HomeMy WebLinkAbout061014_Governor's Smart Commuity Award
website:rentonwa.gov
City of Renton - 1055 South Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
June 10, 2014
For more information contact:
Preeti Shridhar, Deputy Public Affairs Administrator, 425-430-6569
City of Renton and Renton School District Receive Governor’s 2014 Smart
Communities Award
RENTON: On June 20, at the Association of Washington Cities annual conference in Spokane, Governor Jay
Inslee will present the 2014 Smart Communities Award to the City of Renton and the Renton School District
for the Meadow Crest Early Learning Center and Meadow Crest Accessible Playground . This is the third year in
a row that the city has received this prestigious recognition and award.
The Meadow Crest Early Learning Center and Meadow Crest Accessible Playground are components of the
“Sunset Area Community Reinvestment Strategy,” one of the priorities for the city. Part of a collaborative
effort between the City of Renton, Renton School District, Renton Housing Authority, Neighborhood House,
Renton Technical College and private sector partners, the redevelopment includes the learning center and
accessible playground, replacement of public housing units, development of market-rate housing, a new
library, new parks, nutrition and health care services, educational opportunities, job training and enhanced
public safety programs.
“This award is a testament to the greatness of this project—one that brings a unique opportunity for children
along with affordable housing, jobs, learning and recreation opportunities to the Sunset area in the
Highlands,” said Mayor Denis Law. “This project completely transforms sub-standard housing and a previously
neglected neighborhood, and shows the tremendous opportunity the Sunset area has to offer. I want to thank
the Renton School District and each one of our partners who have helped move this forward.”
The new community-accessible playground has been designed for all ages and all abilities to encourage
imagination and interaction. There are large outdoor musical instruments, spaces to run, a stage and areas to
be alone. All activities provide opportunities for youth of all abilities and different generations to play and
learn together. It is built on land owned by the city and school district and funded by public and non profit
partners. The unique partnership and close working relationship between the district and the city has created
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a bond that has thrived for more than a decade. Working together to market Renton as a destination to live,
learn, work, and play has created an economic climate that has attracted many business and families to
Renton.
For more information visit rentonwa.gov or www.rentonschools.us. For information on the Governor’s Smart
Communities Awards or the Growth Management Act, visit www.commerce.wa.gov/growth.
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