Cedar River Park Acquisition

The City of Renton announces the expansion of Cedar River Park through the planned acquisition of a significant vacant lot adjacent to both the Maple Valley Highway and the Cedar River.

The acquisition represents an addition of approximately 12.5 acres to the existing 23-acre park. Part of a long-term plan to expand the footprint of Cedar River Park, the new open public space will increase Renton's recreational opportunities, public access to the riverfront, and convert the site from its previous industrial purpose. This new public asset will also provide lasting environmental protections to the Cedar River and resident salmon.

Renton City Council views the acquisition of the property as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase this strategically located property that will benefit the entire community for generations to come. Council acted quickly and approved the ordinance enabling the purchase and sale agreement (PSA) to be drafted during the July 14 Council meeting. The PSA will come back to the City Council for final approval in August or September.

The project meets the city's business plan goals of providing a safe, healthy and vibrant community, while fostering environmental sustainability and preservation. The purchase moves the city closer to achieving goals originally identified in the city's 2006 Tri-Park Master Plan, reaffirmed in plan updates in 2011 and 2020. The city is currently seeking input on its Parks Recreation and Open Spaces (PROS) Plan.

"This property gives us the opportunity to honor commitments made nearly two decades ago-now brought to life through a modern vision shaped by our community's input," said Maryjane Van Cleave, Parks and Recreation Administrator.

An acquisition process called "friendly condemnation," requested from the existing property owner, allows for the procurement of private property for public use through a more collaborative and beneficial approach than formal condemnation proceedings, while paying a fair market value to the property owner.

The lot was previously home to the Stoneway Dock Company in the 1930s and was later converted to Stoneway Sand and Gravel in the 1950s. The property was a site for concrete and asphalt manufacturing until October 2002.

Cedar River Park is a 23-acre community park is situated along Maple Valley Highway. The park complex includes waterfront access points, trails, a dog park, the Renton Community Center, Carco Theatre, and the Henry Moses Aquatic Center.