A message from the Lakewood City Council about this week’s senseless act of violence
We were saddened to learn of the senseless act of violence that unfolded Wednesday night in our city at Harry Todd Park.
The reckless actions of those involved in this incident are not reflective of our community. We are a suburban, residential city with parks, lakes and open spaces that people of all ages can enjoy. Those who visit our parks and enjoy our public lakes have a right to do so without fear of their safety.
We want to thank the police officers and medics that responded to the chaotic scene. Lakewood police detectives continue to investigate and determined the shooting was an isolated incident and the result of a dispute. Unfortunately, the careless and destructive actions of two people injured innocent people at the park to enjoy the nice weather. We trust our officers will continue to do their best to identify and arrest all who were involved, and that our legal system will hold them accountable for this senseless act.
As a City Council, we have always prioritized public safety. We will work with Police Chief Patrick D. Smith to review existing security measures in place. We have asked for the return of increased patrols to our parks this summer on busy days to make sure residents and visitors continue to feel safe in our city.
We send our sympathies and well wishes to the victims. Not only those sent to the hospital, but to those who were at the park or nearby and witnessed what happened. Our hearts are with them as they recover.
Celebrating City Manager John J. Caulfield
Friends, coworkers and community partners joined us this week to congratulate City Manager John J. Caulfield on a successful career in city government.
Caulfield joined Lakewood in September 2013. During that time, he worked to fulfill the goals and objectives of the Lakewood City Council, while providing operational oversight of the city.
The projects and improvements made during his tenure are too many to count, but under his leadership Lakewood continued to see its public infrastructure improved through the rebuilding of roads, the addition of sidewalks, curbs, gutters and improved stormwater systems. The city saw continued support of public safety and law enforcement, which resulted in significant reductions in crime across the city. And the city remained a leader in the South Sound, prioritizing economic development and small business support, and advocating in Olympia for smart legislative decisions that benefit residents and local government.
Thank you, John, for all you have given to the city and for continuing to put Lakewood residents and businesses at the forefront. The next chapter begins for Caulfield on June 6, 2025 – his first day of retirement!
Thank you, volunteers
This week we celebrated the many volunteers who give their time and energy to make sure Lakewood is the best city in Pierce County.
Whether it’s cleaning our roadways through our Adopt-A-Street program, serving on one of our many boards or commissions, volunteering with our Lakewood Senior Activity Center, participating in our annual Parks Appreciation Day or helping with one of our many special events, our volunteers are selfless giving their time to benefit others.
If you’ve taken time to volunteer with the city in the last year: Thank you! We appreciate your dedication and are grateful for your commitment to our community.
Lakewood Farmers Market opening day is Tuesday
Farmers Market season is here! Head to Fort Steilacoom Park Tuesday, June 3, 2025 between 2-7 p.m. for the Lakewood Farmers Market opening day!
We’ll have live music, entertainment, giveaways and more. Stop by the City of Lakewood booth for SWAG and to learn about what programs we offer, including SNAP/EBT benefits and Health Bucks for kids.
This year’s market once again features fresh produce, hand-cut flowers, baked goods, food trucks, local artisans, wine and more. The market runs every Tuesday until Aug. 26, except for July 15 and 22.
See what vendors will be there.
Help us build a community mosaic at Fort Steilacoom Park
Can you help us build a tile mosaic community art project? We’re looking for people to join us at the Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park Friday and Saturday, June 6-7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All ages and abilities are welcome. Drop-in, stay as little or as long as you like!
Once complete the piece will be installed at the base of two kiosks in Fort Steilacoom Park. The design is a replication of the woven basket patterns from the Nisqually Indian Tribe. The installation will be permanent and complements the Nisqually Loop Trail and the interpretive signs that will line the path.
No artistic ability or experience is necessary! (Think “paint by numbers.”) This is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to a project that will be enjoyed by the million-plus visitors to the park each year.
Meet the Lakewood City Manager candidates June 10
The Lakewood City Council invites the public to meet the five City Manager finalists at a meet and greet Tuesday, June 10, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the McGavick Center Ballroom at Clover Park Technical College.
Come to engage with the finalists, ask questions and provide input. Attendees can share comments anonymously on cards that will be collected and reviewed by the City Council prior to finalist interviews on June 11.
