Neighborhood Picnics

• Neighborhood Picnics Schedule
• Neighborhood Picnic Planning Tips
• Spotlight on Picnics

Neighborhood Picnics

 Neighborhood picnics are a shining example of how the City of Renton's Neighborhood Program is bringing neighbors together.  Hundreds of residents plan and attend the picnics, enjoying the City-hosted barbecue, side dishes and games.  Neighborhoods hosting picnics will  provide a  Community Service Project   prior to, or at, their picnic.   Picnics are a great way to draw people together and celebrate neighborhood accomplishments! 

Picnic Workshop

Wednesday, May 1
6:00 -7:30 p.m.
Renton City Hall
If you have applied to host a picnic or are thinking about it, please join us as we provide you with tips, tools, and ideas for a successful picnic.  We will cover:

• Volunteer responsibilities
• Service project ideas featuring representatives from various organizations
• Picnic activities including games and entertainment
• Marketing/Communication tools
• Agenda ideas
• Raffles/Prizes
• Partnering with local businesses
• Side dishes

Picnic Application Information:

Applications are now being accepted for the 2013 picnic season.  To request a Picnic Application, please contact Neighborhood Program Coordinator, Norma McQuiller, 425.430.6595 or Neighborhood Program Assistant, Wendy Kirchner, 425.430.6594

Eligibility for Picnics

To be eligible for picnics, you will need to be:

• Registered as an "officially recognized" Renton neighborhood located within the City limits
• Participating in the City's Neighborhood Program and working with a City liaison

A new "Officially Recognized Neighborhood," is eligible for a one-time City-sponsored "Kick-Off Picnic." Once established, neighborhood groups can apply for matching funds from the City for an annual picnic. 

To become registered as an "officially recognized" Renton neighborhood and to be assigned a liaison, read the How to Build a Neighborhood Association Guide, and fill out the  application . 

Scheduling Picnics

• Neighborhood picnics are scheduled on Wednesdays and Thursdays between May and mid-September (excluding major holidays and City events).
• The deadline for application is 8 weeks prior to the date of your picnic.
• Picnic dates will be confirmed once your Picnic Application and a description of your  Community Service Project  have been received.
• To schedule a picnic, complete and submit a Picnic Application along with a detailed description of the   Community Service Project   you will be providing. 
• Note that funding and dates for picnics are limited (the earlier the applications are submitted, the more likely the requested dates and funding will be available).
• For more information and to request an application, please contact Norma McQuiller, 425.430.6595 or Wendy Kirchner, 425.430.6594. 

Neighborhood Group's Matching Contribution

• Provide a   Community Service Project  
• Recruit volunteers for set-up and clean-up
•  Supply side dishes 
• Rent/provide any additional equipment (tables, chairs, barbecue, etc.) if not available from the City
• Work with a City liaison as a resource for contacts, questions, etc.
• Design and distribute flyers advertising the picnic
• Possess or purchase liability insurance through the Tulip Program with assistance from Neighborhood Program staff

City's Contribution

The City grants funds for picnic expenses based on matching in-kind contributions from the neighborhoods.  It helps coordinate the event by providing:

• Neighborhood Program staff
• Picnic Trailer, food and supplies:  

• Liaison support as a resource when planning a picnic
• Printing of flyers (not posters) that can be distributed by the neighborhood group(s) within the participating neighborhood(s)
• Waiver of park fees
• Assistance with purchasing liability insurance, if needed, by neighborhood groups
• An opportunity to meet City officials 
• Use of City picnic game kit, which includes:

Location of Picnics

Picnics can be held almost anywhere a neighborhood chooses, but it is the responsibility of the organizers to secure an appropriate site. If using a City Park picnic shelter, reservations are required. Reservations can be made starting in January; picnic shelters are available for reservation April 1 through September 30. The use of the following parks will require submittal of a shelter reservation form that can be obtained from neighborhood liaisons:

To reserve a picnic at a City park area without a shelter please contact your neighborhood liaison.

Picnics in the Spotlight

We will be spotlighting each picnic throughout the summer!  Click here to view highlights of each picnic.

Picnic Recipes

In 2010, many residents graciously contributed their potluck recipes and the Neighborhood Program put together the Neighborhood Program Picnic Potluck Recipes Summer 2010   on-line cookbook. We hope to accumulate more recipes this summer at neighborhood picnics for a 2011 edition.