Road closures planned for Ardmore, Whitman and 93rd
The road project that added sidewalks, streetlights, curbs, gutter and other improvements to Ardmore Drive, Whitman Avenue and 93rd Street has been quiet the last few months while the city waited for a new traffic signal bridge to arrive.
The bridge is here, and the city’s contractor is prepared to install it starting the week of Oct. 14-18. While the installation occurs, 24-hour road closures will be in place. The closures are required for public safety and the safety of the contractor.
The road closures include:
- Ardmore Drive will close from Steilacoom Blvd to Whitman Avenue.
- Whitman Avenue will close from Motor Avenue to Steilacoom Blvd.
- 93rd Street will close from Bridgeport Way to Whitman Avenue.
The public is thanked for its patience while this work is completed. This is the final piece of this project to be completed.
Truck & Tractor Day is Saturday
Join us Saturday at Fort Steilacoom Park from 12 to 3 p.m. for Truck & Tractor Day.
Enjoy free hayrides around Waughop Lake, pick out a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch (each family gets 1 free pumpkin) and make sure to stop by the City of Lakewood booth to get a free hard hat for the kids (while supplies last). There will be food, entertainment and a chance to climb on big trucks and equipment.
Fort Steilacoom Park is located at 8714 87th Ave SW. Truck & Tractor Day activities are located between the large playground, the historic barns and The Pavilion. Thank you to event sponsors WSECU and Harborstone Credit Union for supporting the pumpkin patch.
Save the date: Mayor’s Coffeehouse is Oct. 22
Join Lakewood Mayor Jason Whalen at his next Community Coffeehouse, Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. at The Pavilion.
Come to meet the city’s new Planning and Public Works director Jeff Rimack and assistant director Angie Silva. The pair will provide an update on the consolidation of the city’s planning and public works departments and anticipated efficiencies. They’ll also review major projects in the city and be available to answer questions.
The Pavilion is located at 9107 Angel Lane SW inside Fort Steilacoom Park. Parking is available behind the building.
Lakewood proposed 2025-26 budget
The Lakewood City Council began its review of the proposed 2025-26 Biennial Budget this week. This included an initial introduction and departmental budget review. The next budget-specific meeting is Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. A public hearing is planned for November and final adoption is anticipated by mid-November.
The biennial budget reflects the policies, goals, programs and service priorities and values of the Lakewood City Council. It represents a financial roadmap for the city that guides operational decision‐making, strengthens organizational values, and invests in vital community initiatives.
The City Council will review the proposed budget at the following meetings:
- Oct. 16, 2024, 6 p.m.: Department presentations of the proposed budget covering budgets for Municipal Court, Planning and Public Works and Administrative Services.
- Nov. 4, 2024 7 p.m.: Public hearing on the proposed 2025-2026 Biennial Budget as part of the City Council regular meeting.
- Nov. 12, 2024 7 p.m.: Review of the proposed 2025-2026 Biennial Budget as part of the City Council study session.
- Nov. 18, 2024, 7 p.m.: Anticipated adoption of the proposed 2025-2026 Biennial Budget as part of the City Council regular meeting.
Once adopted, the budget establishes the direction for all city programs and services for the coming biennium.
West Pierce Fire Benefit Charge on November 5 Ballot
West Pierce Fire & Rescue has an item on the Nov. 5 ballot that seeks to replace its tax-based Maintenance & Operations (M&O) levy with a Fire Benefit Charge (FBC).
Known as Proposition 1, this replacement option is not a tax. Instead it is a fee calculated based on the square footage, use and fire risk factors of a property. If approved, the FBC will lower regular property taxes and eliminate the current M&O Levy, which was approved by voters in 2023.
To learn more, watch this video from West Pierce or email [email protected].
Space still available for Sound Meditation Sunday
Join instructor and Reiki master Kelly White on Sunday, Oct. 13 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The Pavilion for an intimate Sound Meditation experience. The workshop will feature a moment of stillness, reflection and deep healing. Kelly is donating proceeds from the workshop to support the Willpower Foundation, an organization dedicated to mental health awareness.
Register for Tai Chi, Qigong & Cardio Drumming
Sign up for the next session of Lakewood’s wellness recreation programming. Offerings include:
- Gentle Yoga (Mondays/Thursdays)
- Vinyasa Yoga (Mondays)
- Yin/Yang Yoga (Thursdays)
- Beginning Qigong (Tuesdays)
- Beginning Tai Chi (Tuesdays)
- Cardio Drumming (Wednesdays)
Find the full class list and class/Sound Healing registration links online.
Volunteer at Waughop Lake Saturday
The City of Lakewood partnered with Pierce Conservation District to host monthly volunteer work parties to help remove invasive species from around Waughop Lake in Fort Steilacoom Park.
The work parties will typically be held on the second Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The next work party is this Saturday. View the event details on the PCD website calendar.
Volunteers can expect to help care for existing plants and remove invasive species such as Himalayan blackberry, English ivy and thistle. This work supports water quality, our local wildlife, and pollinators. The exact meeting location will be provided after signing up.
Save the date: Fall Community Cleanup is Nov. 9-10
Bring trash, junk and recyclables to the Lakewood Transfer Station for the city’s Fall Community Cleanup Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 9-10 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (last vehicle admitted at 1:45 p.m.).
This event is for Lakewood residents only; a utility bill or ID is required to show proof of residence. Participants should be prepared to back up a steep ramp, unload all items yourself, bag all loose items and wear proper footwear. Read more about what is allowed and not allowed.
