activities and decisions/policymaking in a
way that shares power, recognizes and celebrates differences,
ensures people feel welcome, and makes sure everyone has
equitable access to opportunities.
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Term Definition
Infrastructure Facilities and systems that allow the built environment to
function, such as trails, roadways, and utilities.
Level of Service (LOS) Standard A measure of how well a public agency is meeting its current or
projected demand.
Linear Parks Parks that are long and narrow and follow a natural or man-made
corridor such as a road or stream course.
Maintenance Activities performed on a regular basis to preserve and repair
facilities and keep them in good condition.
Master Plan A site-level planning process that considers the long-term
improvement of park properties to reflect community needs and
concerns and identify costs, phasing, and implementation
strategies.
Multi-Modal Trails Multi-modal transportation networks include bicycle and
pedestrian infrastructure that provides access to jobs, education,
health care, recreation destinations, and other essential services
in urban, suburban and rural areas. Multi-modal trials, also known
as shared use paths, are one component of a multi-modal
transportation network.
Natural Features predominantly caused by nature, not human-made.
Natural Area A protected and/or mostly undeveloped piece of land that is
managed to preserve natural ecosystems, wildlife habitat, and
ecological functions while providing opportunities for passive,
low-impact recreation.
Need A finding based on a quantitative or qualitative analysis.
Neighborhood Park Close-to-home recreation opportunities for nearby residents,
who typically live within walking and bicycling distance (.25-.5
miles) of the park in a residential setting.
Open Space Any area of land or water that provides physical or visual relief
from the developed environment. Open space may be essentially
unimproved and set aside, designated or reserved for public use
or enjoyment, or for the private use and enjoyment of adjacent
property owners. Open space may also consist of undeveloped
or developed areas including urban plazas, parks, pedestrian
corridors, landscaping, pastures, woodlands, greenbelts,
wetlands, and other natural areas or street rights-of-way which
provide visual relief within developed areas. The term does not
include stormwater facilities, driveway, parking lots, or other
surfaces designed for vehicular travel.
Park A public space for the purpose of recreation.
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Term Definition
Park System All parks, open spaces, trails, facilities, and recreation programs
managed by the City of Renton.
Passive Recreation Activities that focus on the enjoyment of the environment and
center around the built or natural landscape such as open lawns,
seating areas that take advantage of views or being surrounded
by nature.
Play Area An area within a park with features for children’s play, which
could include a playground or other features.
Preservation Refers to repair or replacement of a parks asset after it has
reached its useful life to accomplish the same overall function.
Preservation improvements are considered non-capacity
investments in parks.
Priority A focus for future investment based on local needs and
community input.
Programming Recreation activities and events organized by the City of Renton
or City partners, such as classes, sports leagues, or festivals.
Public Lands Areas of land open to the public and managed by federal, state,
county, or municipal governments.
Recreation Activity done for enjoyment in one's free time.
Regional Park Destination park locations that can accommodate
communitywide and regional traffic and demand, while also
fulfilling the function of a community and neighborhood park for
nearby residents
Reinvest The process of spending funds collected from residents and
businesses (through taxes and other means) in a way that
benefits those same residents and businesses.
Renton A city in King County, Washington, southeast of Seattle and at
the southern end of Lake Washington.
Safety Protection from danger or injury.
Site Plan A site plan is an accurate drawing or map of a property that
shows its size and shape; and the size, shape and location of
man-made and natural features (such as buildings, structures,
driveways, and trees) on the property. Site plans show both what
currently exists on the site and what physical changes are
proposed to be made.
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Term Definition
Special Use Park Space for unique features or places that create variety in the
park system but cannot be accommodated within other park
sites due to size or location requirements.
Sport Courts and Fields Facilities designed for organized sports including, but not limited
to, baseball, football, soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball,
pickleball, and others.
Sustainable Funding Financial resources that can reliably support project
development and long-term costs such as maintenance.
Turf Field A sports field with an artificial grass surface, designed for heavy
use and durability.
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VISUAL GLOSSARY OF AMENITIES
Recreational Amenity
Any feature in a park that provides opportunities to recreate or that makes recreation
more comfortable, attractive, or accessible. It may be a built feature, such as a
restroom, or a naturally occurring amenity, such as a view of Mount Rainier. The
number of recreational amenities in a given park is used in the Recreational Value
formula to assess the park's current Recreational Value. A conceptual level estimate of
possible complementary recreational amenities is used to assess the park's potential
Recreational Value.
