Big things are happening at Wards Lake Park Tucked away along the city’s northern boundary with Tacoma sits a 22-acre sleepy site: Wards Lake Park. This area, which includes a lake, playground and walking trails, has been closed to the public since November so the city can complete a major overhaul of its grounds. This week a major milestone was …
June 24, 2025 The summer edition of the city’s quarterly magazine: Lakewood Connections is now in homes. Inside the latest magazine is information about one of the largest South Sound events of the summer: SummerFEST! Check out the Council Corner, a special message from the Lakewood City Council about growing neighborhood connections and the city’s neighborhood association program. We share …
City Council approves City Manager contract As part of its regular meeting the Lakewood City Council approved an employment contract with Doug Russell to be the next City Manager of Lakewood. Russell’s first day with the city will be Aug. 25, 2025. Russell is moving to the area from Montana, where he serves as City Manager of Kalispell. Before approving …
June 17, 2025 Head to The Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park tonight (June 17, 2025) for our Summer Nights at the Pavilion concerts. The summer fun kicks off with Rebel Canyon. Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and get ready for a high-energy show highlighting the hottest country hits, plus classics from the last 20 years. Swing by the Lakewood Farmers …
June 16, 2025 A new permit system, Camino, launched this morning. It’s goal: Streamlining the submittal process and enhancing the overall customer experience. It features a user-friendly, TurboTax-style interface that guides applicants through the permit application process with clarity and precision. Internally, we are integrating artificial intelligence tools to reduce processing time for routine tasks, accelerating turnaround while maintaining quality. …
June 16, 2025 Members of the Lakewood Police Department have been busy the last few weeks giving their time to support community causes and connecting with some of our youngest residents. On June 4, members of the department joined other law enforcement professionals on Joint Base Lewis-McChord for the 2025 Special Olympic Law Enforcement Torch Run. The torch was passed …
Lakewood City Council selects top choice for City Manager After a lengthy, in-depth process that included a national search, two days of meeting with community stakeholders, Lakewood employees, a public open house and formal interviews, the Lakewood City Council selected Doug Russell as its top choice to lead the city of Lakewood. “The decision was made very difficult by the …
June 12, 2025 After a lengthy, in-depth process that included a national search, two days of meeting with community stakeholders, Lakewood employees, a public open house and formal interviews, the Lakewood City Council selected Doug Russell as its top choice to lead the city of Lakewood. “The decision was made very difficult by the strength of the final candidates, all …
Lakewood City Council appoints interim City Manager The Lakewood City Council appointed Tho Kraus as interim City Manager while it conducts its search for a permanent city manager. Kraus fills the vacancy left by City Manager John J. Caulfield, who retired June 5, 2025. In addition to this leadership role, Kraus continues to serve as the city’s Chief Financial Officer, …
June 5, 2025 Lakewood Police K9 Officer Anthony Bucat was recently awarded a Master Trainer certificate by the Washington State Police Canine Association (WSPCA), signifying a prestigious accomplishment. This distinction is earned by only the most seasoned and dedicated K9 professionals in the state. With this honor, Bucat becomes one of only two certified Master Trainers in Pierce County. As …
June 4, 2025 The Lakewood City Council appointed Tho Kraus as interim City Manager while it conducts its search for a permanent city manager. Kraus fills the vacancy left by City Manager John J. Caulfield, who retires June 5, 2025. In addition to this leadership role, Kraus continues to serve as the city’s Chief Financial Officer, overseeing Finance, Human Resources …
May 29, 2025 This week we hosted a reception for outgoing City Manager John J. Caulfield, who announced his retirement earlier this year. Friends, coworkers and community partners joined to congratulate Caulfield on a successful career in city government and thank him for his 12 years of public service to the City of Lakewood. Caulfield joined Lakewood in September 2013. …
Honoring Memorial Day On Monday as we take time to honor Memorial Day, we encourage our neighbors to pause and reflect on the meaning of this solemn day. Lakewood is a proud military community: home to veterans, active-duty service members and families who live each day in the shadow of sacrifice. With our close ties to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, we …
May 9, 2025 This week we learned vegetation was removed from the public right-of-way on Westlake Avenue where the street ends at Lake Steilacoom. The work that was done – removal of invasive species like blackberries – was unauthorized. This type of work requires city approval before it can be done. Specifically, removal of vegetation on the lake requires a …
Ecology test shows no detectable toxins in Waughop Lake On April 16, 2025 the City of Lakewood took a sample from Waughop Lake and sent it to the state Department of Ecology and its cyanobacteria toxicity testing program. The purpose of the test was to determine whether there are detectable levels of common toxins in the lake due to harmful …
May 2, 2025 On April 16, 2025 the City of Lakewood took a sample from Waughop Lake and sent it to the state Department of Ecology and its cyanobacteria toxicity testing program. The purpose of the test was to determine whether there are detectable levels of common toxins in the lake due to harmful freshwater algae that could be present. …
Harry Todd Park parking lot closure begins May 5 Starting Monday, May 5, 2025 the main parking lot entrance of Harry Todd Park will be closed to all vehicles. This closure will be in place until May 16. The lot will reopen for the city’s May 17 Kid Fishing Event. Between May 5-16, drivers visiting the park will be directed …
April 23, 2025 During the Nisqually Indian Tribe’s Leschi Honor Walk at Fort Steilacoom Park, the city of Lakewood marked the Nisqually Loop Trail with temporary interpretive markers to highlight the Tribes’ story and connection to the prairie. Unfortunately, one of the signs, titled Nisqually Pride, was mislabeled, incorrectly crediting the artwork of Feather Villegas. The city of Lakewood extends …