July 4, 2020
City of Renton Contact
Kelly Beymer, Community Services Administrator, 425-430-6617
Preeti Shridhar, Deputy Public Affairs Administrator, 425-430-6569
City is offering virtual programming alternatives to traditional celebrations
RENTON, WA - The City of Renton wishes everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July. As we combat the effects of COVID-19, we’d like to provide updated information for the coming holiday and remind you of a few “do’s and don’ts.”
Message from the Mayor and Chief of Police
Both Mayor Armondo Pavone and Chief of Police Ed VanValey have Fourth of July messages to the community in Thursday’s edition of the Mayor’s Newsletter.
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
One of the most picturesque and popular parks on the eastside of Lake Washington, Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park will have limited hours and access on the Fourth of July.
The north end of the park will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. This includes Ivar’s and Kidd Valley restaurants, restrooms, parking lots, water walk and some outdoor seating.
The south end of the park will be closed to all activities. This includes the parking lot, lawn and beach areas, picnic shelters, volleyball and tennis courts, playground and restrooms.
The boat launch will be open 24/7. Please remember the associated parking lot is for vehicles with boat trailers only. The city is adding porta potties near the launch.
There will be no city-sponsored Fourth of July events or fireworks display this year. For that reason, there will not be a designated drop-off area near the boat launch.
Other Renton Parks
Kennydale Beach Park will also close at 6 p.m. on July 4, but the city’s other parks will follow their regular schedules of operation on that day with all current Phase 2 restrictions in place. Trails will also be open.
Meadow Crest Playground remains closed but the city has been reopening other playgrounds this week after conducting safety inspections.
The skate park at Liberty Park reopened on July 2. All basketball, tennis and pickleball courts are open with the exception of the Jamal Crawford Courts at Liberty Park. The city is in the process of replacing the backboards, which were vandalized.
While in all our parks and on all our trails, please observe the state’s mask-wearing mandate, observe social distancing protocols and wash your hands frequently.
Fourth of July Activities
The city’s community services department has developed several activities for all ages.
There’s still time to register for the July 4 Stars ‘N Strides Virtual Challenge 5K for all ages.
The city’s Fourth of July page has dance videos for kids, arts & crafts and coloring pages. You can also submit your best Fourth of July photos and we’ll share them in our “Renton the Beautiful” photo library.
Starting the week of July 6, the city will present “Campin’ Out,” a four-week themed virtual experience. Week one is “Wellness in the Wilderness.” Find more information on the recreation division’s Let’s Go Virtual! page, which has information on all the city’s virtual activities as well as links to educational and fun activities.
Fireworks are Illegal in Renton
The sale and use of fireworks is prohibited within Renton city limits; a ban that was passed by voters in 2005. Renton Police Department units will patrol specific geographic areas and confiscate any fireworks found. Citations may be issued and violators are subject to both civil and criminal penalties. Additionally, the sale, possession or use of explosive devices such as M-80s, M-100s and homemade or modified fireworks is a felony offense.
Masks
Earlier this week, the city started distributing 20,000 masks to residents.
Mask distribution is taking place at Renton Community Center (1715 Maple Valley Hwy) from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and from 9 to 11 a.m. on Thursdays throughout July or as long as supplies last. During our first day (July 2), we distributed 4,250 masks. The next distribution is Wednesday, July 8. Proof of residence is not required and we ask that you only pass through once.
Renton seniors picking up lunches at the Renton Senior Activity Center as part of the senior lunch program will also receive masks.
Blood Donations needed
Blood supplies of all types are in short supply in our community and Bloodworks NW has made it easy for you to help.
They’re hosting a series of pop-up donation centers in Renton throughout this month at Renton Community Church (316 S. 3rd St.):
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Wednesday, July 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Friday, July 10, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
As an incentive, anyone who donates by July 31 will be automatically entered into their Pump It Up Sweepstakes for a chance to win a Peloton Bike. Entries are doubled through July 11.
Appointments are required and last one hour. Walk-ins, guests and people under the age of 16 are not permitted. There is plenty of space to maintain social distancing and donors are required to wear a mask or face covering.
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About the City of Renton
The City of Renton, Washington, with a population of 105,500 (2020), is located on the southeast shore of Lake Washington, just south of Seattle. Renton's strong economic base, diverse marketplace and favorable business climate have attracted the attention of nationally recognized companies that are providing employees and their families an outstanding quality of life. Renton is the home of Boeing, PACCAR, IKEA, the Seattle Seahawks, and the eternal resting place of Jimi Hendrix. More information can be found on our website, news releases, or Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor pages.