The Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center in Renton, Washington, will not reopen until 2027. The center was initially closed on April 15 to enhance comfort, safety, and the overall experience of the center. Recreation manager Alex Lee and capital project coordinator Alisha Smothers presented an update on the improvements to the center at the July 27 Renton Committee of the Whole meeting.
Delays and Costs
The project started in April 2025 with a request for proposal, and the design was submitted to the city council and approved by the finance committee in July 2025. However, the delay has added additional costs, with at least $100,000 in expedited fees due to the Buy America, Build America (BABA) requirement. Despite the delay, the fees are still within the allocated funds for additional costs, with a budget of $3.4 million and only an estimated expenditure and encumbered of $2.3 million.
The project includes roof replacement, mechanical upgrades to the Air Conditioning Unit, seismic review, siding and paint upgrades, and window replacements. Some possible future upgrades to consider would be interior paint refresh, carpet replacement, resilient floor upgrades, ceiling and lighting improvements, restroom improvements, common space improvements, and seismic upgrades.
Continued Programming
While the center is under construction, programming continues in other locations. Senior programs, put on by the senior center staff and guest services staff, continue in the Renton Community Center. With the help of Sound Generations, the lunch program and Meals on Wheels also moved to the community center. The bridge program moved to the Kennydale Lions Park building.
According to Lee, the priority has always been to continue providing the same level of service, relationships, programs, and experiences that the community relies on. Despite the changes, Lee said there have been no changes in the programs offered. The total recorded participation in programs has dropped 15 percent from 2025 to 2026.
However, Lee noted that they have seen an increase in fitness drop-in sessions and fitness registrations, largely due to the fact that those programs are now offered in the gyms at the Renton Community Center. Lee said they will continue to offer the full schedule of classes, fitness, lunches, trips, and recreation opportunities until construction is completed.
Original reporting: Renton Reporter — read the source article.
