112th St is Expected to Open Tonight!
Lakewood, the time is here! As of 6:00 p.m. tonight 112th St. is expected to be open to all traffic.
112th St has improved sidewalks, bike lanes, storm drainage, street lighting and a reconstructed roadway. A huge shout-out to our team of engineers, crews, and contractors who worked hard to prepare the new intersection and did a remarkable job improving safety and connectivity for our community!
A BIG thank you to all of Lakewood. We appreciate your patience throughout this project.
May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month
The City of Lakewood proudly recognizes May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. This is a time to honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of AANHPI communities, both nationwide and here in our own region.
In Lakewood, we celebrate the diversity that strengthens our community. We recognize and appreciate the many ways AANHPI residents, businesses, and organizations enrich our city through culture, service, leadership, and innovation. Throughout May, we encourage residents to learn, reflect, and participate in opportunities that highlight AANHPI heritage and voices.
May Celebrates National Police Week, May 10 – 16
The City of Lakewood joins communities across the nation in observing National Police Week beginning on May 10. This time is dedicated to honoring the courage, service, and sacrifice of law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, as well as expressing gratitude to those who continue to serve and protect our community each day.
In Lakewood, we recognize the dedication of our law enforcement personnel and their role in maintaining a safe and welcoming city. We honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and extend our deepest appreciation to officers and their families for their continued service.
The City of Lakewood remains committed to supporting public safety while fostering strong, respectful relationships between law enforcement and the community.
Water Week is May 3 – 9
Drinking Water Week in Lakewood underscores the community’s ongoing efforts to protect groundwater sources, maintain high‑quality service, and keep residents informed about their water.
The week will highlight the vital role that clean, safe water plays in everyday life, raises awareness about the importance of protecting water sources, maintaining infrastructure, and using water responsibly to ensure long-term sustainability.
It also recognizes the work of water professionals who help deliver reliable drinking water to communities. Events and outreach during the week often focus on education, conservation, and the shared responsibility of preserving this essential resource for future generations.
Public Works Week, May 17 – 23
Public Works Week, observed May 17–23, highlights the essential services that keep communities running smoothly every day. From maintaining roads and stormwater systems to caring for public facilities and infrastructure, public works professionals play a vital role in supporting public health, safety, and quality of life.
In Lakewood, this week is an opportunity to recognize and thank the dedicated City of Lakewood Public Works employees who keep the city functioning day in and day out. Their work, often behind the scenes, helps ensure safe streets, reliable services, and well-maintained public spaces for the entire community.
Parks Appreciation Day is Saturday, April 25!
Come out tomorrow April 25, 2026 for Parks Appreciation Day. Join us and your neighbors and help pick up litter, pull weeds, or spread wood chips and bark. Every bit of help makes a difference for our community
If you want to help keep Lakewood green, come to one of the following sites at 9:00 a.m.
Edgewater Park: 9102 Edgewater Drive SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
Fort Steilacoom Park: 8714 87th Ave SW, Lakewood WA 98498
Harry Todd Park: 8928 N Thorne Ln SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
Springbrook Park: 12601 Addison St SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
Wards Lake Park: 2716 84th St Ct S, Lakewood, WA 98499
https://cityoflakewood.us/parks-appreciation/
Wards Lake Park Grand Opening Celebration is Saturday, April 25!
Join us from 12–2 p.m. to celebrate the grand opening of Wards Lake Park and explore all the new improvements. The event will feature a ribbon cutting at 12:30 p.m., free hot dogs, a bike safety course, art walk, skateboarding activities, and more.
There’s a full morning of activities leading up to the celebration, including a guided bird walk from 8–9 a.m. and a chance to enter a free bike raffle between 9 a.m. and noon (must be present to win). Families can also take part in a beginner-friendly mountain bike clinic starting at 1 p.m.
Please note that parking is limited—especially near the 84th Street entrance. Attendees are encouraged to use alternative parking areas, walk, bike, take transit, or carpool when possible.
Event Locations:
North Entrance: 2716 84th St Ct S
South Entrance: 8825 25th Ave S
Come out and enjoy a day of outdoor fun while celebrating Lakewood’s newly improved Wards Lake Park!
Celebrating Community and Creativity in Lakewood at the Spring Art Show
Thank you to everyone who joined us at Lakewood City Hall for an inspiring evening celebrating the Korean-American Artists Association of Washington. Guests enjoyed meeting the artists, live music, and meaningful conversations, it was a night to remember. We’re proud to continue supporting spaces where art connects community.
