High-speed trains will now pass through Lakewood regularly – be safe by respecting signals at crossings and staying clear of tracks. Residents are invited to ask questions and express concerns about the purchase of Tacoma’s Comfort Inn for use as a homeless shelter on Monday, Nov. 22. Lakewood’s Holiday Light Parade is approaching on Dec. 11, and registration is now open for an exciting (and beginner-friendly) film contest.
High-Speed Trains Have Resumed Service through Lakewood
Several high-speed passenger trains will now pass through Lakewood daily. Service along the Point Defiance Bypass route has resumed. These trains do not stop at Lakewood stations. These trains travel at speeds up to 80 miles per hour – much faster than typical freight traffic.
Safety at crossings is essential – these trains will pass more frequently and faster than usual. Drivers and pedestrians should respect crossing alarms and keep clear of tracks. Never drive around a crossing gate to race a train – they are moving much faster than they appear.
According to Amtrak’s daily schedule, trains will pass through Lakewood around the following times:
- *trains may arrive before or after these estimated times*
- ~8:15 a.m. (southbound)
- ~10:20 a.m. (northbound)
- ~10:45 a.m. (southbound)
- ~2:00 p.m. (northbound)
- ~3:05 p.m. (southbound)
- ~6:08 p.m. (northbound)
- ~7:35 p.m. (southbound)
- ~9:25 p.m. (northbound)
Q&A Session Regarding Comfort Inn Homeless Shelter Scheduled for Monday
The Comfort Inn near 84th and Hosmer in Tacoma will be converted to an emergency homeless shelter. Residents are invited to a Q&A session on Monday, Nov. 22 to discuss plans, ask questions, and express concerns.
Comfort Inn Homeless Shelter Zoom Q&A
Monday, Nov. 22 at 6:30 p.m.
- Zoom Access Link
- Dial-In Number: (253) 215-8782
- Meeting ID: 891 5997 6352
- Passcode: 661929
Pierce County, Tacoma, and Lakewood participated in the purchase for a total cost of $8.8 million. Lakewood contributed $1.0 million. The Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) will operate the facility. It is expected to open before the holidays.
Celebrate the Holidays on Saturday, December 11 at Lakewood’s Holiday Light Parade
Enjoy festive light displays from the warmth and comfort of your car. Sit back and tour Fort Steilacoom Park down a path lined with beautiful light displays and greeters handing out goodies.
Turn up the heat, sip hot cocoa, play Christmas music, and let your family enjoy the event from your warm and cozy car. Lakewood’s Holiday Light Parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. This is a free holiday event!
Upcoming Events
Holiday Parade of Lights: Saturday, Dec. 11
The City of Lakewood will celebrate the holidays with a drive-through “Parade of Lights” on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Fort Steilacoom Park. Visitors will drive through a maze of holiday floats constructed by local businesses, clubs, and organizations.
Reel Fest ’96 Film Competition: February 2022
Aspiring actors and directors are invited to join Lakewood’s upcoming film contest: Reel Life ’96. Participating groups in this fast-paced contest must create a 4-minute film in 4 days based on a theme. Participants of any experience level are invited.
- Monday, Nov. 15: Reel Fest ’96 Film Contest registration opens
- Saturday, Dec. 11: Holiday Parade of Lights
Road Work Updates
- Steilacoom & Lakewood: Steilacoom Blvd. will remain closed through February between Lakewood Dr. and Gravelly Lake Dr.
- Steilacoom & Custer: Utilities are still moving overhead lines to new poles. Once complete, sidewalk work in this area will begin. Occasional lane closures will be required.
- Gravelly Lake & Nyanza: Gravelly Lake Drive is closed between Nyanza & Washington through February. Crews are installing a new roundabout at the intersection of Gravelly Lake & Veterans, and resurfacing the roads in this area.
CITY COUNCIL SUMMARY
Next Meeting: Monday, Nov. 22 (Study Session)
Prior Meeting: Monday, Nov. 15 (Regular Session)
On Monday, Nov. 15, the City Council proclaimed November as Native American Heritage Month, and invited leaders from the Nisqually Tribe to discuss the importance of remembering the history of this land. City Staff reviewed the 2022 Stormwater Outreach Calendar, an effort to educate local students on the importance of pollution prevention.
The council accepted a grant to install turf infields at Fort Steilacoom Park softball fields, and another grant to make accessibility improvements to the beach at American Lake Park. Amazon donated $25,000 to support City events.
The 2021-2022 Biennial Budget was amended, and American Rescue Plan Act funds were allocated to fund an “Economic Development Opportunity Fund” for business resiliency and to attract new investment to Lakewood.
Towards the end of the evening, City Council discussed a process to generate resident input on tree preservation. The council is considering options to protect Lakewood’s canopy and historic and sensitive trees. An ad-hoc committee will be formed in the coming months to generate public input and identify popular solutions to protect trees.
COVID-19 & Relief Programs
- Virus Activity: Local virus activity and hospitalizations are improving.
- Health Guidance: TPCHD implores residents to get vaccinated, mask up, and practice social distancing.
- Vaccine Locations: The Towne Center Vaccine Clinic is open daily from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 10330 59th Avenue Southwest, STE B, Lakewood, WA 98499.
- Vaccine Eligibility: Children ages 5-11 are now vaccine eligible, and the CDC encourages vaccination for this age group.
Notes
- Visit the Community Advisory Boards and the City of Lakewood Jobs pages for open volunteer and paid positions.
- Report maintenance issues or code violations with MyLakewood311, available on iTunes App Store or on Google Play.
- Keep in touch with the City of Lakewood by subscribing to our official email newsletters.