Reception Itinerary:
- 7–7:30 p.m.: Informal meet and greet with finalists stationed around the room
- 7:30–8 p.m.: Finalist introduction speeches
- 8–8:30 p.m.: Continued meet and greet Light refreshments will be served.
The City Council encourages residents to attend and share their voices in this important step in selecting Lakewood’s next City Manager.
Read more about each candidate.
Open House: H-Barn restoration at Fort Steilacoom Park
Did you know we have plans to restore the historic H-Barn at Fort Steilacoom Park? The city is partnering with local nonprofit Partners for Parks to transform the largely unused historic building into a multi-generational community gathering space.
Head to the Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park on Tuesday, June 10 between 3-6 p.m. for an open house. If you’re there at 5 p.m. you will hear a short presentation. Designs will be displayed to show conceptual drawings of the planned transformation. We’ll be there to answer questions, explain what is planned and speak to the history of the site.
For years we’ve heard from residents who want access to the 120-year-old barn. People want to host fundraisers, barn dances, fun runs and other special events at the site.
We’ve conducted several feasibility studies and are working with a design team to see how the building can be used for public and private events.
While there, stop by the Lakewood Farmers Market, which will be set up nearby between 2-7 p.m. with vendors, food trucks, music and more.
Retirement celebration for Mary Dodsworth
The public is invited to a public reception to send long-time Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Mary Dodsworth into retirement with a celebration.
The open house event is Thursday, June 12 from 9-11 a.m. in Council Chambers at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW.
Everyone is invited and welcome to come wish Mary well and celebrate her many accomplishments during her 24 years with the city. Her last day with the city is Friday, June 13. Light refreshments will be served.
Now accepting: Lakewood Youth Council applications
Lakewood youth interested in joining the city’s Youth Council can submit applications now for consideration for appointment to the 2025-2026 Youth Council.
Applications should be submitted using this form. The deadline to apply is Friday, June 13, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Youth Council members play a valuable role in Lakewood. They convey to the City Council issues of relevance to youth in Lakewood. This includes researching, analyzing and pulling together data and information to be included in reports for the City Council. Youth Council members demonstrate leadership at school and in the community and encourage their peers to get involved. The Youth Council hosts an annual Youth Summit, and other activities to engage peers in civic engagement. Read more about the Lakewood Youth Council responsibilities.
Council Corner: What’s on Deck
The Lakewood City Council meets Monday, June 2, 2025 at 7 p.m. for a regular meeting. Tentative agenda items include:
- Proclamation recognizing John J. Caulfield for his service to the City of Lakewood
- Proclamation recognizing the 250th Anniversary of the United States Army
- Proclamation recognizing Juneteenth National Freedom Day
- Proclamation recognizing 75th Commemoration of the Korean War
- Proclamation recognizing the month of June as LGBTQ+ Pride month
- Youth Council Report and Recognition
- Clover Park School District Report
- Authorizing the execution of an interagency agreement with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission for Lakewood Police Department DUI OT Patrols
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement with Leasing Co, LLC/Berry Sign, in the amount of $126,248, for the ECM Reader Board at Gravelly Lake Drive and Motor Avenue
- Accept a donation from Amazon, in the amount of $13,000, to support SSMCP’s special events and initiatives
- Appointing Deputy City Manager Tho Kraus to serve as Interim City Manager
- Reappointing Kate Read and appointing Kurt Spingath and Weston Ott to the American Lake – Lake Management District No. 1 Advisory Committee through June 2, 2028
- Ordinance adopting 2025 amendment to the Lakewood Comprehensive Plan, Future Land Use Map and Zoning Map, and Lakewood Municipal Code Titles 12, 17, 18A, 18B and 18C
- Ordinance amending Lakewood Municipal Code Title 3, Revenue and Finance, Property Tax Exemptions for Multifamily housing, Chapter 3.64Resolution creating a city travel expense reimbursement policy for job candidates
- Resolution adopting the Six-Year (2026-2031) Comprehensive Transportation Improvement Program
How to attend: Attend in person at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW. Attend virtually 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 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. To see quarterly statistical analysis, visit the Lakewood Police Department crime statistics page on the city website.
