The North Renton Picnic rocked - again

Sorry for the lame "pet" ad - just click on the "X" right away, and that pesty little thing with vamoose!

Join the Renton Picnic today

Feel like a little picnicking and  meetin' the neighbors and that sort of thing? Join the North Renton Neighborhood Association and my wee self this evening between the hours of 5:30 - 7:30 pm at Jones Park on Wells Street for some free hot dogs and convivial surroundings. We won't frown at a little potluck activity from your kitchen, if so inclined. Norma is said to be collecting recipes of any dish that you happen to bring. So come along and share - whether it be just you, or you and a dish or two. All comers welcome.

My favorite part of the evening is seeing people from all walks of the City of Renton's many departments out cooking up dinner at the grill.Check us out last year.

While you are at it, check out the newly formated North Renton Neighborhood Association website, thanks to a local figure known to many as Renton Ben.

North Renton Picnic
Tonite! Jones Park on Wells Street
5:30 - 7:30 pm   FREE!

Jones Park gets a dose of Fall

Everywhere the new coating of fall colors begins to be worn. Here, Jones Park on Wells Street begins to get a new change of "leaf".

Too bad you missed out

Last night, on, yes possibly the hottest evening of the year, Jones Park was the place to be in North Renton. The annual picnic hosted by the North Renton Neighborhood Association was very well attended. Could have been the draw of free hot dogs cooked on a huge grill to perfection, or the door prizes or just the fact that the park is heavily shaded and adjacent to a very nice river to dip into.

Brad and daughters Ellie and Evan.

The potluck tables were full of contributed food dishes and a raffle was held , each ticket purchased for a dollar, which boasted some great gift certificates from local restaurants and other assorted goodies. No one went away hungry and everyone who stopped by to check out our fuss was feed.

Ray Giometti on the front left with Mary and friend Yvonne Beck.

See what tempting picnic fare you missed?

The picnic was also attended by a consultant group, Makers Architecture & Urban Design, that are working on formulating a plan for the city center. This is the first neighborhood to be chosen for this formulating of a plan on how Renton will move forward and create a vision for it's future. My understanding is that North Renton is a part of the area chosen and the consultant staff were on hand to ask what the citizenry liked and disliked about their neighborhood and city and what they would like to see developed. The ideas were written in colorful pen, sometimes with drawings (the one that stated "more ice cream trucks" with a drawing of a rainbow Popsicle being amongst my favorites) and then hung up on a line strung between the support of the pavilion for all to see. Creative and fun way to interact with the public, I thought. Everyone was encouraged to sign up for updates via email
citycenterplan@renton.wa.gov

Also, feel free to call or contact Angie Mathias (425) 430- 6576
amathias@renton.wa.gov
with any thoughts, questions, recommendations.

Check out the City of Renton Community Planning link also.

Come to the Picnic, people

It's time to meet your neighbor - and share some of your favorites summer eats. The North Renton Neighborhood Association will be holding their annual Picnic - you all are invited, this Wednesday from 5- 7:30pm at Jones Park. That location is right on the Cedar River and just off Wells Ave., so you have no excuse not to come.

Too hot you say!! Why, the river area has got to be cooler than at home. And why not share in some hot dogs and drinks in the abundant shade in that park. If you are feeling in the mood, it's also a potluck - so bring a dish to pass around and a copy of the recipe in case you get fans. My latest email from the North Renton peeps reports that there seems to be no legal reason why you can't even get naked in our lovely local waters. Now, I don't want you to think that is the best of all reasons to come (and not a legal loophole that I will personally be taking advantage of anytime soon), but isn't it nice to know that you won't have any restrictions if the day proves hotter than your sensitive skin can just bear.

There will be face painting for the kids and other fun activities to keep one and all occupied. Please come and join us - for the best little Neighborhood Picnic in the Park!


Wednesday, July 29 Jones Park 5 - 7:30

Okay, okay - there are some of you out there kidding us North Rentonites that our little ole picnic is being held in South Renton. But, according to the North Renton Neighborhood Association, Jones Park is in North Renton. Don't shoot the messenger - see for yourself here.

Park particulars

Jones Park - dedicated over 80 years ago, still going strong. On the Cedar River, park benches ready for your "to go" lunch boxes, views in multitude. Hurry while it's hot. This park has a pretty impressive set of "particulars".

Jones Park has some mighty interesting trees

Sorry, but this orange tree "wrapping" just peaked my interest. Gotta hand it to the Parks Dept., but that is some mighty colorful work they are doing. And the trees don't look half bad themselves.

Eggs in the Grass

I love an Easter Egg Hunt. This one, held Saturday at Jones Park by the Seed of Abraham Church at the corner of N. Third and Wells, even had some golden eggs. Kids were out running, hard boiled eggs were being discovered and nibbled upon (the dog was ever so thankful for those). My Mom was with me when we happened upon the happy event. She's a good looker - many unclaimed eggs caught her eye. After our morning coffee, we had to swing back by the park, just to make sure all of the eggs had made their way home. Sorry to say, for my Mom that is, they had. She loves an Easter Egg Hunt too.

The Rites of Spring

Then and Now .... the top photo, February 25 and the bottom photo, today. Spring can be such a fickle mistress. Maybe we need to ply her with chocolates...