Lakewood Parks and Recreation is always working to improve our parks. Refer to this page to see what the City is planning and working on.
Lakewood Parks & Recreation
6000 Main St SW, 1st Floor
Lakewood, WA 98499
(253) 983-7887
[email protected]
Phone & Staff Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Current Projects
The City of Lakewood is collaborating with Partners for Parks (PFP), a nonprofit focused on improving parks for Lakewood residents, on a fundraising campaign to support this public-private partnership project. The $12M project has an adopted schematic design and is progressing toward permit-readiness in early 2027. The City and Partners for Parks are working on closing the $4M funding gap for the project. The new community facility will support programs, community gatherings and special events, while preserving the legacy of the Fort Steilacoom Historic District. To learn more about the project, visit: https://partnersforparks.net
City Staff are working with BERK consulting and HBB to produce the 2026 update to the City’s Parks Legacy Plan. The Legacy Plan takes inventory of the City’s parks, open spaces, and trails; presents a level-of-service analysis to identify needs across the city; and provides a roadmap for future parks planning.
Project Cost: $100,000
Funding Sources: General Fund
STATUS: The initial draft document will be complete in early August. The final draft will be presented to City Council in September. The final document is expected to be adopted in early November 2026.
The City and the Nisqually Indian Tribe are engaged in a collaborative partnership to develop interpretive installations featuring the past present and future of the Nisqually Indian Tribe and Chief Leschi at Ft. Steilacoom Park. The partnership project intends to add signage, art, and interpretive information including Lushootseed language along a loop trail in the SE part of the park.
Project Budget: $346,000
STATUS: A MOU and work plans were approved in 2023. Construction is anticipated to be completed by Q1 of 2027.
Oakbrook Park Improvements
Located just north of Ft. Steilacoom in the Oakbrook neighborhood, this small park is the only neighborhood park in this housing area. In 2019 the playground was replaced. PRAB worked with neighbors to determine needs and discuss potential site improvements in 2023. Improvements will include a circulation path, picnic shelter, site furnishings and ADA parking and access.
Project budget: $200,000
STATUS: Bidding and Construction are anticipated to occur in Q1-Q2 of 2027. The project design and permitting have been completed.
Edgewater Park – Following the completion of a master plan for the park approved in 2023, the City received multiple grants and a legislative allocation in 2024 to implement the plan. Development will improve safety and water access and include ROW & stormwater improvements, parking, a swim area and a fishing pier, relocating the boat launch, adding a restroom and shelter, restoring shoreline habitat, and adding site furnishings and accessible pedestrian trails. The site is currently undeveloped with a primitive boat launch.
Project Budget: $7.5M
Status: The project is currently in design and permitting. Construction is anticipated: 2027-2028
Primley Park, a 0.17 acre pocket park, was built in 2007. In 2023 PRAB met with local neighbors to determine current needs and to discuss replacing the aging playground. The playground equipment replacement was completed in 2025. ADA parking improvements are anticipated to occur in 2027.
Project budget: $55,000
STATUS: Playground replacement in 2025. ADA parking pending.
Park uses at Fort Steilacoom Park have increased over the years. At 350 acres and as one of the City’s most popular parks, there are often multiple groups using the park at the same time. This use often creates parking and access impacts. An improved parking area near the barns and the pavilion would provide additional ADA parking for Pavilion use as well as closer parking for anyone needing ADA parking during SummerFEST, Farmers Market and other special events.
Project Cost: $250,000
Funding Source: General funds
STATUS: Design, permitting and construction slated for completion in 2026
The City is leading development of a Master Plan for the Camp Murray Boat Launch site on American Lake. As part of the master planning process, the City of Lakewood, the Washington Military Department, the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, and other stakeholders will meet to discuss ownership and operation of the site to determine potential avenues of funding for future site improvements.
The Master Plan will be completed by the end of 2026. Future site improvements will depend on available funding.
Project Budget: $100,000 to develop a Master Plan
City Funding Sources: ARPA
The City updated the 2009 street end report in 2023. The updated report reviewed existing conditions and potential for public access and development at 13 street end sites. Design and program goals were outlined in partnership with current policy documents, city codes and feedback from staff prior to development of plans and cost estimates. A priority matrix was created to look at various criteria to help develop prioritized development of each site in the future.
With PRAB’s recommendation based on a priority matrix of access, use, development potential, equity and environmental impacts, Westlake Avenue was selected by City Council as the pilot project. Development will include parking, an accessible trail to the beach, habitat and stormwater improvements, signage, site furnishings and fencing.
Project Budget: $740,000
Project Status: Project construction is anticipated Q4-2026-Q1 2027
Upcoming Projects
The City has worked towards the completion and installation of gateway monument signs to create a positive first impression of our community. The final remaining sign on 84th St & Tacoma Mall Blvd will complete the work started in 2015 to provide up to 14 gateway monuments at all city entrances.
