As 2014 comes to an end, the Renton Reporter staff is taking a look back at some of the stories that most affected our readers this year.

From the sale of major local business assets to the opening of a new playground to the final word on the UW strategic alliance and the death of a Renton City Council member, this past year provided us with a lot of news and a lot of memories.

Here are some of the stories that we followed this year:

Inclusive playground gets rave reviews

Renton opened its first ever all-inclusive playground at Meadow Crest Early Education Center this year.

In May 2014, the city’s new playground, designed with all age levels and abilities in mind, hosted a grand opening celebration that allowed kids of all ages – including the Blue Thunder Drum Line – to get their first shot at the one-acre playground.

It was the brain child of Terry Higashiyama, community services administrator for the City of Renton. She wanted to have Renton’s service organizations all pitch in to create the city’s first inclusive playground.

The project is possible due to an interlocal agreement between the Renton School District and the city. The playground sits on land owned by both entities. Funding came from multiple sources, including $200,000 from the Renton Community Foundation’s Custer Fund.

The playground was well-received by the community and even won the Governor’s Smart Community Award for 2014.

The Landing sold for $165 million

One of the biggest business stories of the year came in January when it was announced that The Landing would begin 2014 under new ownership. A Massachusetts-based company purchased the 18-acre shopping center from Pearlmark Harvest Lakeshore for a total of $165,400,000. Though the deal was filed Dec. 23, 2013, it was not reported until January.

The sale is for the retail portion of the development only and does not include the apartments, which were developed by other entities. Target is also excluded from the sale as they own their own space.

Opened in 2007, The Landing added several stores in 2013 and is presently operating at nearly full capacity.

According to King County tax roles, the property is appraised at $52,223,800 for tax purposes.

Regency Woods fire

One of the largest and most visible stories this year was the July 19 four-alarm fire at Regency Woods that displaced 39 people and caused $3 million in damages to three apartment buildings.

Thankfully, no injuries were reported due to the blaze.

The fast-moving, wind-spread fire caused some residents to have to jump to safety from windows before the fire department arrived.

Though the cause of the fire is officially listed as “undetermined,” fire department officials were sure the blaze began outside, spreading to the beauty bark around the buildings. The flames then were quickly spread to neighboring buildings and fields by gusts of wind up to 30 mph. The fire was also aided by dry conditions in the weeks prior.

More than 140 fire personnel from around the area and as far away as Snohomish and Pierce counties came to help fight the fire.