May 27, 2022: Lakewood Headlines
Monday, May 30 is Memorial Day. Clover Park High School students staked 7,000 markers on the front lawn of the school to individually honor fallen soldiers in Iraq & Afghanistan.
Lakewood’s summertime events are back. We hope you had fun at last weekend’s “Dancing in the Streets” event, and we look forward to having you out for Row Paddle Canoe Day (June 4) and the Farmers Market Opening Day (June 7).
Mayor Whalen hosted a “Community Coffeehouse” on Thursday night, stirring an important and complex conversation with residents about housing affordability and homelessness.
Registration is now open for our youth Outdoor Adventure Day Camp, which runs from June 27 through August 19. Campers can register for one week or the full run for $99 per week.
Monday, May 30 is Memorial Day
Memorial Day is our opportunity to reflect on the sacrifice of fallen American soldiers. To honor the occasion, the Clover Park School District has a 14-year tradition of staking markers in the front lawn of Clover Park High School in the style of the Arlington National Cemetary. Each of the 7,000 markers honors an individual soldier lost in Iraq or Afghanistan.
During the Arlington Project Ceremony on Wednesday afternoon, guest speaker Air Force Colonel Peter Chiou reflected on his experience as an immigrant soldier and the value of patriotism.
“I was informed that the FBI Counterfeit Task Force, when looking for counterfeit bills, they way they do it is not to study the counterfeit bills, but they study the real genuine thing… I submit to you that if you want to serve this country and protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, you ought to know what the truth is. You ought to know what the document says. So often, we swear to protect and defend the Constitution, when we don’t understand what it really means.”
– Air Force Col. Peter Chiou
Summertime Special Events are Heating Up
Lakewood gathered for a thrilling Saturday Street Festival last weekend. Our “Dancing in the Streets” event was a huge success. Residents hit the dance floor, enjoyed food truck treats, and relaxed in the pleasant, summery weather. Enjoy pictures from the event here.
There is more where that came from. Lakewood’s summer event schedule is packed with excitement.
Housing Affordability & Homelessness Took Center Stage during Thursday’s Community Coffeehouse
Lakewood Mayor Jason Whalen hosted a “Community Coffeehouse” on Thursday to discuss housing affordability and homelessness.
A panel of regional experts included Janne Hutchins from Living Access Support Alliance, Jason Gauthier from the South Sound Housing Affordability Partners, Steve O’Ban from Pierce County, and City of Lakewood staff.
Residents asked questions about surging rents, spending accountability, and gentrification. Our speakers addressed regional policy, housing trends, growth projections, and vital programs that are helping vulnerable residents keep their homes.
Youth Summer Camp Registration Now Open
Nationwide, cities and agencies are celebrating the efforts of public works employees to strengthen infrastructure and respond to crises.
Lakewood’s low-cost summer day camp runs from June 27 through August 19. Campers ages 5 to 12 will meet Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Campers can register for one week or the full summer schedule. The camp costs $99 per week.
The first week of camp will be held at Fort Steilacoom Park and later weeks will be at Park Lodge Elementary. Campers will enjoy golf lessons, swimming, wildlife spotting field trips, outdoor education, and more.
More Headlines
- The City will host a “Tree Tour” at Fort Steilacoom Park next Friday, June 3.
- UW students completed a Climate Change Perceptions Survey of Lakewood residents.
- Washington Trail Association volunteers are blazing a new trail in Fort Steilacoom Park.
