Renton committee hears Age‑Friendly update; senior‑center renovations, transit outreach planned

The Renton Committee of the Whole received an Age‑Friendly Renton update Wednesday, during which Parks & Recreation officials outlined planned capital work at the city’s senior facility, survey findings about older residents’ needs and steps to maintain services during construction.

Jennifer Spencer, Renton recreation director, told the committee the Age‑Friendly designation comes from AARP and “requires us to meet certain criteria” that organize efforts to make the community more livable for older adults. She said the designation, begun around 2021 in partnership with AARP, has guided investments funded in part by a Veterans, Seniors and Human Services levy grant.

Mary Jane Van Cleef, a Parks & Recreation staff member who spoke about the senior center’s programming, said the facility is a daily hub that provides social connection, navigation to services and health‑related supports. “The senior center is, daily, buzzing like a bee’s nest” she said, and noted the center hosts lunches, specialty programs and partnerships for tax preparation and health checks.

Staff described planned capital work — a new roof, siding, windows and HVAC — that will cause temporary disruption and require relocation of some activities to the Renton community center. Jennifer Spencer said the project is significant but staff are coordinating schedules to minimize conflicts and will provide timeline updates to council. On logistics, staff said they plan to add about 88 accessible parking spaces and improve signage and loading areas to accommodate visitors and shuttle access.

Survey and service findings led to changes in outreach, staff said. Van Cleef said the department collected roughly 650 survey responses showing older adults use civic spaces and often prefer printed materials. Spencer highlighted a transportation gap identified in the survey: “75% are unsure about available transportation options,” prompting steps such as providing ORCA‑card access at the senior center, technology classes to teach app navigation and encouragement of volunteer ride sharing.

Staff also described partnerships that support seniors: collaborations with AARP and Humana, tax‑preparation volunteers, a farmers‑market program that brings donated or unsold produce to the center, and coordinated safety programming with Renton Police and Fire to address scams and wellness checks. The department said grant funding has supported multilingual marketing and interpreters for major events; staff recently piloted discreet translation devices as part of outreach.

Council members pressed staff on details during a question-and-answer period. Council member Rivera asked about live translation options for Spanish‑speaking residents; staff said the city uses a language line, has installed translation apps on city phones and piloted translation devices with the summer lunch program. Council member Hollande asked whether produce used in nutrition programs was purchased or donated; staff replied most items are donated by farmers and supplemented by retailers’ donations and that distributions are arranged in a store‑like format to preserve dignity.

Council members also suggested additional classes and services. One member described interest among seniors in practical end‑of‑life planning workshops and the “Five Wishes” booklet; staff said they have begun targeted work with assisted‑living partners on that topic. The committee asked to be kept informed about renovation progress and senior sentiment during the transition.

The committee received the presentation and adjourned without a formal vote. Staff said they will return to council with timeline details, purchasing requests for translation devices and further updates on outreach and logistics.