Weekly summary May 20-27, 2025
- Calls for Service: 907 (down 12% from prior week)
- Arrests: 50 (up 67% from prior week)
- Violent Crime: 15 (up 7% from prior week)
- Property Crime: 63 (up 9% from prior week)
- Traffic Stops: 164 (down 20% from prior week)
- Collisions (reportable): 21 (up 50% from prior week)
Attend a Neighborhood Association meeting in 2025
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 of Lakewood aims to not only better connect the community, but also help residents better understand city processes.
There are currently six Neighborhood Associations in Lakewood. Five meet regularly. The meeting times and locations are listed below. All residents are invited and encouraged to attend an upcoming meeting for their respective neighborhood. Find out more about the Neighborhood Connections Program online.
- Downtown Neighborhood Association
- Meeting Dates: June 11, August 13, October 8, November 15, 2025
- Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Location: Interim Lakewood Library, 10202 Gravelly Lake Dr. SW
- Facebook: Downtown Lakewood Neighborhood Association | Facebook
- Fort Steilacoom Neighborhood Association
- Meeting Dates: June 25, Sept. 16, Oct. 21, Nov. 18
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: The Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park, 9107 Angle Lane SW
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/921496959928160
- Lake City Neighborhood Association
- Meets: Second Thursday of every month
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Location: Lake City West Pierce Fire & Rescue Station, 8517 Washington Blvd
- Tillicum/Woodbrook Neighborhood Association
- Meets: Second Tuesday of each month
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Tillicum-American Lake Gardens Community Center, 14916 Washington Ave SW, or Manic Meatballs,14815 Union Ave SW
- Contact: [email protected]
- Springbrook Community Meetings
- Meets: Third Thursday of each month
- Time: 4:30 p.m.
- Location: Springbrook Park
- North Lakewood Neighborhood Association
- Meets: No meetings scheduled
- Contact: [email protected]
Community events
Celebrate Juneteenth in Lakewood
St. Joseph-St. John Episcopal Church is hosting its third annual Juneteenth Commemoration, held this year at the Lakewood Playhouse, Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 3-5 p.m.
The event includes speakers, interpretive dancers, poetry reading, musicians, documentary video, audience participation, local vendors, light refreshments and giveaways and a re-learning of the Emancipation Proclamation. All are welcome.
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.
Road project updates
Steilacoom Boulevard Weller to 87th Ave: Concrete curb and were installed on the south side of the road this week. Most of the new curb is built, with some areas still needing work. Crews have started grading for sidewalks on the south side which are currently scheduled to start being placed on Wednesday. Paving is tentatively scheduled for mid-June, weather/progress dependent.
Rose Road Sanitary Sewer Project: Sewer work has begun on Forest Rd. An informational flyer will be provided to residents affected by the sewer extension later this summer with information regarding mandatory hookups. The current construction schedule reflects paving of the entire project area mid-late July.
South Tacoma Way Overlay 96th to Steilacoom Blvd.: Paving is complete. This contract is currently in a planned suspension status while waiting for the new asphalt to finish a necessary curing period prior to placing final roadway channelization.
South Tacoma Way & 92nd signal replacement: Other than minor work, this project is in suspension while waiting for signal system components to be delivered.
South Tacoma Way – 88th to north city limits: The city’s contractor is nearing completion of new concrete sidewalk placement on the west side of South Tacoma Way. Electrical work continues. The contractor is scheduled to begin work on the east side of the road next week.
Bridgeport Way West sewer repair (Pierce County update): Sewer bypass installation is expected to start Monday across Bridgeport Way W, south of the intersection with 67th Ave. W in University Place. During this time, workers will be burying the bypass pipe across Bridgeport Way West.
What you can expect:
- One lane of traffic will be open in each direction Monday-Friday during daytime work hours.
- The speed limit will be reduced through the work area.
- While crews are working on the west side of the road, the southbound bike lane and sidewalk will be closed. While they are working on the east side of the road, the northbound bike lane and sidewalk will be closed.
- Steel plates will be in place temporarily next week until the road is repaved.
Please follow traffic control signs and drive safely through the work area. For more information about this project, visit www.PierceCountyWa.gov/BridgeportRepair