Sunset Neighborhood Park

Park Overview

Situated in Renton's Sunset area, Sunset Neighborhood Park spans a modest 3.2 acres right across from the Renton Highlands Library. This green space provides locals with a pleasant retreat from the surrounding urban landscape.

The park is thoughtfully laid out with a wide north-south walkway that mirrors the connection along Harrington Avenue. There's a circular path that loops around the entire park - perfect if you're looking to get your steps in or just enjoy a leisurely bike ride. When you enter from the library side, you'll discover a welcoming plaza with comfortable seating and a pergola offering some much-appreciated shade on sunny days.

Unique Water Feature

One of the coolest things about this park is its water mist feature - and it's not your typical splash pad. Instead, it releases fine water mist into the air (don't worry, it's treated, drinkable water). On warm summer days, you'll likely find kids giggling and darting through the mist clouds.

There's some clever engineering at work here too - the mist feature has a built-in wind sensor that automatically shuts things down when it gets too breezy, saving nearby benches and playground equipment from getting unexpectedly drenched.

Impressive Playground

The playground here is quite impressive. At its heart stands the Berliner Neptune XXL, a towering 30-foot climbing structure that's quite the rarity - it's the only one in the Pacific Northwest and just one of four in the entire country.

Connected to this centerpiece are two Helix Climbing Towers (one reaching 19 feet and the other 25 feet tall). Together, these three structures form a climbing complex you won't find anywhere else in the US. It's a fantastic challenge for older kids, helping them build strength and coordination while having a blast.

Younger children haven't been forgotten - there's a separate area just for them with tot-friendly equipment including bucket swings and see-saws with adjustable counterweights that offer an intuitive lesson in physics. The ground throughout the playground deserves special mention - it's remarkably soft and springy, providing excellent cushioning for inevitable tumbles.

Amenities and Layout

The park offers plenty of walkways and seating areas scattered throughout, plus a generous lawn that's meant for everything from impromptu soccer games to picnics and social gatherings.

You'll discover numerous shaded picnic tables positioned strategically so parents can relax while keeping an eye on kids at play. These comfortable spots make it easy to extend your visit into a half-day outing.

For the fitness-minded, there's an outdoor exercise area with stainless steel equipment that lets you squeeze in a workout while enjoying the fresh air.

Facilities

The park features clean restroom facilities with both hot and cold running water - a simple but essential amenity for families spending the day outdoors.

If you're bringing your four-legged friend along, you'll appreciate the waste bag dispensers placed across the grounds. Just remember that dogs need to stay leashed during your visit.

Parking is available as street parking in the surrounding area, including along a roundabout near the entrance. Just note that spaces can fill up quickly during nice weather or peak hours.

Development History

The park came together in two stages. Phase I opened on June 16, 2018, establishing the entry plaza, main walkways, restrooms, a rain garden for stormwater management, and initial seating areas.

Phase II wrapped up on January 28, 2021, bringing in those impressive playground structures and additional amenities that complete the space.

Sunset Neighborhood Park offers recreational opportunities for Renton residents of all ages, with a design that accommodates both physical activity and social interaction.