The city of Renton will soon purchase land to expand the boundaries of the Renton Community Center and Cedar River Park.

At the Sept. 15 meeting, the Renton City Council approved the purchase of the property previously known as the Stoneway Sand and Gravel site for a total estimated cost of $22,045,000. The acquisition is a part of a long-term plan to expand the footprint of the currently 23-acre park located at 1717 Maple Valley Highway.

The city approved the use of eminent domain to buy the property in July. The city describes the acquisition process as a “friendly condemnation” because the eminent domain action was requested by the existing property owner for tax benefits. The city said the process “allows for the procurement of private property for public use through a more collaborative and beneficial approach than formal condemnation proceedings, while paying a fair market value to the property owner.”

According to a previous press release from the city, the space will increase Renton’s recreational opportunities and public access to the river while converting the site from its previous industrial purpose to provide lasting environmental protections to the river and resident salmon.

“Renton City Council views the acquisition of the property as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase this strategically located property that will benefit the entire community for generations to come,” the release said.

This parcel was identified in the Tri-Park Master Plan in 2006, with updates in 2011 and 2020, as being necessary to complete the city’s plan to expand Cedar River Park.

“This property gives us the opportunity to honor commitments made nearly two decades ago, now brought to life through a modern vision shaped by our community’s input,” said Renton Parks and Recreation Administrator Maryjane Van Cleave.

The property was previously home to the Stoneway Dock Company in the 1930s before it was converted to Stoneway Sand and Gravel in the 1950s, which used the site for concrete and asphalt manufacturing until October 2002.

According to the King County Department of Assessments, the property used for heavy industry was valued at $8,191,800 in 2025. The buildings on the property were demolished in 2007 and 2008.