A younger teen pushes a wheelbarrow while making a funny face at the camera.

Parks Appreciation Day recap: Thank you volunteers

April 24, 2023 We had another successful Parks Appreciation Day over the weekend thanks to the outstanding roughly 150 volunteers that stepped up to help. Cleanup efforts focused on five sites: In total, 100 cubic yards of play chips were spread around play equipment. These chips provide safety around our playgrounds to lessen the impact if children fall. Volunteers spread …

City of Lakewood Mayor Jason Whalen Statement

Lakewood Mayor joins other mayors urging action in Olympia to penalize drug possession.

April 19, 2023 Lakewood Mayor Jason Whalen signed a letter this week joining mayors of 27 other cities across the state urging legislators in the state House to make changes to proposed legislation around controlled substances. In a statement, Whalen said: “This legislative session city leaders from across the state – including myself and my colleagues in Lakewood – have …

Lakewood Managers Bulletin: March 31, 2023

Spring Community Cleanup dates set The city’s spring community cleanup is two weeks away. Bring your unwanted items to the Lakewood Transfer Station Saturday and Sunday, April 15 and 16 between 8 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. for free. The city partners with refuse provider LeMay to offer this service free to Lakewood residents. Proof of Lakewood residency required for admittance. …

Lakewood City Council Action

Lakewood City Council adopts two ordinances focused on public safety

March 21, 2023 The Lakewood City Council adopted two ordinances Monday night meant to give Lakewood police more authority to respond to criminal acts in public spaces. This includes making it a gross misdemeanor to use illegal drugs in public places, and making it illegal to “camp” in public spaces. Council adopted both pieces of legislation unanimously. “The goal is …

City of Lakewood City Council Vacancy Filled

Lakewood City Council fills Position 6 vacancy

March 14, 2023 Lakewood native Trestin Lauricella was selected Monday by the Lakewood City Council to fill the Position 6 vacancy. He will hold the position until the November general election. That is when voters will decide who will assume the office for a new term. The position was vacated when Linda Farmer was elected Pierce County Auditor, requiring her …

Students attend the Youth Council Climate Change summit on March 9, 2023 in Lakewood, WA.

Lakewood Youth Council tackles climate change

March 10, 2023 The Lakewood Youth Council held its second roundtable event of the school year this week at Harrison Preparatory School. The topic was climate change. Youth Council members were joined by peers. They discussed climate change and what they can do to raise awareness about its negative impact on our community. The discussion was facilitated by Pierce County. …

Council Corner Lakewood City Council

Council Corner: March 6, 2023

March 8, 2023 There was much to celebrate at the Lakewood City Council March 6, 2023 regular meeting. Council started its meeting with the return of its Business Showcase program. The program features local businesses and celebrates their accomplishments. The March 2023 recipient was Bite Me! Inc. Owner Deb Tuggle was there to receive the recognition and share a little …

City of Lakewood Business Showcase

Lakewood Business Showcase: Bite Me! Inc.

March 8, 2023 The Lakewood City Council is excited to announce the return of the city’s Business Showcase program. The Business Showcase celebrates local companies by sharing the stories of local Lakewood entrepreneurs and business owners within the community. At its March 6, 2023 regular meeting, Council honored Bite Me! Inc. as its March 2023 showcase. Owner Deb Tuggle was …

Local artist Jose Orantes describes his work at an artist reception event.

Artist reception for Jose Orantes

March 3, 2023 Meet local artist Jose Orantes Monday, March 6, 2023. The city of Lakewood’s Arts Commission is hosting an artist reception to celebrate local artists. Orantes is the featured artist. The reception runs 5:30-7 p.m. at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW. Orantes will be there to discuss his work and share the stories behind his paintings. …

Work for the city of Lakewood

March 1, 2023 We’re hiring! Looking to change careers? Looking for a new job? Ready to re-enter the job market? Join the city of Lakewood! We have a variety of job positions open. Lakewood offers a competitive benefits package. We are part of the state retirement system (PERS). And the city is a beautiful place to work. Available positions include …

Mayor Jason Whalen, Superintendent Ron Banner, Harrison Prep senior Brandon Elliott and his mother, Deputy Mayor Mary Moss and Harrison Prep's Principal stand together for a photo to celebrate Brandon's recent scholarship awards.

Lakewood Youth Council member recognized

March 1, 2023 Lakewood Youth Council member Brandon Elliott received a surprise Tuesday morning. And Lakewood Mayor Jason Whalen and Deputy Mayor Mary Moss were there to celebrate. The city nominated Elliott for the University of Washington Presidential Scholar scholarship. Elliott’s mother joined him to hear the news. So did Clover Park School District Superintendent Ron Banner. Elliott serves on …

Hidden Heroes logo

Hidden Heroes: Week 6

Feb. 27, 2023 Local Hero: Christian Paige Christian Paige is a local educator, a national speaker and an Emmy-nominated spoken word poet. Christian’s work has allowed him to engage with a variety of organizations promoting social and educational equity to eliminate educational barriers for students. Christian inspires learners to fearlessly pursue their passions and reach their fullest potential. The city …

Hidden Heroes logo

Hidden Heroes: Week 5

Feb. 20, 2023 Local Hero: Dorien Simon Dorien Simon is a Lakes High School alum and current senior at Stanford University. He is also a former member of the Lakewood Youth Council. Dorien is a NCAA Division I track athlete, pursuing a degree in computer science and is a freelance web developer for small businesses and start-ups. Dorien spent the last …

Council Corner Lakewood City Council

Council Corner: Feb. 6, 2023

Feb. 8, 2023 Celebration was the theme of the Lakewood City Council’s Feb. 6, 2023 regular meeting. The evening started with a celebration of Lakewood Police Chief Mike Zaro, including a drop-in event for the Lakewood community to wish him farewell as he heads into retirement. Council offered him special recognition with a proclamation acknowledging his nearly 30-year law enforcement …