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Wednesday, November 13, 2024 | Vol. IX | Issue 46
On November 1, the Public Works Department opened the new Park Avenue North Extension. The project created a new public roadway leading north from the intersection of Park Avenue North/Logan Avenue North/North Southport Drive.
As part of the extension, new sidewalks and a new grade crossing of the BNSF railroad were added. Both additions improve pedestrian access and safety in the area.
Park Avenue North Extension provides more routes to popular destinations like The Landing, Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, and the Southport development.
The project offers residents and commuters improved infrastructure, better connectivity, and smoother traffic flow.
The successful completion of this project showcases Renton's commitment to the continuous enhancement of city infrastructure and the improvement of the quality of life for its residents. The new roadway will not only ease transportation challenges but also contribute to the development and growth of the community.
For more information on the project, visit rentonwa.gov/parkave.
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park plays host to 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree visit
Renton was on the national stage last week as the only stop in Washington State and one of twelve stops nationwide during the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree’s 4,000-mile journey from Alaska to Washington, D.C.
This unique opportunity welcomed over 600+ residents and visitors to Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park to witness the 80-foot-tall Sitka Spruce’s entrance and the opportunity to sign their well wishes during its travels.
Every year the U.S. Forest Service selects a different national park to provide “The People’s Tree,” to appear on the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. This tradition began in 1964 as a gift from a different national forest each year to symbolize unity and the idea that the United States is one people. This year, the tree came from Alaska’s Tongass National Forest, America’s largest national forest.
Local Renton workforce, Kenworth, PACCAR company helped transport the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree for its 11th year, with Lynden selected as this year's tree carrier.
Many thanks to Renton city councilmembers, Representative Adam Smith, King County councilmember Claudia Balducci, and representatives from Senator Patty Murray’s office, State Rep. Steve Bergquist’s office, and State Senator Bob Hasegawa’s office for joining in this celebration.
This event would not have been possible without the partnerships with the U.S. Forest Service, Kenworth, Lynden, Alaska Airlines, Renton businesses, and contributions from city staff, Renton Police Department, and Parks and Recreation Department.
We wish the tree safe travels and thank you for making a stop in Renton.
For photos from the event, visit rentonwa.gov/flickr.
Celebrating America Recycles Day
Friday, November 15 is America Recycles Day, a day to come together and raise awareness about all things recycling.
In Renton, the city’s Public Works Department’s Sustainability and Solid Waste team partners with Republic Services to offer residents within city limits several recycling opportunities to help reduce the amount of garbage disposed at the Cedar Hills Landfill.
On average, each Renton resident produces about 15 pounds of total waste per week, which includes garbage, recyclables, and organic matter—well below the King County-wide target of 20.4 pounds.
About 6.9 pounds per week per resident ends up in the landfill. Each year, we move closer to reducing the county-wide goal of 5.1 pounds.
To help reach this goal, here are some reminders of the services and programs available to Renton residents:
- Solid Waste Collection Services: Republic Services has service guides where you can find more information on some of these great services including unlimited curbside recycling and food/yard waste pickup.
- Bulky Items: You can recycle more than paper. Residents can call Republic Services at 206-777-6440 to schedule a free collection of items like rigid plastics, small household appliances, large scrap metal, and wood waste.
- Clean Sweep: Between March 1 and December 31, 2024, residents can schedule one pickup of extra garbage for FREE. This includes two bulky items like mattresses, sofas, or chairs. Clean Sweep also includes free pickup of up to 10 bags of garbage (size and weight limits apply). See the Clean Sweep Program guide for details, restrictions, and how to schedule your pickup.
- Recycling Events: Held three times a year, these events give you the opportunity to recycle specific materials. In 2023, over 1,000 participants recycled over 23 tons of materials such as scrap metal, cardboard, old mattresses, Styrofoam™, and tires.
Learn more about recycling opportunities in Renton at rentonwa.gov/recycle.
Holiday celebrations in Renton: Holiday market, tree lighting, and Small Business Saturday
The holiday season is in full swing in Renton. Saturday, November 30 will be a day of activities happening downtown with the holiday farmers market, the return of the downtown tree lighting, and Small Business Saturday.
The day will begin with the Renton Farmers Market’s Holiday Market from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Piazza Park. Shop local produce, artisan goods, and hand-crafted gifts.
Continue shopping in celebration of Small Business Saturday. Small businesses across the city will be hosting their own sales or promotions. By shopping local, you can prepare for the holiday season and support Renton's small business community. Stop by downtown Renton and the Renton Pavilion Events Center and find additional stores, deals, and festivities!
The Renton Municipal Arts Commission and local community groups will be hosting several free activities from 12 - 5 p.m.
The night caps off with the return of the downtown tree lighting. Join Renton Parks and Recreation at Piazza Park at 5 p.m. for the lighting of the tree with Santa’s arrival at 5:10 p.m.
Big thanks in advance to the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, Community & Economic Development Department, and Renton Municipal Arts Commission.
Boost the holiday spirits with the shop small season in Renton
Join in on a festive shopping experience in Renton. Starting November 30, visit local small businesses and unlock a free DIY holiday ornament kit with any purchase over $5.
In partnership with Renton Municipal Arts Commission (RMAC), join the fun by:
- Shopping local: Spend $5 or more at a participating small business.
- Receive your ornament kit: Get a vibrant DIY ornament kit to design your personal holiday masterpiece!
But that's not all! Take part in the Crafter Circle event on November 30 at the Pavilion Event Center. Bring your ornament kits, connect with fellow crafters, and embrace the festive ambiance! More events will be held in December at the Black River Cultural Arts Center.
If you are a Renton small business and want to partake in the excitement, join the Small Business Saturday Ornament Kit Promotion by creating your own custom ornament kits or collaborating with RMAC's co-branded kits.
Explore rentonwa.gov/rmac for more information.