Youth Summit Inspires Confidence and Real‑Life Skills
Thank you to all the students who joined us at Pierce College for an energizing day of learning and fun! From hands-on skill sessions to inspiring conversations, this year’s “You Are Going to Be Okay!” summit was all about building confidence and real-life skills.
Special thanks to keynote speaker Dr. John Gaines and all of our amazing vendors for helping make the day unforgettable – and to the Youth Council for hosting such an incredible event!
Attend a Neighborhood Association Meeting in May
Neighborhood associations play a crucial role in fostering community engagement and improving the quality of life in local neighborhoods. Through its Neighborhood Connections program, the City aims to better connect the community and help residents better understand city processes. The meeting times and locations are listed below. All residents are invited and encouraged to attend an upcoming meeting for their respective neighborhood. Visit the Neighborhood Connections webpage to learn more.
- Fort Steilacoom Neighborhood Association
- Meeting Date: April 21
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Idlewild Elementary School
- Downtown Neighborhood Association
- Meeting Date: April 22
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Lakewood City Hall
- Oakbrook Neighborhood Association Planning Meeting
- Meeting Date: May 19
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Oakbrook Elementary School
- Custer Neighborhood Association Planning Meeting
- Meeting: May 20
- Location: Dower Elementary School
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Tillicum/Woodbrook Neighborhood Association
- Meets: Second Tuesday of each month
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Tillicum Community Center
- Contact: [email protected], 253-988-2536
- Lake City Neighborhood Association
- Meets: Second Thursday of every month.
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Lake City West Pierce Fire & Rescue Station, 8517 Washington Blvd
- Springbrook Community Meetings
- Meets: No meetings scheduled
- Location: Springbrook Park
- North Lakewood Neighborhood Association
- Meets: No meetings scheduled
- Location: The Adriatic at the Oakbrook, 8102 Zircon Drive SW. RSVPs are required for each meeting for planning purposes
- Contact: [email protected]
Community Partner Events and Happenings
Next Week’s City Hall and Community Engagement Events
- The Lakewood Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting: Tuesday, April 28 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. Tentative agenda topics include a presentation on the Legacy Plan, Director’s Update and review of Parks Appreciation Day efforts. Attend in person or online: https://cityoflakewood.us/parks-and-recreation-advisory-board/
Notice of Public Hearing and Opportunity for Public Comment
- Public Notice HUD Annual Action Plan for 2026: Written comment may be submitted until 5:00 p.m., April 30, 2026. More information and how to submit comments: https://cityoflakewood.us/public-notice-hud-annual-action-plan-for-2026/
- Notice of Lakewood City Council Public Hearing on 2026 Carry Forward Budget Adjustment: On Monday, May 4, 2026 at 7:00 p.m., or soon thereafter, a public hearing will be held by the Lakewood City Council on the 2026 Carry Forward Budget Adjustment. More information: https://cityoflakewood.us/notice-of-lakewood-city-council-public-hearing-on-2026-carry-forward-budget-adjustment/
- Planning Commission Public Hearing Notice: a public hearing is scheduled on the proposed historic designation of the Lakewood Best Western Hotel on May 6, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Full details and how to participate: https://cityoflakewood.us/planning-commission-public-hearing-notice-2/
The City Council met on Monday, April 20 for a Regular Meeting. You can watch or listen to the meeting below.
What’s on Deck: The City Council meets Monday, May 4, 2026, for a Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m. Tentative agenda items include:
- Proclamation recognizing May 2026 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month – Asia Pacific Cultural Center
- Proclamation recognizing May 3 through May 9, 2026 as Water Week – Commissioner John Korsmo and General Manager Marshall Meyer, Lakewood Water District
- Proclamation recognizing the week of May 15, 2026 as Police Week – Patrick Smith, Chief, Lakewood Police Department
- Proclamation recognizing the week of May 17, 2026 through May 23, 2026 as Public Works Week – Jeff Rimack, Planning and Public Works Director
- Youth Council Report
- Community Collaboration Update
- Approving the 2025 Transportation Benefit District Annual Report
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement for the construction of the 2026 Roadway Patching and Drainage Repair Project
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement for the construction of the 2026 Chip Seal Project
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement for the construction of the 112th SW – South Tacoma Way to Steele Street S
- Authorizing the execution of an interlocal agreement with Lakewood Water District for the design and construction of a water main replacement related to the Kendrick Street – 111th Street to 108th Street Project
- This is the date set for a public hearing on the 2026 Carry Forward Budget Adjustment
- Ordinance No. 849 Amending Lakewood Municipal Code Chapter 5.60 related to Rental Housing Licensing and Inspection Requirements – continued from April 6, 2026
- Resolution No. 2026-01 Amending the City’s purchasing policies – continued form April 21, 2026
- Resolution adopting the FY 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan for CDBG and HOME Programs
Each week Lakewood Police Chief Patrick D. Smith shares a summary of total calls for service for the prior week. The intent of the summary is to show a snapshot of how the department works to keep the community safe.
