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Our Renton / June 2022
Family First Community Center taking shape
EXCITEMENT IS GROWING as Family First Community Center (FFCC) is taking shape.
Since late February, the FFCC site (next to Cascade Elementary School in Renton’s Cascade/Benson Hill area) has been graded, and underground utilities have been installed. In mid-May, the pouring of the first-floor slab was finished.
Since its annexation to the city in 2008, the Cascade/Benson Hill neighborhood has existed without a community center. This center is a result of our community recognizing a need and working together to provide a solution.
“The center is much needed in the Cascade/Benson Hill area as a community gathering place for health and recreational opportunities,” said Mayor Armondo Pavone. “This project is another example of our community coming together for the common good. I look forward to the
center’s impact on the community.”
When complete in early 2023, the center will offer a unique combination of after-school programs and classes; youth and adult sports; group exercise; personal training; health education, cooking, and nutrition classes; and activities for infants, toddlers, and children. In addition, Renton School District will offer STEM classes, and HealthPoint will provide medical, behavioral health, and dental care to area residents. The center will help remove many of the transportation and financial barriers to accessing health care currently experienced by low-income families in the Cascade/Benson Hill community. It will also provide residents with easier access to new programs and care.
To make the center a reality, a partnership was formed that included the city, Doug Baldwin’s Family First Community Center Foundation, Renton School District, and HealthPoint. Baldwin, a former Seattle Seahawks player, experienced the positive impact a neighborhood center can have as a community gathering point for youth and adults.
This partnership launched a community fundraising effort totaling more than $14 million. The amount includes $4.4 million in two grants from the State of Washington, $4 million from the City of Renton, a $3 million grant from First Financial Northwest Foundation, $1 million from Family First Community Center Foundation, $338,000 from M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, $250,000 from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, $200,000 from the Premera Social Impact Fund, and donations from over 100 businesses, organizations, and individuals. In addition, Renton School District donated the land.
More information on the project is available on our website, including links to donate and subscribe to a monthly newsletter with construction updates at rentonwa.gov/ffcc.
Farmers Market opens June 7
Tuesdays, 3-7 p.m., Piazza Park
RENTON’S FARMERS MARKET returns for its 21st season downtown on June 7, back at its familiar location: Piazza Park (233 Burnett Ave S.). Shop and enjoy the fun every Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m. through Sept. 27.
The market brings some of the best Washington-grown flowers, fruits and vegetables, baked goods, meats and cheeses, wines, mead, ciders, and handmade crafts to the Renton community. Also back this year is the Kid’s Patch activity area, live entertainment supported by Renton Municipal Arts Commission, and tips from WSU’s Master Gardeners.
Eligible shoppers can utilize the SNAP Match program. SNAP/EBT purchases are matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $40 each market. This effectively doubles their buying power and provides additional revenue for Washington family farmers. The program is one of the most successful in the state.
Enjoy all this in a pedestrian-friendly environment. Logan Street, which runs between Piazza Park and Market West, will be closed to traffic during the market. Ample free parking is available in the nearby City Center Parking Garage (655 South 2nd St.).
Find more information on Renton Farmers Market on their website, or follow them on Instagram and Facebook @rentonfarmersmarket.