Council OKs purchase of property near Cedar River Park

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 colla