Amenity Examples
FAMILY AND PASSIVE ACTIVITIES
Picnic Areas, Shelters, or Shade Structures
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Open Lawn, Informal Activity
Nature-based, Low-impact Recreation
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PLAY, COURTS AND FIELDS
Playground and Climbing Areas
Special: Climbing, Spray Pad, Inclusive Play
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SPORT FIELDS AND COURTS
Athletic Fields or Open Lawn: Turf
Athletic Fields or Open Lawn: Natural
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Lighting System
Sport Courts
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TRAILS AND PATHS
Park Path – impervious
Park Path – pervious
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Trailhead with Restroom
LANDSCAPED AREAS AND FURNISHINGS
Site landscaping, furnishings
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Viewing areas, interpretive areas
Signage
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SPECIAL USE FACILITIES
Golf Course
Boating, Fishing, Water Access
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Alternative Sports: BMX, Skate Park, Ultimate, Mountain Bike
Community Event Space, Amphitheater
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Meeting Rooms, Community Facility
Off-leash Area
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SUPPORT FACILITIES
Restroom / Support Facility
Romtec Sidewalk Restroom: A specific brand of single-occupancy public restroom that is freestanding and
designed to deter vandalism, crime, and misuse.
Access, Circulation, Parking
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REFERENCES
COMPANION PLANS
The Renton 2026 PROS Plan Update builds on prior plans such as:
Renton Comprehensive Plan 2024
Renton Clean Economy Strategy 2.0 2023
Renton Urban Forest Management Plan: 2022 – 2032
Renton Trails and Bicycle Master Plan 2019
Renton Downtown Civic Core Vision and Action Plan 2018
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Aspen Institute. (2019). State of Play: Seattle-King County. Retrieved from
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Seattle-KingCounty-Web-FINAL.pdf
CAPA Strategies. (2021). Summary Report - Heat Watch Seattle King County.
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summary-report-heat-watch-seattle-king-county.pdf
City of Bellevue. (2025). 2025-2026 Operating Budget & 2025-2030 Capital
Improvement Program. Retrieved from
https://bellevuewa.openbook.questica.com/#/budget-
book/2526adopted/243a5d40-17eb-40ae-b68a-631ae2f6922c
City of Kent. (2025). 2025-2026 Adopted Biennial Budget. Retrieved from
https://www.kentwa.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/22805/63879102135
0170000%20(p%20251)
City of Renton. (2018). Renton Downtown Civic Core Vision and Action Plan. Retrieved
from https://cdnsm5-
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munity%20Services/Parks%20Planning%20and%20Natural%20Resources/Studi
es%20and%20Plans/Renton%20Downtown%20Civic%20Core%20Vision%20an
d%20Action%20Plan_010818.pdf
City of Renton. (2025). 2025-2026 Adopted Budget. Retrieved from
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/DocView.aspx?id=11443132&cr=1
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City of Renton. (2025). 2025-2026 Budget. Retrieved from
https://www.rentonwa.gov/Government/Departments-and-
Offices/Finance/Budget
City of Renton. (2025). Renton Comprehensive Plan. Retrieved from
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/DocView.aspx?id=11481003&dbid=0&r
epo=CityofRenton&cr=1
City of Renton. (2026). City of Renton Timeline. Retrieved from
https://www.rentonwa.gov/Activities-Events/Museum/City-of-Renton-Timeline
City of SeaTac. (2025). 2025-2026 Biennial Budget. Retrieved from https://city-
seatac-wa-budget-book.cleargov.com/19392/departments/parks-and-
recreation
City of Shoreline. (2025). 2025-2026 Biennial Budget. Retrieved from
https://www.shorelinewa.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/64017/6387488
04760570000%20(p%2037)
EarthDefine. (2025). US Tree Map. Retrieved from
https://www.earthdefine.com/treemap/
Recreation Magazine. (2024). Our 2024 Report on the State of the Managed
Recreation Industry. Retrieved from
https://recmanagement.com/articles/154521/our-2024-report-state-managed-
recreation-industry
Recreation Management. (2025, June 4). 2025 State of the Industry Report. Retrieved
from by Emily Tipping: https://recmanagement.com/articles/155200/2025-
state-industry-report
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