Project Budget: $80,000 per sign
Status: This site was delayed due to ROW development limitations on 84th but is anticipated to be completed in 2027
Playgrounds are an important amenity in city parks, especially neighborhood parks. Playgrounds are regularly inspected and repaired as needed. The life span of a playground is influenced by use, materials and environment but can typically last between 10-15 years. The Legacy Plan identified the following playground replacement program:
Funding Source: TBD
2023 ‐ Primley Park – $55,000
2023 ‐ Active Park – $ 110,000
2024 ‐ Lake Louise School Park – $115,000 (partnership with CPSD)
2025 ‐ Washington Park – $115,000
STATUS: Anticipated meeting with neighbors of Primley Park to be held Q4 2022 to determine park and playground improvements
Street End Improvement Pilot Project: Westlake Avenue
The City updated the 2009 street end report in 2023. The updated report reviewed existing conditions and potential for public access and development at 13 street end sites. Design and program goals were outlined in partnership with current policy documents, city codes and feedback from staff prior to development of plans and cost estimates. A priority matrix was created to look at various criteria to help develop prioritized development of each site in the future.
With PRAB’s recommendation based on a priority matrix of access, use, development potential, equity and environmental impacts, Westlake Avenue was selected by City Council as the pilot project. Development will include parking, an accessible trail to the beach, habitat and stormwater improvements, signage, site furnishings and fencing.
Project Budget: $740,000
Project Status: Project construction is anticipated Q4-2026-Q1 2027
Recently-Completed Projects
Since incorporation, the City has utilized a variety of funding sources to purchase several parcels of contiguous land to create the current Wards Lake Park property. At just over 38 acres, Wards Lake is an outstanding natural area in a densely populated area, which was previously relatively undeveloped. The City developed a 3-phased master plan for the site in 2018, and was successful in receiving multiple grants in 2020 supporting phase 1 improvements, and again in 2022 supporting phase 2.
Phase 1 & 2 were concurrently designed and constructed. Improvements included removing 10+ acres of invasive plant species, landscaping and habitat improvements, multiuse paved trail development and 174’ bridge spanning Wards Lake, expanded parking and a plaza at main entrance off 84th street, replacement of the existing play area, fencing, shelter, and a Portland Loo to replace the existing traditional restroom. New access, off-street parking and a second playground were developed on the south end of the site. New park amenities also include a bird blind, public art, 1.5 acre dog park, CIP pump track, 3.5 acres of mountain bike trails, enhanced open space areas, signage, and site furnishings.
Phase 1 &2 Project Budget: $6.2 million
Construction Completed: December 2025
A MOU with Camp Murray was executed in 2025 to work in partnership with the State to develop a master plan for the boat launch, located in the Tillicum neighborhood. The partnership is a collaboration between the Washington Military Department, Camp Murray and the City. The goal of the plan is to improve access & use for Lakewood residents to American Lake. The launch is currently an undeveloped gravel lot with a primitive launch, managed by WDFW.
If developed, the project would address long standing inequities in access to water amenities for the Tillicum and Woodbrook neighborhoods, and relieve seasonal use strain on American Lake Park launch & park facilities. Future development is unfunded and the land is owned and managed by the State.
Project Budget: $100,000
Plan Completion Anticipated: 2026
Continuing the work started in 2015 to improve 15 different gateways and create a positive first impression, the City worked with WSDOT to install two new signs identifying the Tillicum Neighborhood and the Woodbrook Business Park as part of the I-5 WSDOT improvements. Landscaping and irrigation installed by WSDOT fall 2021.
ProjectCost: $116,095
FundingSource: LTAC $64,000; General Fund $52,095
STATUS: Complete
American Lake Park. The City received multiple grants in 2020 supporting water access improvements at American Lake Park. Design and construction included replacement of aging infrastructure including retaining walls, bulkhead and site fencing, development of an accessible route to the waterfront and a beach plaza. Installation of an entry plaza with new landscaping a new group shelter restroom, site furnishings, swim safety features, and accessible playground updates were also constructed. The park also received waste management upgrades including an expanded dumpster enclosure and several waste stations around the park which include public art.
Project Completed: September 2025
Project Budget: $4.2M
Project improvements included the construction of a new parking lot on the SE corner of the park, trail head kiosk and signage improvements, resurfacing Angle Lane from Elwood to Waughop Lake Road and a new restroom, plaza, and park amenities. Development of interpretive signage to complete the kiosks, seating and art installations are currently under development through project partnership with the Nisqually Tribe. Development and installation of final the final improvement will be the installation of the park sign at the entrance off Elwood.
Project Cost: $1,525,000
Project Status: Completed in 2021
The City purchased land along Veterans Drive adjacent to American Lake Park for overflow parking during the busy summer season and to accommodate loss of on-street parking from Veterans Drive improvements. Project completion is anticipated by July, 2022.
Project Construction Budget: $231,953
STATUS: Complete
A small storage barn partially collapsed when a portion of a tree fell on the barn. The project was completed December 2021.
Project Cost: $16,500
Funding Source: General Fund
STATUS: Completed
On June 20, 2019 the City became the proud owner of Fort Steilacoom Park. The parcels, originally leased by Pierce County in the 1970’s were transferred to the City. Pierce College received ownership of their property in December 2021 and completed a boundary line adjustment in December, 2023. Their main interest was to remove all portions of Waughop Lake from their ownership.
