Plans are in the works to improve sidewalks, trails and street crossings in the Benson Hill/Cascade area.
The City of Renton is planning two opportunities for the public to be involved in walking audits of that area to improve the safety and walkability of the community.
One likely fix the city will make is building sidewalks around Renton Park Elementary, Cascade Elementary and Nelsen Middle schools.
Other ideas will come from the residents, community stakeholders, city staff and advocates of healthy living through community design that go on the walking tours of the area. All ages are encouraged to participate, especially senior citizens.
The city received a grant through the Sustainable Communities Building Block this year. The City of Renton was one of 32 communities out of 354 applicants to receive technical assistance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The goals of the project are to improve connectivity, calm traffic, create a sense of place, provide adequate landscaping and lighting to make the street environment safer and more comfortable for residents and visitors.
Susan Lander, director of health services with the Renton School District, has participated in three similar walking audits geared around the schools in Renton.
The ultimate goal of those audits was to decrease obesity rates and increase physical activity, said Lander.
She is supporting the city’s efforts in the Cascade Walking Audit because she believes the more community involvement in the activity the better for the community.
“We definitely want to be involved with the city because we know it’s important to decrease our obesity rates,” said Lander.
Ron Schepers, the Renton School District director of transportation, participated in previous walking audits for the district and plans to attend the upcoming Cascade Walking Audit.
On the previous walks they saw areas where sidewalks might need to be installed, as well as traffic controls and the re-configuration school drop-offs.
Schepers said they looked at troublesome areas, as well as things that might entice students to walk and bike to school.
He said that walking audits are important to do not only because of the feedback you get from professionals, but also the students, parents and other community members that come together to offer their insight.
The walking audit group will meet at the Cascade Village shopping center for a short briefing, take a walk along a one mile route and then have a follow-up community visioning workshop. They begin and end at 17060 116th Ave S.E.. The walks are 6 p.m.- 8 p.m., Tuesday, June 7, and 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 8.
For more information contact Erika Conkling, senior planner, 425-430-6578 or Kris Sorensen, associate planner, 425-430-6593.
