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Thursday, July 11, 2024 | Vol. IX | Issue 28
Renton recently had the pleasure of hosting delegates from its Sister City, Nishiwaki, Japan, for a three-day visit filled with insightful tours, productive meetings, and showcasing the remarkable developments and partnerships in Renton. The delegations from Nishiwaki included Mayor Shozo Katayama, Superintendent of Education Kazuhiro Endo, and Nishiwaki Secretary Naomichi Nakano.
This visit carried special significance as it marked the 55th anniversary of the City of Renton and Nishiwaki becoming sister cities. The primary purpose of the visit was to reignite the exchange program, which had been temporarily paused due to the pandemic. The Sister City relationship with Nishiwaki was established in 1969, with the annual middle school exchange commencing in 1987. Traditionally, students would stay with host families, with Renton students visiting Nishiwaki in October and Nishiwaki students visiting Renton in August. The program efforts are underway to resume in-person exchanges for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year with the potential to extend the program to Renton high schools in addition to the middle schools.
During their visit, the Nishiwaki delegation had the opportunity to meet with Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone and Renton School District Deputy Superintendent Dr. Shannon Harvey. They also attended the Monday night council meeting and were given tours of Renton City Hall, the city's beautiful parks, and even got a special visit to the Seahawks training facility. Furthermore, they explored the vibrant Renton Farmers Market and delved into the city's rich history at the Renton History Museum. The visit culminated in a delightful dinner with Mayor Pavone at the Melrose Grill.
The success of this visit would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts and contributions of numerous individuals and organizations. A heartfelt thank you extends to Mayor Katayama, Superintendent of Education Kazuhiro Endo, Nishiwaki Secretary Naomichi Nakano, Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone, Renton City Councilmembers, city department administrators, the Communications and Engagement Division, Equity Commissioner Manami Imaoka for her interpreting services, Chris Johnson - Sister Cities Chairman, Sister City Association, the Lions Club, the Renton School District, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington. Their dedication, involvement, and seamless coordination played a pivotal role in making this visit an outstanding success and further strengthening the bond between Renton and Nishiwaki.
Next year, the World Expo will start in Japan and plans for representatives from Renton to visit Nishiwaki are in progress.
You are invited: Grand opening of new futsal court at Tiffany Park
The City of Renton’s Parks and Recreation Department has partnered with the Seattle Sounders RAVE Foundation and Seattle Storm to open a brand-new multi-use soccer/futsal and basketball court at Tiffany Park.
The grand opening will be held on Tuesday, July 23, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Tiffany Park, 1902 Lake Youngs Way SE. After the ribbon cutting, residents are encouraged to stay and enjoy the new field, engage in activities and giveaways, and meet players from the Seattle Sounders and Seattle Storm.
Futsal is a soccer-based game, similar to indoor soccer played on a hardcourt like a basketball court, but smaller than a soccer pitch.
Last fall, the court was closed as work began on the significant updates to the new soccer and basketball court.
This will be Renton’s second mini-pitch futsal court, the first of which opened in 2021 at Highlands Neighborhood Center. This will, however, be the first multi-use court in Renton, offering the Tiffany Park neighborhood and other residents an opportunity to engage in recreational activities.
Save the date!
Councilmember James Alberson, Jr. earns Certificate of Municipal Leadership
During Monday night’s city council meeting, Council President and AWC Board Member Ed Prince presented Councilmember James Alberson, Jr. with a Certificate of Municipal Leadership (CML) from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC).
“Congratulations to Councilmember Alberson for earning this distinction,” said Council President Prince. “This achievement reflects his commitment to serving the people of Renton above and beyond the standard duties of a councilmember.”
AWC’s Certificate of Municipal Leadership program recognizes city- and town-elected officials. Councilmember Alberson was awarded the certificate after completing more than 30 hours of training, including at least one workshop within diversity, equity, and inclusion, and demonstrating community service for a minimum of six months in duration, including service on statewide commissions, committees, councils and task forces, board or committee chair positions with community organizations or leadership on projects such as fundraising efforts, campaigns, and major events.
