Have a story idea or comments? Email: [email protected].

This Week in Renton is also translated and posted on the City of Renton's website. For additional translation services, contact [email protected].

Not a subscriber? Please sign up and get up-to-date news and information from City Hall.

Wednesday, July 3, 2024 | Vol. IX | Issue 27

On behalf of the city, we wish residents a safe and fun time celebrating Independence Day tomorrow.

The City of Renton has shifted its summer entertainment from its annual Fourth of July fireworks show to a drone show lighting up the sky to kick off the 39th Renton River Days festival. The drone show will take place on Friday, July 26, at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park.

While there will be no firework show tomorrow, that does not allow residents to create their own. This is your annual reminder that the sale and discharge of fireworks are prohibited within Renton city limits and throughout King County. To report firework violations, call the city's non-emergency line at 425-235-2121 and include a specific location or direction if possible. For everything else, please dial 9-1-1.

"Each year we hear and understand the community's frustration and empathize with the disruption. Police calls are dispatched by priority and severity, so we ask for your patience and understanding as we respond to the high volume of calls we receive." - Chief Jon Schuldt, Renton Police Department.

In addition, please remember the following rules when enjoying the city's parks and facilities:

• Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park will close at its usual hour of 10 p.m.

• On Thursday, July 4, all city facilities will be closed.

• Amenities at Coulon Park and Kennydale Beach Park are available throughout the day.

• There are seven picnic shelters locations that residents can reserve online.

Have a happy and safe Independence Day!

Special presentations during Monday's council meeting: Disability Pride Month and Renton Police Department recognitions

During Monday night's council meeting, there were several special presentations, the first one being a proclamation. Mayor Armondo Pavone declared July 2024 as Disability Pride Month in Renton. Thank you, Kristina Brown, Kindering Director of Public Affairs, parent Rome Johnson, and Kari Grimit, Renton campus manager from Kindering, for accepting the proclamation.

Kindering is one of the largest and most comprehensive neurodevelopmental centers in the Pacific Northwest, serving thousands of children with disabilities and developmental delays through pediatric therapies, family support services, and several other programs.

"I am so thankful that the City of Renton is taking the initiative on this to drive awareness for Disability Pride Month because I was born and raised in Renton, my family still lives here, I have a lot of love for Renton, and it really takes something like this to help a community that feels isolated." - Rome Johnson, Kindering Board Member and parent.

The city is committed to offering inclusive opportunities and programs, including the Adaptive Recreation Program, to cater to people of all abilities.

After the proclamation, Chief Jon Schuldt acknowledged several Renton Police officers with promotions and recognitions.

The following officers were recognized:

Life Saving Awards:

• Officer Cody Littleton

• Officer Jacob Weber

• Officer Noah Girello

Sergeant Promotions:

• Sgt. Denis Moynihan

• Sgt. Jacob Thielman

• Sgt. Jeanna Christiansen

Commander Promotion: Cmdr. Susan Hassinger

Employee of the Year: Officer Rylee Phillips

Congratulations to these officers and thank you for your dedication and determination in supporting the city's safety and wellbeing.

Stay cool and connected to water services during a heatwave

When the National Weather Service issues a heat-related alert, the city's Utility Billing team understands the urgency and is here to help residents experiencing water service suspension during a heat wave.

During these extreme weather scenarios, there are several options for reconnection are available. Renton residents can get their water service reconnected by contacting the city's Utility Billing team at 425-430-6852 or by email at [email protected]. Stay hydrated and cool this summer.

Welcome to Renton Seattle Reign

After over a year of work, Seattle Reign FC was sold to Seattle Sounders FC and the global investment firm Carlyle Group.

Earlier this year, Seattle Sounders FC made headlines after moving their training facility from Starfire Sports in Tukwila to the renovated Longacres property in Renton. With Sounders FC's purchase of Seattle Reign FC, the city is excited to say that both of Seattle's professional soccer teams can call Renton home.

"We are excited to welcome three-time NWSL Shield winner, Seattle Reign FC, to Renton. The team's journey marks a new era and we are proud to be a part of it." - Mayor Armondo Pavone.

Seattle Reign FC is playing a home game against Utah Royals FC on Sunday, July 7, and the City of Renton will be cheering extra loud this weekend. Let's go(al), Seattle Reign FC! The City of Renton welcomes you to Renton!

Renton Police Department's Youth Academy completes its second successful year

Over four exciting days, 36 energetic middle-school-aged youth had the opportunity to learn from and connect with public safety professionals from 14 different agencies during the Renton Police Department's second annual Youth Academy. From thrilling combat challenges to high-flying drone demonstrations, engaging vehicle tours, interactive building searches, and even witnessing a helicopter touch down, the activities were educational and adrenaline-pumping.

Renton's Youth Academy engages youth in a fun and interactive way while building positive relationships with public safety officials. Through these hands-on activities, they absorbed valuable safety and life lessons and potentially explored future career paths.

Thank you to the main coordinators behind the event, Renton Police Department, in collaboration with the King County Sheriff's Office, the Newcastle Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Thank you to the Parks and Recreation Department for opening its doors to the Renton Community Center for four days of active play and learning.

In addition, thank you to all the partners and supporters whose resources, time, and donations were instrumental in creating this engaging experience for Renton's young community members.

Tails will be wagging at Sunset Park with Bow-Wow Wiggle-Waggle Story Walk!

Get ready for some tail-wagging fun this July at Sunset Neighborhood Park! Join the city's Parks and Recreation Department and King County Library System for this Story Walk featuring the charming "Bow-Wow Wiggle-Waggle" tale. The adventure begins across the street from Highlands Library and ends at the playground, which is open to all.

Lace up your shoes, immerse yourself into the story, and who knows - you might even wag your tail a little while enjoying a stroll in Sunset Neighborhood Park. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to enjoy a story while having fun in the sun!

This story walk will be available from July 1 through 31.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.