Northeast Renton Park - Master Plan

We are please to share the final adopted master plan and design concept for the Northeast Renton Park project that was adopted by City Council on October 28, 2024.

Thank you to the hundreds of community members and partners who provided feedback throughout the master planning process - at in-person events and gatherings, in writing, through surveys, and on this project website! Community feedback was instrumental in helping shape this final plan, which will guide future parkland development and programming.

We encourage you to review the full master plan, which provides an overview of the final concept plan, park elements, potential implementation strategies, community engagement process and results, and estimated costs. While our goal is to bring this vision to life as soon as possible, the timeline is contingent upon future funding, access, and other factors. Please stay tuned for the next phases of this exciting project!

We are excited to share the preliminary final design concept for the new Northeast Renton Park. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on the initial park concept alternatives at in-person events and gatherings, in writing, through surveys, and on this project website! Your comments were critical in helping us understand how this new park should feel, function, and look. We've included a summary of some of those responses in this latest update as well.

Please review the preliminary final design concept below and share your thoughts through feedback or by taking the survey. The comment period will remain open until June 25th, following which we will work to finalize the design for incorporation into the park master plan.

Trail Sections

The images below show illustrative cross-sections corresponding to the preliminary final design concept. The "Wetland Section" depicts various trail types weaving through and around wet areas of the site, providing opportunities to appreciate the natural setting. The "Upland Active Area Section" depicts a play area bound by an unprogrammed lawn/open space area. The "Forested Ravine Section" depicts a trail following an existing bench along the steep slope and connecting to a boardwalk overlooking May Creek and it's floodplain.

Precedent Examples

The images below provide examples of features being contemplated for the new Northeast Renton Park inclusive of play features, signage and wayfinding, trails and pathways, gathering areas, and other park amenities. See anything you like or dislike? Feel free to share your thoughts.

Engagement Summary

Over 100 individuals participated in an online survey, and/or provided written feedback in response to the previously developed design concept alternatives. The general theme we've consistently heard is that, while certain traditional park amenities should be included in this new park (such as play structure, zipline, sand pit, gathering areas, etc.), we should equally aim to provide trail access and carefully balance opportunities for active recreation with passive enjoyment of the surrounding natural areas. We've also heard that an off-leash area is desirable.

The chart below illustrates how individuals responding in-person and online felt about the two previously presented design concept alternatives and what amenities should be included in the final design. It became apparent that trails and opportunities to appreciate the natural setting are strongly preferred by the community, but that some traditional park elements, such as gathering areas, lawn areas, shelters, interpretive signage, public art, and play areas should be included in the final design.

We provided a poll for individuals and heard additional feedback in writing that a small off-leash dog area is a desirable amenity for the future park.

We've heard lots of feedback about an off-leash dog area. Please pop over to the quick poll and share your feedback on the off-leash dog park suggestions provided in the concepts maps.

The design concepts presented here incorporate feedback received during the initial engagement process, while also maintaining a broader goal of balancing park programming with conservation of adjacent natural areas. Key components considered across both design alternatives include a play area, trails, open lawn and seating, opportunities for interpretation and education, an enclosed off-lease area, and sport courts. Initial community engagement results are presented at the end of this newsfeed.

We invite your feedback on these initial concepts. What do you like? What don't you like? Should these concepts be blended or combined in some way?

Design Concept: Focus on Park Recreation and Trail Access

This concept considers opportunities to maximize park programming and trail access, while also balancing conservation of adjacent natural resources throughout thoughtful trail design and alignment.

(Please note that the area bound by a dashed black line is private property and features shown in this location are for planning purposes only. Development in this location is not possible at this time.)

Design Concept: Focus on Passive Recreation and Limited Access

This concept focuses primarily on passive recreation with limited trail access. This design considers completely avoiding many areas of the site.

(Please note that the area bound by a dashed black line is private property and features shown in this location are for planning purposes only. Development in this location is not possible at this time.)

Precedent Examples and Trail Sections

The images show examples of features being contemplated for the new NE Renton Park, as well as illustrative cross-sections of typical paved and soft surface trails.

Community Engagement Results

Initial community engagement focused around the theme of park opportunities, constraints, and general programming themes. We worked to reach a broad cross-section of the community, notably in the vicinity of the future park itself, by sending over 4,000 mailers to residents within a 1/2 mile radius of the proposed new park site, receiving written feedback through this project website, emails, letters, and in-person at the Renton Community Center, Highlands Neighborhood Center, and the Renton Senior Center. We are excited by the community's enthusiasm around this project and look forward to hearing your thoughts on these initial alternatives. Initial community engagement results are summarized in the image below.

The images below showcase potential opportunities for future park development, alongside constraints that must be carefully considered during the master planning process. For a more detailed overview, a comprehensive existing information summary report with additional details is also available.

Park Opportunities:

There are abundant opportunities to establish a new park and natural area, with a focus on providing engaging play experiences while preserving and enhancing key natural features such as wetlands, streams, floodplains, and forests. These natural elements not only offer opportunities for passive enjoyment and relaxation but also serve vital habitat functions.

In addition to the preservation efforts, the park could prioritize the integration of new trails and trail connections within and beyond its boundaries, facilitating exploration and connectivity for visitors. Furthermore, incorporating traditional park amenities such as gathering spaces, diverse play areas, open lawns, and sport courts will be crucial for enhancing the overall appeal and utility of the space, encouraging active recreation and social interaction.

What features would you like to see incorporated into this new park? Your input is invaluable; please share your thoughts with us.

Park Opportunities

Park Constraints:

Throughout the master planning process, it's crucial to carefully consider onsite constraints, including steep slopes, regulatory requirements concerning sensitive environmental features such as streams and floodplains, as well as access limitations, utilities, land ownership, and other factors. While some of these constraints offer opportunities, such as providing access to nature, others directly influence what can and cannot be created in the new park.

Site Constraints

The planning area for the new park spans approximately 18.5 acres within Renton's East Plateau neighborhood near the boundary with the City of Newcastle and unincorporated King County. Over the past 30 years, the City has gradually acquired land with the intention of using it as parkland. The park planning area is bordered by May Creek to the north, Duvall Avenue NE to the west, and residential neighborhoods to the south. The future park is also adjacent to a City-owned Surface Water Utility Facility to its northwest.

Vicinity Map