Councilmember Alberson joins Councilmembers Ryan McIrvin and Kim-Khánh Văn and Mayor Armondo Pavone in earning this certificate of municipal leadership. Councilmembers Ruth Pérez, Valerie O’Halloran, and Ed Prince have earned the Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership.
The full press release is available on the city’s website.
Parks and Recreation Month 2024: Embracing a sense of belonging
For almost four decades, Parks and Recreation Month has been a time to recognize the pivotal role that parks and recreation play in cultivating strong, active, and vibrant communities. Throughout July, the city will highlight various employees who make up Renton's Parks and Recreation Department.
During Monday night's council meeting, Mayor Armondo Pavone designated July as Parks and Recreation Month in Renton to kick off the celebration. To accept the proclamation was City of Renton Parks and Recreation Administrator Maryjane Van Cleave, accompanied by staff members from the department.
“Last year, we served over 2 million visitors in our parks and in our buildings, this was possible due to the hard work of our 76 fulltime and over 100 supplemental part-time staff." - Maryjane Van Cleave, Parks and Recreation Administrator.
The department was formed in 1914 and has served residents through 36 parks and trails, programs, events, and public facilities.
Renton Parks and Recreation consists of six divisions, facilities, and programs, including Parks, Planning, & Natural Resources, Human Services, Neighborhood Program, Maplewood Golf Course, Renton Farmers Market, Parks and Trails, Parks Maintenance, Urban Forestry, Recreation, Henry Moses Aquatic Center, Renton History Museum, and Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center.
This year's theme is "Where You Belong." Throughout July and year-round, the city recognizes the department's accomplishments and efforts through its inclusive programs that promote history, conservation, health and wellness, and equity by way of access, and ability. These professionals create environments where everyone feels welcomed and valued.
Through these communal spaces, residents can find a place to belong.
Embrace community togetherness: National Night Out in Renton
The countdown to National Night Out has begun, and Renton residents are gearing up to register their neighborhood events for this special occasion on Tuesday, August 6. This nationwide celebration is not just a mere gathering but a powerful testament to the importance of fostering police-community partnerships and strengthening the bonds of camaraderie within neighborhoods.
Registration for neighborhoods to participate will close on July 16 by 5 p.m. The time is now to secure your neighborhood's spot for a night of fun and festivities with the Renton Police Department and Renton Regional Fire Authority to build trust, foster collaboration, and create a safer and more connected community.
This weekend! Free CPR event at ShoWare Center
Join Renton Regional Fire Authority and other South King County agencies on July 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., for one of the largest CPR events in King County. Presented in partnership with local departments and the ShoWare Center, attendees will learn CPR, AED operation, and choking safety.
Attendees that complete the Public Safety Passport by visiting each learning station will receive an exclusive South King County CPR first aid kit.
In addition to learning life-saving techniques, attendees can explore various public service careers offered by agencies throughout the region.
At this engaging and educational event, experience firsthand the excitement of touring fire engines, aid units, and more. The event is entirely free, with no RSVP necessary, so bring along family and friends for a captivating day of community fun and the chance to acquire crucial life-saving skills.
Remember, CPR saves lives, and the life you save could be that of a loved one. Take advantage of this opportunity to equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to make a difference.
This weekend! Upcoming I-405 closure
On July 9, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has announced that I-405 will fully close between SR 900 (Exit 5) and Coal Creek Parkway (Exit 10) between Friday, July 12 at 11 p.m. to Monday, July 15 at 4 a.m.
Similar to past closures, I-405 traffic will detour off Exit 5 onto Sunset Blvd NE, Duvall Ave NE, and Coal Creek Parkway until Exit 10. WSDOT has reported that “Detour routes cannot accommodate normal I-405 traffic volume...” so please plan your weekend travels accordingly.
The weekend closure will allow crews to install drainage crossings under I-405 lanes. This closure is part of WSDOT’s “I-405/Renton to Bellevue Widening and Express Toll Lanes Project” which is scheduled to be completed in 2025.