Council Corner: Oct. 7 recap
To start its meeting Monday, the Lakewood City Council celebrated the 2025 Stormwater Prevention Calendar and the student artists whose artwork was selected to fill it. This year’s calendar features students from the Gravelly Lake K12 Academy. Congratulations to all students whose artwork was chosen.
The 2025-2026 Proposed Biennial Budget was introduced at the meeting. Review and adoption of the city budget is one of the Lakewood City Council’s most important policy roles. The City Council will continue its review of the document over the next month before adopting it mid-November.
The City Council acted on the following:
- Authorized the execution of an addendum to the agreement with Aquatechnex, LLC relating to the American Lake Eurasian watermilfoil control/eradication.
- Appointed Youth Councilmember Elijah StaAna to serve on the Lakewood’s Promise Advisory Board for the 2024-2025 school year.
- Appointed Jerry Tagala to serve on the Community Services Advisory Board through December 15, 2028.
- Authorized the execution of an employment agreement with John J. Caulfield for City Manager services.
- Adopted a resolution conditionally approving Kendrick Townhomes, LLC Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE).
Watch the meeting.
What’s on Deck: The Lakewood City Council meets Monday, Oct. 14, 2024 for a study session at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. Tentative agenda items include:
- Pierce Transit Destination 2045 Long Range Plan.
- Review 2025-2026 Federal, State and Pierce County Legislative Agenda and Policy Manual.
- Review of Multi Family Tax Exemption (MFTE) Program and Residential Target Area.
How to attend: Attend in person at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW; Join via Zoom (or dial 253-215-8782 and enter meeting ID: 868 7263 2373), or watch live on the city’s YouTube channel.
Police Chief’s Corner
Each week Lakewood Police Chief Patrick D. Smith shares a summary that includes a look at total calls for service the Lakewood Police Department responded to for the prior week. The intent of the summary is to show a snapshot of how the department works to keep the community safe. To see quarterly statistical analysis, visit the Lakewood Police Department crime statistics page on the city website.
Weekly Summary, Oct. 1-8, 2024
- Calls for Service: 1,016 (down 2% from prior week)
- Arrests: 61 (down 5% from prior week)
- Violent Crime: 18 (down 42% from prior week)
- Property Crime: 54 (down 45% from prior week)
- Traffic Stops: 144 (up 1% from prior week)
- Collisions (reportable): 20 (no change)
Community events
All Hallows Eve: A benefit for Centerforce
KeyBank proudly presents “All Hallows Eve: A ‘Just Like You’ Annual Event,” a night filled with spooky delights and enchanting surprises benefiting Centerforce, a nonprofit empowering adults with developmental disabilities in Pierce, South King and Thurston counties for 55+ years.
Help raise support for the nonprofit, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. Doors of the Lakewood Elks Lodge #2388 will creak open at 5 p.m. For $35, you’ll unlock a treasure trove of experiences, including two drink tickets and hors d’oeuvres. The adults-only evening includes a silent auction with local experiences and a raffle with Alaska Airlines tickets.
The goal is to raise $40,000 to support Centerforce programs that help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities find jobs and engage in their communities. Learn more and buy tickets online.
Sign up for Lakewood Alert (Code Red)
The City of Lakewood uses Code Red, an alert service, to notify residents of important information happening in the city.
If there is an emergency that requires public notification, we will use Lakewood Alert as one way to communicate. We will also post information to our website and social media channels.
Subscribers can sign up to receive text and email alerts. People can also sign up for important non-emergency updates including information about road impacts from large events in the city or information about special events.
Find out more and sign up today.
Now Hiring!
There are a variety of positions available for hard workers looking to join the City of Lakewood team. Lakewood offers a competitive benefits package. We are part of the state retirement system (PERS). And the city is a beautiful place to work. Find a current list of open positions online.
Road project updates
Ardmore/Whitman/93rd
The work to replace the new signal at the intersection was postponed this week. It is now scheduled to begin Monday, Oct. 14. There will be 24-hour road closures in place so this work can be completed. The work is expected to take the full work week, Monday to Friday (Oct. 14-18). The road closures include:
- Ardmore Drive will be closed from Steilacoom Blvd to Whitman Avenue
- Whitman Avenue will be closed from Motor Avenue to Steilacoom Blvd
- 93rd Street will be closed from Bridgeport Way to Whitman Avenue
Hipkins Road
The contractor completed permanent striping on Hipkins Road, Angle Lane and 104th Street. Landscape restoration is now occurring. The contractor will begin working on the remaining to-do items next week.
Rose Rd Sanitary Sewer Project
This sewer extension project was awarded to Miles Resources. Work is anticipated to start later this winter due to material procurement lead times.
Steilacoom Boulevard (Weller Road to 87th Ave SW)
The city issued its advertisement for bids on this project. Once the bids come back the city will review them and put forward a contract for Lakewood City Council approval. Once approved a construction timeline will be created and shared with the public. Road construction will begin this fall on this stretch of roadway for a $6 million road improvement project. Once construction begins, drivers can expect all-day lane closures over an extended period.
Farwest Drive, Safe Routes to School
Work is paused while waiting for the new pedestrian luminaires to be delivered (anticipated for late fall).
84th and Pine
Permanent channelization happened today (Oct. 11). Remaining work includes configuring the new signal and permanent signage installations.