Upthegrove delivers “retired” van to assist seniors and youth to the City of Renton

May 18, 2015

Summary

The vehicle will be used for day trips and tours that include matching seniors with various countywide services, assisting the developmentally disabled with transportation to local programs, and connecting youth to various healthy initiatives throughout King County.

Story

Councilmember Upthegrove hands over the keys to a retired King County vanpool van to Renton Mayor Denis Law. The City of Renton’s Community Services Department will use the vehicle to carry youth and seniors to a number of events throughout the region.

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove delivered a seven-passenger van to the City of Renton to be used by the city’s community services department.

The City of Renton’s community services department will use the van to provide transportation for seniors and teens. The vehicle will be used for day trips and tours that include matching seniors with various countywide services, assisting the developmentally disabled with transportation to local programs, and connecting youth to various healthy initiatives throughout King County.

“I am thrilled that the City of Renton will be able to use this van to support seniors and youth to access various programs and services throughout the county,” said Upthegrove. “This ‘retired’ van will transport seniors to the services they need, assist youth with transportation to Special Olympic sites and explore the hiking trails throughout King County to promote healthy living.”

The City of Renton’s Community Services Department promotes and supports a more livable Renton community by providing recreation, museum, human services programs, neighborhood and special event opportunities, golf course and modern parks and facilities, and undisturbed natural areas.

“We appreciate receiving this van from Councilmember Upthegrove and King County,” said Renton Mayor Denis Law. “It will serve many Renton residents through our senior, teen and special recreation programs for a number of years.”

Since 1995, the County Council has donated vans from Metro’s Vanpool to local cities and nonprofit organizations to provide transportation for low-income, elderly, youth and disabled residents. The vans are part of a fleet of county vehicles that have been ‘retired’ after accruing a certain number of miles.

Governments, agencies and organizations that receive vans must meet specific requirements, including outlining specific plans for using the van, ability to provide quality and trained drivers and assurance that the van will be available to assist persons without regard to affiliation with any particular organization.

Interested organizations can contact Councilmember Upthegrove’s office at 206-477-1005 or dave.upthegrove@kingcounty.gov.