By Kate Snyder
A new park in Renton has been proposed for the north end of the city’s East Plateau neighborhood. The park would be situated on approximately 18.5 acres of land and feature a range of landscapes, such as forests, wetlands and streams, steep slopes and previously developed parcels. The goal of the project, according to records from the Renton Parks and Recreation Department, which is heading up the proposal, is to establish play areas and sport courts, trails and trailheads, gathering spaces and community access to nature.
The project site is positioned between the May Creek Greenway to the north, Duvall Avenue to the southwest and developed and undeveloped residential neighborhoods to the south and east, city records show. Immediately to the north and west of the Park is the boundary of the city of Newcastle. The proposed park is located approximately four miles from Lake Washington.
In the past 30 years, the City of Renton has gradually acquired land with the intention of using it as parkland.
“There are abundant opportunities to establish a new park and natural area, with a focus on providing engaging play experiences while preserving and enhancing key natural features such as wetlands, streams, floodplains and forests,” plans state. “These natural elements not only offer opportunities for passive enjoyment and relaxation but also serve vital habitat functions.”
The City of Renton’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Areas Plan is a six-year vision that was adopted in January 2020 as an update of the previous plan that was adopted in 2011. The purpose of the plan is to provide a long-term vision and goals for Renton’s parks, recreation and natural areas over the next 20 years. Specifically for the proposed park, this plan includes a concept that maintains much of the natural forested areas, with a” long winding interpretive loop trail along the creek and through the wetlands, trail connections on both sides of the park, parking, play areas and sports courts grouped into a cohesive active recreation area,” city records state.