Events
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Paddle, Row, & Canoe Day | June 4, 2022 | Harry Todd Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | June 7, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | June 14, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Saturday Street Festivals: Carnival of Cultures | June 18, 2022 | Colonial Plaza |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | June 21, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | June 28, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Summer Nights Concert: Afrodisiacs | June 28, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | July 5, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | July 12, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Summer Nights Concerts: Herding Cats | July 12, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | July 19, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Summer Nights Concerts: Olsen Brothers | July 19, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| SummerFest | July 23, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | July 26, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Summer Nights Concerts: Candy Shoppe | July 26, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | August 2, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | August 9, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Summer Nights Concerts: Good Co. Swing | August 9, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Saturday Street Festivals: Jazz Night & Car Show | August 13, 2022 | Colonial Plaza |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | August 16, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Summer Nights Concerts: Paperback Writer | August 16, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | August 23, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Lakewood Farmers Market | August 30, 2022 | Fort Steilacoom Park |
| Saturday Street Festivals: Fiesta de la Familia | September 17, 2022 | Colonial Plaza |
Roads
- Gravelly Lake & Nyanza: The reopening of Washington Boulevard and Gravelly Lake Drive was slightly delayed due to weather. Beginning on Tuesday, Lake City residents may expect a series of detour changes. The most inconvenient phase of work is nearly over. Refer to these links for details:
- Steilacoom & Weller: Sidewalks and a bike lane were installed along the north side of Steilacoom Boulevard between Weller & Phillips. Sidewalks will now be installed along the south side of Steilacoom Boulevard between Weller & Custer. Work is expected to begin in June.
- 59th & Bridgeport: Sidewalks will be added along the east side of 59th Avenue between Bridgeport & 100th. Construction will begin in a few weeks.
- South Tacoma Way & 512: An overlay will be applied to resurface South Tacoma Way between SR-512 and 108th. That project will go out to bid shortly, and work will begin this summer.
- Phillips & Onyx: Construction of sidewalks along Phillips Road between Agate Drive and Onyx Drive will begin in May. Sidewalks will line the west side of the street, and a five-foot bike lane will line the east side. Segments of Phillips will slim to one lane with flaggers directing traffic during the work.
City Council Summary: May 23, 2022 (Regular Meeting)
A student group recently completed a survey of Lakewood residents about climate change. The survey generated 212 responses representing a range of ages, incomes, and races. 91% of respondents believe that the global climate is changing, and 89% attribute that to humanity.
The survey revealed attitudes towards climate change and challenges in reaching underrepresented populations. The students engaged residents through flyers, social media, mailings, personal interviews, and elsewhere.
The students recommended continued engagement with residents about climate change. The group cautioned against a message of personal responsibility. Rather, they said, the responsibility belongs to institutions to affect sound policy.
he Planning Commission met to discuss several pending topics. The commission is considering the recommendations of a tree advisory committee. The group proposed many improvements to current tree code. A related public hearing will be held on July 6.
The Planning Commission works on planning, redevelopment, transportation, and zoning. Their third-quarter work will prioritize Comprehensive Plan updates, tree code, and housing policies.
Pierce County Recreation Supervisor Jen Spane reviewed specialized recreation programming. The City of Lakewood has helped the county overhaul special needs recreation programming.
Specialized recreation programs include “Camp Lots of Fun”, art & sports activities, and social events. Activities are hosted most days in Lakewood. On Tuesdays, the group hosts bowling events at Bowlero Lakewood.
“I just love these ladies. They are so amazing at planning these programs. I love being with my friends and I appreciate them putting this prom dance together last Saturday – it was so awesome.”
– Lauren, a specialized recreation participant
Park accessibility is a top priority for the City. Fort Steilacoom Park received an all-abilities playground not long ago. American Lake Park will soon receive accessible ramps to reach the beach.
The City is working with Pierce College to plan improvements to the Fort Steilacoom Park baseball fields. The smaller fields will receive turf infields, and the Pierce College baseball program wishes to establish a “home field” in the park. The home field would be an NCAA-compliant field complete with turf, fencing, dugouts, a scoreboard, seating for 250+, ADA access, batting cages, lighting, and more.
The field nearest the park entrance is the likely location for the Pierce College home field. The field would be a local attraction. Walkable proximity to local businesses would contribute economically to the neighborhood. Planning is ongoing, so questions about noise and soccer field rearrangement are still being discussed.
The City is considering replacing park entrance signs. Current signs are fairly small and low contrast. Wards Lake Park, for example, is difficult for residents to locate due to its location and inconspicuous sign. New signs would be more welcoming and more obviously define our parks. The City Council expressed interest in designs harmonious with current city entrance signs.
Lakewood’s main library will close Sunday, June 5. The last day of service will be Saturday, June 4. The library system may attend an upcoming City Council meeting to provide an update. A citizen advisory board is being formed to help the library envision future facilities in Lakewood.
Until Next Week…
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