The grand opening of the new futsal/basketball court in Renton had mascots dancing, kids playing, free food and goodie bags for all.
On July 23 at Tiffany Park, the City of Renton unveiled a new court, comprising both basketball and futsal. In addition to the court, there were tents for kids to grab free soccer balls and basketballs, food trucks serving burgers and donuts and even 360-degree cameras for kids to take silly photos.
The pitch continued the mission of the RAVE Foundation, the charitable arm of the Seattle Sounders, to create 26 soccer pitches in Washington before 2026. RAVE made this possible alongside the assistance of Renton’s Parks and Recreation department, Symetra, Providence Swedish and the Seattle Storm.
“Since the 2026 World Cup is coming to the United States and Seattle, by 2026, we want to build 26 of these,” said Steve Zakuani, former Seattle Sounder and number one pick of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. “I am very happy to announce this is the 19th mini pitch that we have built. This court is completely free for the entirety community. You can come out, you can play anytime, whenever, wherever, however.”
The new court offers kids in the neighborhood a safe place to exercise and play. Speakers throughout the ceremony repeatedly stressed the importance of sports and play for the growing youth.
“We believe that all kids have the right to play,” Zakuani said. “This court is going to aid so much in physical health, but play has been proven to help so much in mental health as well, so this will have a dual purpose.”
In addition to the importance of play, speakers stressed the value of community and how the court can bring everyone together.
“Today is a celebration, not only of this new court and soccer pitch, but of the spirit of community and power of play,” said Hanifah Bellaluz, Senior Director of social impact for the Seattle Storm. “These spaces will not just be places to shoot hoops and play soccer, but they also will create a space for the Tiffany Park community to feel like when they step onto these courts, they know that the community cares about their future and they can chase all their dreams and goals.”
Additionally, Renton’s Mayor Pavone discussed further investment into Renton Parks.
“Investing in our parks is extremely important. It’s investing in our future, it’s investing in our kids and the health of our kids,” Pavone said.
While these professionals made very important points highlighting the importance of this park and the building of more in the future, the ceremony was also filled with entertainment for the children.
Sammy, the Sounders mascot, and Doppler, the Storm mascot, both came out with fun dances and got the crowd laughing. The ceremony concluded with two young children from the neighborhood making the first ever basketball shot and soccer goal on the court.
After the conclusion, kids flooded the court and grabbed the free balls being distributed. For over an hour, the community played together, interacted with the mascots, got the opportunity to meet current Sounders player Paul Rothrock, and just enjoy the new space.
