A grand reopening of the Kent Commons Community Center is planned for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 4. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent

A grand reopening of the Kent Commons Community Center is planned for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 4. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent

Grand reopening of Kent Commons Community Center on May 4

City of Kent spent $1.5 million to upgrade facility

The city plans a grand reopening of its Kent Commons Community Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 4 at 525 Fourth Ave. N.

Crews are finishing up an $1.5 million remodel and the facility is expected to return to normal operations later this month. The monies for the project came from the city’s capital budget.

Kent Commons will have a new entrance and front counter, an expanded weight room and locker rooms, a new family restroom and two refreshment areas with vending machines containing snacks and beverages.

Attendees at the reopening will enjoy activities throughout the building, free ice cream and popcorn, Kent Parks swag, and a special giveaway that’s exclusive to this event. The event is free and open to all.

Work began in March 2024 on the renovation at the 50,000-square-foot facility. The center sits downtown just south of West James Street and accesso ShoWare Center and west of the Kent Station shopping center.

The work is needed because the facility was built in 1979 and is 45 years old, said Will Moore, city facilities superintendent, in his report last year about the project to the council.

The facility offers programs and classes for youth and adults, a fully-equipped gym and fitness center, and numerous rooms and spaces to reserve for events of all sizes.




Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

t
33rd Legislative District sets Telephone Town Hall for April 29

District includes part of Kent; call hosted by Sen. Orwall and State Reps. Gregerson and Obras

Kent Police officers will carry the latest Taser 10 model produced by Axon Enterprises. The gun can fire more shots and at a longer distance than the older model. COURTESY PHOTO, Axon Enterprises
Kent Police add latest Taser model to officers’ equipment

Taser 10 can shoot more shots at a longer distance; department also adds dash cameras

t
Kent crime numbers drop dramatically in first quarter of 2025

All categories down compared to first three months of 2024; commercial burglaries drop 62%

t
Kent Police arrest man in stolen vehicle after short pursuit

Seattle man, 36, taken into custody April 14 at apartment complex near Kent-Meridian High School

t
Kent church reaches $1 million milestone for assistance program

Kent United Methodist Shared Bread Program helps people pay rent, utilities

Atena, part of a Kent Police K-9 unit, helped locate a man who reportedly fired three to five shots from his motorcycle at another vehicle April 12 in Kent. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Police
WSP plane, Kent K-9 unit locate man who fired shots at teen

Motorcyclist fled drive-by shooting on West Hill during April 12 incident

A house in Issaquah was damaged by fallen trees during November’s bomb cyclone. (Courtesy of King County Councilmember Sarah Perry’s office)
FEMA denies funds to WA for damage caused by 2024 ‘bomb cyclone’

Gov. Bob Ferguson says federal funds are needed to address $34 million in damage caused by the storm, and that the state will appeal.

Kentwood High School, 25800 164th Ave. SE., in Covington. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Person who made Kentwood High social media threat tracked down

‘Had no means to carry out the threat,’ according to King County Sheriff’s Office

A man places his ballot into the drop box outside Federal Way City Hall. Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing
SAVE Act could disenfranchise millions of voters

Congressman reports law could cost Washingtonians over $361 million just to register to vote.

t
Judge dismisses petitions to recall 2 Kent School Board members

Group wanted to recall Meghin Margel and Tim Clark

t
Kent Police Blotter: March 25 to April 6

Incidents include attempted bank robbery, cable wire theft, DUI arrest, parking lot robbery

Courtesy Photo, Kent Police
New 3-year contract gives Kent Police officers pay boost

Hikes of 16% and 17% in 2025 compared to 2022; beginning salary at $96,306 with annual increases