June 12, 2000

Renton to dedicate 'piazza'

RENTON -- The city of Renton is dedicating its new piazza this Thursday, following 10 months of construction, which began last September. The park was designed by the Berger Partnership, landscape architects known for their work on the REI flagship store and Two Union Square Plaza in Seattle. A1 Landscaping Inc. was the contractor.

Located at 233 Burnett Ave. South, the park is the culmination of a vision by residents; Dally Homes, the developer; local business owners; the city of Renton; and representatives from Seattle Public Utilities, Metro Transit and others for a space for community activities and special events.

The completed park sits on less than an acre and features a combination of paving and landscaping, benches, boulders, tree grates, and raised seat walls. Two water features beautify the space, a shallow "rushing river" and a fountain. Total cost of the project was $1.1 million.

Half of the property is owned by the city of Seattle Water Utilities. As part of Renton's franchise agreement with Seattle, it received approval to construct the park provided that certain structures and large trees were strategically placed to accommodate a pipeline.

Two pipelines are located directly under the park, which convey a total of 40 million gallons of water daily to Seattle and surrounding communities.

The piazza project is part of the extensive revitalization of downtown Renton, which also includes a luxury apartment development, street improvements on Logan Ave. and a parking lot. Plans are underway for a new regional transit center and performing arts center at Renton High School.

Ceremonies begin at 6:30 p.m on June 15.