The city of Renton is currently seeking input from residents on what to include in future park projects and is currently planning the redevelopment of two park sites: Northeast Renton Park and Cleveland-Richardson Park.

Master planned in 2024, Northeast Renton Park is an 18.5-acre site in the north end of the East Plateau Planning Area with forests, wetlands, streams, and steep slopes. Parks planning manager Jason Lederer said this offers both planning challenges and exciting opportunities for recreation and connection to nature. Feedback on the initial park concepts at in-person events as well as in writing, through surveys and on the project website help guide the creation of the master plan.

The Cleveland-Richardson Park is a new 24-acre park in southwest Renton and is currently undergoing the master planning process. The site is located across from the Springbrook Headwaters, which serve as Renton’s first drinking water source. The project website said there will soon be opportunities for the public to share their ideas and help shape the park to the community’s needs and values.

“The process will guide the park’s future development by evaluating the site’s unique natural and historical features, identifying programming needs, and proposing design elements,” Lederer said. “A major goal of this effort is to balance the conservation of natural and cultural resources with the creation of inclusive recreation opportunities that reflect the needs and aspirations of the Renton community.”

Lederer said these undeveloped parks are in areas of the city with a gap in the park system.

“The city’s adopted goal is for all residents to live within a 10-minute walk to a park,” Lederer said. “Future development of these parks will help fill gaps and address unmet needs for parkland and open space.”

Human services director Jennifer Spencer said turning a master-planned site into a park involves several key steps. She said the plan is refined into detailed designs, followed by environmental review and permitting. Funding is then secured often through a mix of city budgets, grants or partnerships. After contractors are selected through the public bidding process, construction can begin. She said parks may open in stages, allowing the community to enjoy completed areas while others are still in progress.

Spencer said community input is more important than ever as the city updates its Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan.

“Engaging the public ensures transparency, allowing community members to see how their input directly influences decisions and how their tax dollars are being responsibly invested,” Spencer said. “It also supports the creation of accessible, and equitable spaces that reflect the diverse needs of the community.”

Spencer said they will use the information to identify community priorities, needs and gaps in service. She said the feedback can shape everything from the types of amenities offered, to where improvements are made, to how programs are delivered, and where to allocate resources effectively.

Spencer said people can visit the PROS Plan update project at yourvoice.rentonwa.gov/pros for opportunities to learn more, stay engaged, and share feedback. The site includes a community survey as well as an interactive map where users can leave comments on certain areas of the city. For the community survey, people can use the preferences option to have the survey translated into the top foreign languages spoken in Renton: Spanish, Vietnamese and Mandarin Chinese.

“Parks are the heart of a thriving community — offering space to play, recharge, and connect. Our parks serve as shared backyards, especially for those without private green space, and support health, wellness, and environmental sustainability. Parks bring people together, creating a sense of belonging through shared experiences,” Spencer said. “By investing, protecting and enhancing these spaces, we’re investing in a healthier, more connected, and desirable place to live.”