In the early 1990's, city of Renton was beginning their long range plans for the revitalization of downtown Renton. A group of local citizens began to get together and discuss how they could be a part of that re-development.

In 1995, the group CPR (Citizens for Piazza Renton) was formed. It's goal - "to create a vibrant, healthy community in the Greater Renton area". Their idea was to promote a "heart" in the city. It would be a place where people would come together - an experience, a center for cultural and entertainment activities. All ages would be drawn to this clean and well-maintained environment. It would attract people to the downtown with vitality and demonstrate the livability of the downtown area. So the Piazza was created - in the heart of the city at S. 3rd and Burnett.

In June 1997, CPR and Allied Arts of Renton held the first celebration - the Piazza Party. The site was the Gateway Park across Logan from the Piazza as the Mazda car dealership was in the process of vacating the park site.

The Piazza was officially dedicated in 2000, and continues to be a magnet, drawing citizens downtown for many events.

The group of volunteers continued to meet, adding a few people along the way. The city had made a verbal agreement with Piazza Renton volunteers that they would support four events each year - a spring "clean-up", a Renton River Days event, a fall event primarily for children (pumpkin "painting") and the Holiday Tree lighting. These events have grown each year and now encompass many more activities than originally staged.

Piazza Renton is a 501-a non-profit organization. We continue the goals of the original CPR group and have added one of "welcoming diversity". We have a yearly membership drive and have many "paid" members who support us in spirit. We hold a dinner auction in November each year and raise funds to underwrite the events at the Piazza, so no charges are made for admission or attendance. In addition, we have pledged to give half of the funds raised to local good causes.