Legacy Square

The excitement is building for 2026, and Legacy Square will be at the heart of it! The City of Renton is inviting community groups, artists, performers, and local organizations to help activate the Square with free, inclusive programming from July 20 – October 1, 2026.

This is your chance to bring creative ideas, performances, workshops, markets, and family-friendly activities to downtown Renton, engaging residents and visitors alike while highlighting the city’s unique culture.

How the city supports partners:

• Access to Legacy Square, including stage, seating, and plaza
• Help with permits, safety, and logistics
• Promotion through city communications

Partner responsibilities:

• Manage staffing, volunteers, and event logistics
• Provide proposed schedules and audience estimates

If your group is interested, submit a brief statement of interest by January 9, 2026, to jkotarski@rentonwa.gov. Include your concept, preferred dates, estimated attendance, staffing plan, and relevant experience. Selected respondents may be invited to submit a full proposal, with potential funding support.

Read the full Request for Interest here: Rentonwa.gov/bids

Legacy Square will be a hub for community connection, creativity, and celebration all summer long — don’t miss your chance to be part of the story!

Weather permitting, Phase 1 will be complete at the end of the month. Futsal lighting as part of Phase 1 will be completed in early 2026. Phase 2 will begin soon. Phases 2 and 3 will be done concurrently. Phase 3 includes three murals, lighting, and play equipment.

Exciting progress continues at Legacy Square as Phase 1 approaches substantial completion! While much of the space is already taking shape, a few final touches are underway to bring this community destination to life.

The highlighted areas on the map above show where remaining improvements are still in progress. Please note: this update does not include the futsal court, which was fully constructed and surfaced in September 2025.

Here’s what’s happening over the next several weeks:

• Asphalt improvements (highlighted in blue). Final asphalt work including paving a 12-foot-wide access road.

• Lawn and irrigation improvements (highlighted in orange). Transformation from temporary surface to green space is underway! Crews are removing recycled concrete and installing planting soil, seed mix, and a new irrigation system. The work will begin this week and continue over the next few weeks. Underground utilities and a drainage system are already installed to efficiently route stormwater.

• Planting new trees (highlighted in magenta and green). Nine new trees will be planted throughout the site, including one new street tree.

• Concrete improvements (highlighted in magenta). Finishing touches are being added to some of the site’s key architectural features. This work includes the elevated viewing platform, three stairwells, two planter benches, and the concrete plaza. Concrete installation is weather-dependent, and completion is scheduled for mid-November.

• Concrete pedestrian sidewalk (highlighted in green). A new 160-foot stretch of pedestrian sidewalk will complete the path network. This work is weather-dependent and expected to be completed by late November.

A majority of Phase 1 is complete. The construction company for Phase 2 was recently approved by the Renton City Council. A grant from the State Department of Commerce will support the funding for this phase of the project. This portion of Phase 2 will be the installation of the stage.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with Seattle serving as a host city for matches. The Final Draw on December 5, 2025, will assign group stage placements and match schedules for already qualified teams and placeholders for the playoff winners. For Renton, the draw will clarify whether a national team will train or stay in the city, which will help shape fan events and activations at Legacy Square.

Scheduled to open in June 2026, just in time for the games, Legacy Square will be a vibrant hub for community celebration, art, live music, and watch parties.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Viewing screen: Watch matches live with friends, family, and neighbors — no streaming subscription or admission fees required!
• Art & interactive experiences: Local artists and installations will bring the Square to life.
• Live music & performances: Enjoy a lively, festive atmosphere throughout the event.
• Community gathering spot: Legacy Square is designed as a safe, accessible space for everyone to come together and celebrate.

The City of Renton is coordinating with regional partners and event planners to prepare programming for June 2026 and beyond, ensuring Legacy Square is ready for fans, residents, and visitors alike.

Stay tuned for updates on the draw results, events, and activities — Legacy Square will be the place to experience the upcoming excitement right in downtown Renton!

Resources for hosting your own viewing event:

Interested in hosting your own watch party or event? The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce offers several resources to help you get started:

• World Cup Ready playbooks: Detailed guides on hosting events and watch parties, tailored to various sizes and scopes. Explore Playbooks
• Game Ready Activation Grants: Apply for grants up to $20,000 to support your event. Learn More
• Event planning resources: Access tools and training to ensure your event is successful. Get Started

• Court surfacing was completed in partnership with the Sounders RAVE Foundation. The official logos will be painted on the court in spring 2026.
• Most underground utilities are complete and work has shifted to hardscape improvements including stairwells, driveways, sidewalks, and curb and gutter.
• Play area concrete benches have been poured.
• All luminaire pole bases have been poured with the futsal light poles scheduled to be installed in early 2026.
• Bids for Phase 2 of the project are in.

As part of the Legacy Square construction project, crews need to conduct a sewer connection on S. 3rd St. The street will be closed on Wednesday, August 20, and Thursday, August 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Your Art. Your Thoughts. Your Legacy Square.

Legacy Square is taking shape in downtown Renton, and public art will be a key part of making it a vibrant, welcoming space for everyone. Artists Sarah Robbins and Will Schlough are leading the design of new artwork—and they’re inviting the community to help shape it.

Here’s how you can take part:

Choose a theme that inspires you—options include Art, Diversity, Dragons, Farmers Market, community, Industry/History, Local Businesses, Nature, Music, Parks, River Days, Sports, Technology, and Wings/Airplanes.

Next, select a crest shape and sketch your vision for a team-inspired design that represents Renton’s unique character and energy.

Submit your drawing by email to arts@rentonwa.gov by August 11, 2025.

This project is a chance for the community to play a direct role in shaping Legacy Square’s identity through collaborative, meaningful artwork. All ages and skill levels are welcome—this is about expression, not perfection.

Follow the artists on Instagram:
@sarah_robbins | @willschlough

Help us create something lasting and local. Click here to download a template.