Weekly calls for service April 14 – 21, 2026
- Calls for Service: 842 (-13% from prior week)
- Arrests: 38 (-33% from prior week)
- Violent Crime: 21 (+31% from prior week)
- Property Crime: 46 (-25% from prior week)
- Traffic Stops: 120 (-29% from prior week)
- Collisions (reportable): 18 (-10% from prior week)
Updates for the week of April 23 – 30, 2026
*Please note the dates listed are tentative and may change due to weather or other conditions.
ACTIVE CLOSURES:
Nyanza Rd Improvements: Nyanza Road has reopened. The roadway will need to be closed again to stripe following a three-week asphalt cure period. Notice will go out for that work in future updates.
112th St SW – Gravelly Lake Drive (GLD) to Bridgeport Way (BPW): 112th Street will reopen on Friday, April 23. Striping will require a separate closure following a three-week asphalt curing period.
Main Street – 59th to 108th: Main Street will close during the daytime hours of 7:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. between 59th and 108th Street beginning May 4. As a reminder, drivers traveling Main St. during non-working hours are advised to adhere to the recommended 20 MPH speed limit as steel plates will remain on the roadway.
Grant Ave/Orchard Sewer Extension: Sewer main along Grant Avenue between Commercial and Maple has been completed. Crews will next now focus on completing the side sewers along Grant Avenue.
Bridgeport Way – Sewer Infrastructure: The primary sewer infrastructure work on Bridgeport way has been completed. Crews are now in the final phase of the project, which includes removal of temporary surface pipes and full roadway restoration. Over the coming weeks, work will focus on removing the dual surface force mains and reconstructing the roadway, including paving at the intersection near the south end by Walmart. This work will require temporary lane reductions to one lane in each direction. All remaining work is anticipated to be completed by May 25, 2026, ahead of Memorial Day. We appreciate the public’s patience as this long-term project reaches completion.
FINISHING UP CONSTRUCTION:
Steilacoom Boulevard Weller to 87th Ave: Lumen will be out to pull the last pole this week, and the contractor will now schedule the final concrete pours.
South Tacoma Way – 88th to north city limits: The contractor is completing final cleanup and punch list activities.
UPCOMING CONSTRUCTION:
Wadsworth/Silcox/Boat Sewer Extension: Work is expected to begin on the new sewer system in May/June 2026. This will require full closures of these local access streets.
112th Street – Farwest to Holden: Work is expected to begin on June 11, following completion of the Clover Park School District 2025-26 regular school year. It is expected that most of the traffic impact-related construction will be completed during the summer break.
Custer Road – Bridgeport to 75th: This project will begin on August 1 and require an approximate 60 days of full closure to remove the pavement, install utilities, widen the road for a new two-way left turn lane, curbs, and sidewalks, and pave. Striping will be completed under a separate closure in October. A detour including Bridgeport Way and 75th will be in place during construction.
112th – South Tacoma Way to Steele Street: A resurfacing project along 112th Street between South Tacoma Way and Steele Street is expected to take place in the early summer months of 2026. Most of this work will require full closures of 112th Street in the night hours over the period of a week.
Lakewood’s Draft Parks Legacy Plan Arrives in August: Here’s How to Participate.
Significant updates are planned for the future of Lakewood’s parks. The City will release the draft Parks Legacy Plan in early August, beginning a two-month period for community review and feedback. Residents, neighborhood groups, and local organizations are encouraged to participate.
Two upcoming meetings provide opportunities to learn more about the plan and future developments:
- April 28: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting at City Hall
- May 6: Planning Commission meeting at City Hall
Each meeting will include an overview presentation, allowing residents to hear directly from staff and ask questions.
After the draft plan is published, community members may request a presentation tailored to their group. To schedule a presentation between August and September, please email Ted Thelin at [email protected].
The Parks Legacy Plan will guide Lakewood’s investments in parks, recreation programs, open spaces, and community amenities for years to come. Your input is important. Please look for the draft release in August and plan to share your feedback.