King County Council approves a total of $1.7 million grant awards for Renton parks projects

September 6, 2023

The King County Council on Tuesday approved King County Parks Levy Grants, including a total of $1,704,440 in grants for parks projects in Renton. 

“I am pleased to see this significant County funding invested in keeping the Henry Moses pool operational and in building more trails for folks to enjoy,” said Dunn. “Having convenient opportunities to stay active and get outside is a big part of living happy and healthy lives, and I am glad to see these opportunities expanding in Renton!”

More than $900,000 in Aquatic Facilities grant funding was awarded to the City of Renton to complete critical capital improvements at the Henry Moses Aquatic Center, including renovation of the leisure activity pool. The pool tile and liner are failing, which would result in a closure of the pool if not replaced, but these funded improvements will allow the Aquatic Center to continue to operate for many years to come. In addition, these funds will be used to improve accessibility of the Henry Moses Aquatic Center main entrance.

“Public pools are a key asset to our community and warrant investment from our county,” said King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove. “I am proud the voter-approved Parks Levy will help ensure an enhanced experience at the Henry Moses Aquatic Center and other recreation opportunities within the City of Renton.”

Another $800,000 Parks Capital & Open Space grant was awarded to the City of Renton to construct a new soft-surface pedestrian trail and bridge crossing along a segment of the May Creek Greenway near its confluence with Lake Washington. The trail alignment will pass through conserved riparian habitat, include interpretive signage and seating, and create opportunities for localized and regional connections with existing and planned trails. This project works toward the multi-agency goal of conserving lands and providing public trail access along the May Creek Greenway corridor between Lake Washington and Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park. 

"Henry Moses Aquatic Center is a one-of-a-kind facility that can only be found in Renton. It is an excellent space for families to enjoy their summer with their kids, along with opportunities for rehabilitation through our lap swim/water walking classes,” said Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone. “This funding will impact the functionality and longevity of the center. Thank you to King County Councilmembers Reagan Dunn and Dave Upthegrove for supporting these improvements for the betterment of Renton residents."

These competitive grant programs are part of the 2020-2025 Parks Levy and seek to assist public aquatic facilities through capital funding at any stage from feasibility studies through renovation and repair, as well as with open space acquisition, active recreation, passive recreation, and local trails. 

On August 6, 2019, King, County voters approved a measure to renew the property tax levy supporting parks, trails, and open space in King County. The measure replaced the levy that expired at the end of 2019 and will generate an estimated $810 million over six years, costing approximately $7.60 per month for the owner of a home with an assessed property value of $500,000.