The park is named after Gene Coulon, a local business leader who served on the Renton Chamber of Commerce and advocated for the waterfront's development.
The facility includes a unique 'Waterwalk' that extends over the lake, providing elevated views of the water and surrounding mountains.
The site was historically utilized by the Pacific Coast Coal Company and was transformed into a public park in the 1980s.
The park's swimming area is cordoned off with buoys and maintains a shallow grade suitable for families.
It contains a dedicated children's play area with nautical-themed structures.
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park is a 57-acre waterfront park located on the southeastern shore of Lake Washington in Renton. The park features a designated swimming beach with seasonal lifeguard supervision and a sandy shoreline. It provides extensive recreational infrastructure including tennis courts, volleyball courts, and a horseshoe pit. Boaters utilize the five-lane boat launch facility to access Lake Washington. A paved trail system connects to the regional Lake Washington Loop Trail for pedestrians and cyclists. The park hosts the Ivar's Seafood Restaurant and Kidd Valley burger stand on-site. Visitors can utilize large picnic shelters and open grassy areas throughout the grounds. Fishing is permitted in specific designated areas away from the swimming beach. The park serves as a primary access point for the Cedar River Trail system.
The elevated boardwalk (Waterwalk) looking north toward the Seattle skyline.
Arrive early on sunny weekends, as the parking lots fill to capacity rapidly.
Check the Renton city website for water quality alerts or potential beach closures due to bacteria levels before planning a swim.
Bring polarized sunglasses to minimize glare from the lake surface.
Do not attempt to launch watercraft from the swimming beach area; use only the designated boat ramp lanes.
Lifeguard services are typically available only during the summer season; park grounds remain open year-round.
Leash laws are strictly enforced for dogs; recreational drones are prohibited without a permit; alcohol is restricted to specific permitted picnic areas.
