Renton plans to enhance recreation at Piazza Park and expand downtown’s offerings with a $1,440,450 grant.

On Oct. 21, the Renton City Council approved executing a grant agreement with the Washington State Department of Commerce to accept $1,440,450 in grant funds to construct the Public Square project in downtown Renton at Piazza Park. According to city documents, this grant was already included in the 2025 budget, and will create space downtown where people can gather and foster opportunities for economic activity.

The Public Square project is an interdepartmental project, with the economic development and the public works departments working together to execute it, said city communications manager Angel Laycock.

This grant will fund the construction of the improvements in Piazza Park, which is located downtown on the north side of Third Avenue between Burnett Avenue and Logan Avenue. Amanda Free, communication and economic development assistant director, said the goal is to maximize the design and use the full grant amount to match the construction budget. Free added that additional funds are not being sought for the construction portion.

“The Renton Market and Piazza projects will be advertised for bid in January 2025. Construction is expected to begin early next year and wrap up in the fall of 2025,” Free said. “The City of Renton is streamlining multiple projects within this area to be completed for residents and visitors in time for the World Cup 2026.”

Regarding the landscape of the new public square, Free said the plans focus on enhancing the current Piazza with a new hardscape and landscape. She said that seating, a staging area and additional lighting would be used to create a welcoming space for those enjoying the Piazza and the Renton Market.

The Public Square might include concerts in the park, shopping through the market vendors, art exhibitions or the Renton Farmers Market during the summer months, according to Deborah Boodell, public works capital project coordinator. Boodell said the space is flexible to allow for imagination and the opportunity to grow and change over time to match the needs of the community.

“The design creates a unique flow between the Renton Market and the Piazza, inspiring and inviting everyone to enjoy the space,” Boodell said. Boodell said the goal of the Piazza enhancements is to create an interactive space that invites those to take advantage of the new Renton Market, enjoy time in the green space, and connect with others.