Cleveland-Richardson Park Master Plan

The Cleveland-Richardson Park Master Plan advances a shared vision for a future neighborhood park in south Renton - one that expands equitable access to green space while protecting the site’s natural resources.

Project Objectives

The master planning effort was guided by three core objectives:

• Advance equitable access to parks and address a park-service gap in south Renton

• Protect and restore natural and cultural systems, strengthening ecological health and stewardship

• Create an inclusive neighborhood park that serves all ages, abilities, and backgrounds

Planning Process & Community Input

The Master Plan was shaped through multiple phases of community engagement and technical analysis. Residents, neighbors, and stakeholders shared feedback through surveys, public meetings, pop-up events, and online engagement.

Key themes emerged consistently and directly informed the design:

• Preserving and restoring natural areas while supporting ecological education

• Creating safe, welcoming, and walkable access to the park

• Designing spaces that work for all ages and abilities

• Reflecting cultural identity and community character

• Integrating edible and educational landscapes

• Planning for long-term maintenance, safety, and care

Master Plan Result

The Draft Master Plan presents a preferred concept design that balances conservation with recreation. The plan organizes park amenities to protect sensitive areas, enhance access, and create flexible spaces for play, learning, and community gathering, while allowing for phased implementation over time.

Together, the plan provides a clear roadmap for future design, funding, and development, ensuring Cleveland-Richardson Park becomes a welcoming and resilient public space for generations to come.

Design Walkthrough: Master Plan Highlights

We’re excited to share concept designs for the future Cleveland-Richardson Park — and we want your feedback!

Over the past few months, we've listened to neighbors, youth, and community groups about hopes and concerns for this space. Based on what we heard, we’ve developed two draft park concepts that reflect different priorities and experiences: Please see images of these designs below, PDFs (which may be easier to zoom around in) can be downloaded here.

What's in the Plans?

Both Concept Plans:

Features of both options include:

• Entry with Parking Lot off Talbot Road South

• Sidewalks on Talbot Road South (City Transporation-led)

• An onsite Ranger/Caretaker residence within the existing house

• Trails including boardwalk trails through wetland/stream areas

• Habitat Restoration including invasive plant species removal, and native tree and shrub plantings

• Bird watching features

• Orchard

• Restroom with drinking fountain

• Ample seating

• Art

Concept Plan A – Community Park

Activates the site with traditional park amenities, centers community and play, and blends active uses with natural character. Features include:

• A large mown lawn for informal play and community events

• Sport court

• A pump track (hilly paved cycling loop)

• Fitness/exercise stations

• A large community garden

• Picnic shelter

• A traditional-style playground (e.g., post and platform play structures, slides, swings, zipline)

• An "out and back" trail with smaller loops in the east and west fields

• The pond preserved in its current form

  
  

Concept Plan B – Nature Park

Immerses visitors in nature, prioritizes ecological restoration and habitat areas, creates a park rooted in discovery and stewardship. Features include:

• Less mown lawn areas and more unmown native plant meadows

• A native plant garden and smaller area for some community garden space

• An event center (larger shelter)

• A nature-focused play area (climbing boulders and logs, potentially sand/water play, also includes zipline)

• An outdoor classroom

• A large boardwalk viewing platform within a wetland/stream area

• A large loop trail, including a steeper hiking trail and a themed forest trail (theme TBD but here is an example that emphasizes natural materials and community creation).

• The pond restored as a natural wetland: concrete lining removed and edges resloped/reshaped

Design Images, PDFs available here:

English/Spanish

English/Punjabi

Program Options, with graphics labeled "A" or "B" indicating inclusion within Concept A or Concept B

Tell Us What You Think!

Your feedback this July through mid-August will help guide the final park design. There are two easy ways to share your thoughts online:

Take the Quick Survey

Let us know which concept you prefer, what features matter most to you, and what could make the park feel welcoming and useful to your household: Survey Link.

Join the Community Feedback Board

Browse what others are saying and post your own thoughts about the two design options. You can like or reply to other comments too:

Thanks to everyone who shared their feedback during the first phase of engagement! Here are some key themes that emerged from community input so far:

• Protect Nature and Encourage Stewardship: Community members expressed strong enthusiasm for preserving and restoring natural areas and wildlife habitat. There was broad support for birdwatching features, wetland boardwalks, scenic viewpoints, nature clubs, and education elements—such as signage and amenities for school field trips—that inspire environmental care and stewardship.
• Welcoming, Walkable Access: Many emphasized the importance of safe, accessible pedestrian routes—especially along Talbot Road. The park should be easy to reach and comfortable to explore for people of all ages and abilities.
• A Place for All Ages: Feedback highlighted the need for inclusive, multigenerational spaces. Desired features include a playground with diverse play options and nearby amenities for caregivers, a loop trail for walking and safe biking for kids, low-impact recreation like small sport courts and a pump track, picnic areas, restrooms, and ample seating for everyone from kids to elders.
• Community & Culture: There’s excitement around creating flexible spaces for gathering and celebration. Community members suggested a shelter that can host cultural events, outdoor classes, and neighborhood gatherings. There were also suggestions for book kiosks/mobile libraries and after-school clubs for kids.
• Edible & Hands-On Features: There’s interest in interactive elements like community gardens and fruit trees. Some also suggested programs like stocking the pond for fishing or farm animal events to create engaging hands-on experiences.
• Safety & Ongoing Care: Safety and stewardship are top priorities. Suggestions included pedestrian-scale lighting, clearly posted park hours with the potential for nighttime gate closures, emergency call stations, a visible ranger or staff presence, and thoughtful design of park entrances—especially from Talbot Road—to support both walking and driving access.

A full summary of community feedback is available through the “What We Heard” link in the sidebar.

Park Location and Context

The future Cleveland-Richardson Park, spanning approximately 24 acres, is located within the Talbot Planning Area of Southwest Renton. Situated next to Talbot Road S. and across from the Springbrook Headwaters, which serve as Renton’s first drinking water source, the site offers a unique natural setting.

State Route 167 borders the western edge of the future park. Though owned by the City of Renton, this parcel is technically located within the City of Kent. The site is surrounded by residential neighborhoods and lies along a key healthcare corridor, with Valley Medical Center 1 mile to the north.

The site features a historic farm shed built in 1890, an occupied residence, expansive open fields, lush forests, meandering creeks, thriving wetlands, and a tranquil pond. Future park development will thoughtfully integrate recreation opportunities while preserving the area's rich natural resources.

Project Site Features