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Click here for a full-size PDF of the Sunset Neighborhood Park Masterplan Revised Phase II-2018
Many residents have asked me for more details regarding the plan for the Sunset Neighborhood Park, which is off to an excellent start but is not complete yet. Phase 1 included an entry plaza by the library with seating and overhead pergola, restroom facilities, wide walkways, a large lawn area, and rain gardens.
Final build-out of the park will be starting this summer, with completion planned approximately a year from now.
This next and important phase will truly activate that park, which is central to our vision for a more vibrant, active and healthy Sunset district. This phase will feature two beautiful and highly engaging playgrounds, one targeted for two to five year olds, and the other targeted for the five to 12 year olds. (In the last concept I reviewed, the playground for the older children tentatively included a very impressive climbing tower, taller than in most of our parks) This phase will also add picnic areas, and adult fitness areas, a picnic gazebo with tables, pergolas, additional benches, walkways and circulation paths, a beautiful and unique interactive water feature, performing and event lawn areas, and artwork.
Above: One of the notional artistic renderings from the 2014 Master Plan (Final design may be slightly different)
We’ve received generous financial assistance for this build-out via a $3 million State appropriation, a $500,000 Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant and a $175,000 King County Youth and Amateur Sports Fund Grant. This money allowed us to combine an original three-phase plan down to two phases, and complete the park sooner than originally planned.
Here we are cutting the ribbon on Phase 1 of the park a year ago (Photo courtesy of the City of Renton website below)
You can follow progress and additional information on this City of Renton website.
This park, along with the new (3-years-old) Highlands Library, is a central part of the Sunset Transformation Plan that I covered in yesterday’s blog post.
It’s too late to change plans, but so many folks have commented (on other sites, meetings, etc.) that the Water Feature should be more of Spray feature. The one shown is with large rocks, which create safety concerns. That’s what there is at the Piazza Park “water play river”, that has been closed in recent years due to SAFETY concerns. The Landing is the same: we were promised a kid-friendly water feature but the large “sculpures” in the plaza outside Papaya are often signed with “Unsafe for children” during events.
All that to say, YAY for the new Sunset park that will enhance the Highlands Neighborhood! It’s great to welcome a new family-friendly Community amenity.
Is it too late? Is there anything we can do about changing it to Spray feature?