Project Status: Completed Dec 2023
Chambers Creek Canyon Trail Phase 2 – In partnership with Pierce County, 2.5 miles of trail was installed during phase 2, including new boardwalks with a connection to the trailheads at Zircon Drive. Phase 1, which included connections from Phillips Road and Kobayashi Park to Bridge 1 was completed in late 2021. The land is owned by Pierce County with sections of the trail and trailheads located in University Place and Lakewood.
Ph 2 Construction: Completed in 2025, and managed by Pierce County.
Ph 2 Project budget: (City share) $981,656.00
The City completed the purchase of 10.5 acres of land behind the adjacent commercial development for Wards Lake Park to support the future proposed master plan improvements at the park. This purchase also completes ownership of the land surrounding the lake. The purchase was partially supported by a Pierce County Conservation Futures grant.
Project Cost: $93,247.26
The baseball fields at Fort Steilacoom Park serve youth and adults throughout Pierce, Thurston and South King counties. Replacing dirt infields with synthetic turf material will make Fort Steilacoom Park a more desirable location for large tournaments. The City and Pierce College partnered to build a collegiate size home field on field #1 in the park with additional amenities. Pierce College will cover all improvement costs over and above new turf cost. The City will have access to use the facility when not in use by the college. The addition of a Home Field to Fort Steilacoom is a win for the college, a win for the city and a win for Lakewood residents who will now get to watch college baseball and cheer on the “home team” from Fort Steilacoom Park.
Project Cost: $6,082,339 M ($1,610,000 City / $4,472,339 Pierce College funds)
City Funding Source: REET $250,000; Commerce Grant, $994,700, YAF grant $350,000, $15,300 general funds
STATUS: Construction activity expected to begin the week of Aug. 7, 2023
The park was expanded in 2020-2022 with the acquisition of several residential parcels along the east side of the park. The Phase 2 development project restored planting along approximately 660 linear feet of shoreline; improving water quality, and creating a healthy place for Springbrook residents. Improvements in the park included walking paths, viewpoints, picnic and open space areas, a dog park, basketball court, updated and expanded community garden, a bike pump track and park sign replacement. The aging baseball backstop was also removed to accommodate soccer. Acquisition and development was funded in-part by state and local grants.
Project Budget: $1.8M
STATUS: Park was substantially completed in late July 2023. Creekside Restoration was completed in winter 2023.
A cooperative project with Pierce County Parks to identify storm water conditions, safety upgrades and public access improvements at the Seeley Lake Conservation Resource Area. This site is located next to the Lakewood Community Center, which is owned and managed by Pierce County. It is also the location of the City’s Senior Activity Center. A basin study and site master plan were created and phase one improvements were established to include improving the main trail head, removing hazardous waste materials, and adding ADA access. Pierce County is managing bidding and construction phases with reimbursement of remaining project funds totaling $87,900 from the City.
Project Budget: $177,900 for permitting & construction
Funding Source: $90K (Pierce County), $50K SWM, $37,900 general funds
STATUS: Currently in permitting with bidding to occur in 4th quarter 2022 with improvements completed in 2023.
The City conducted a street end study in 2008-09 to gather data on the feasibility of improved public access at 14 street ends located on 4 lakes within the City. Council approved funds totaling $50K to support an updated study focusing on 12 overall sites to develop cost estimates and schematic design..
Project Cost: $50,000
Funding Source: General Fund
STATUS: Site inventory is underway with project completion anticipated fall 2022
Council provided design direction in anticipation of a design contract to look at a new park entry sign design. An RFQ for design development will be posted in July 2022. Following Council approval, sign design and bid package are anticipated to be completed by December 2022.
Project Cost: $20,000
Funding Source: General Fund
Park Monument Signs
The original park signs, created in 2002 to identify City parks, were outdated. Council approved a new family of park sign designs in October, 2023. Final designs were vetted and recommended by PRAB in 2023. Installation of eleven new park signs was completed in summer of 2025.
Project Budget: $330,000 which included design and construction
2023 Sites: Wards Lake Park, Active Park, Washington Park, Springbrook Park, Fort Steilacoom Park, Harry Todd Park and American Lake Park, Oakbrook Park
2024 Sites: Kiwanis and First Lions Skate Park, Primely Park and Edgewater Park
Visit the Edgewater Park page for all of the information on this project.
Project Cost: TBD
STATUS: Pending ROW resolution. Traffic study and final design development anticipated 2023 in anticipation of 2024 RCO grant cycle.
The City converted the aging and underutilized skate park and 50 year old tennis courts at Harry Todd Park into four pickleball courts. Two of the courts are ADA accessible and include adjacent ADA parking. The improvements will increase recreational opportunities for youth and families in the Tillicum Neighborhood. The project was funded by a YAF grant and the City. A concurrent maintenance grant also supported improvements to the parks’ largest parking area by resurfacing and striping, and adding curbed medians to reduce vandalism and address deferred maintenance at the park.
Project Budget: $750,000
STATUS: Construction completed July 2025