Nyanza Road is Now Open!
Lakewood, the time is here! Nyanza Road is now open to all traffic!
Nyanza Road has a reconstructed surface, new street lighting, two enhanced crosswalks, and sidewalks have been installed on both sides, completing the final segment of the Gravelly Lake Bicycle/Pedestrian Loop.
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.
A few tasks remain: utility castings will be adjusted to final grade this week, sewer frames and lids in the two-way left turn lane will be adjusted next week, and permanent striping will be added during a separate night closure in a few weeks once the asphalt has fully cured.
City Council Workshop Saturday, April 18
The Lakewood City Council meets tomorrow, Saturday, April 18 at City Hall to discuss its goals and priorities for the coming biennium. The following topics will be discussed:
- Community center
- Colonial Center and Green Loop
- H-BarnWater Access
- Tillicum Property-Housing
- Homeownership
- 30th anniversary, and more.
The full agenda is located on our website: https://cityoflakewood.us/city-council/city-council-agendas/
The public can virtually attend the meeting by watching it live on the City’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/cityoflakewoodwa Those who do not have access to YouTube can call in to listen by telephone via Zoom: Dial +1(253) 215- 8782 and enter meeting ID: 868 7263 2373.
From Youth Council to Statewide Recognition: Lakewood Senior Honored for Outstanding Service and Leadership
The City of Lakewood is excited to share that Elijah Sta Ana has been chosen to receive the Assocation of Washington Cities (AWC) Center for Quality Communities (CQC) Scholarship.
Elijah was chosen by his fellow Youth Council members to represent the City for this scholarship. He is a senior at Clover Park High School and is already taking college courses in biomedical and chemical engineering at Pierce College.
Elijah shows strong leadership and dedication as Chair of the Lakewood Youth Council, Lead SASS Ambassador at Pierce College, and co-founder of American Kapwa. He volunteers at events like the Lions Club Crab Feed, the Lakewood Multicultural Coalition Awards Gala, the Clover Park Technical College Awards Dinner, and a Habitat for Humanity build in Tillicum. He also guides other Youth Council members during City volunteer activities.
This is the third year in a row that a Lakewood Youth Council member has received this scholarship. With this honor, Elijah carries on a tradition of leadership, service, and hope for Lakewood’s youth.
Lakewood Youth Council Empowerment Summit Saturday, April 18
We’re less than 24 hours away! The Lakewood Youth Empowerment Summit is tomorrow and it’s Choose Your Own Adventure. Youth can grab a “passport” and participate in 8–12-minute mini sessions like:
- budgeting + credit
- stress relief
- public speaking
- time management
- boundaries + self advocacy
- school/college/job prep
- and more
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
- Time: 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
- Location: Pierce College Lakewood Campus Cascade Bldg. 4th Floor
- Theme: You Are Going to Be Okay!
- Format: Choose Your Own Adventure
- Who should come: Students in grades 7-11
There will be Radnor’s smash burgers and chicken sandwiches, a coffee truck, Kona ice, gaming tables, photo booth, prizes, and a dynamic keynote speaker! Please register today! https://cityoflakewood.us/youth-summit/
Let Your Child Learn While You Lounge
Parents, you are invited to join us at the “parents cafe”. Take a break and enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks while your student participates in the event.
Join us for the Spring Art Show Reception, Monday, April 20
Whispers of Korean brings together artists of the Korean American Artists Association of Washington in a collective exploration of cultural memory, identity, and artistic expression. Through diverse visual approaches inspired by both traditional and contemporary influences, the participating artists share personal narratives while honoring their shared cultural roots.
Whispers of Korean
- Date: Monday, April 20, 2026
- Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Lakewood City Hall – 6000 Main St SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
- Link: https://cityoflakewood.us/art/
Parks Appreciation Day is in One Week!
Parks Appreciation Day is a great opportunity to volunteer with neighbors and friends to help clean up select Lakewood parks and prepare them for the upcoming spring and summer season.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, April 25
- Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m
- Locations: Various
Discover which park sites are participating this year and how you can volunteer: https://cityoflakewood.us/parks-appreciation/
Wards Lake Park Grand Opening Celebration, Saturday, April 25
The grand opening is an exciting milestone, a tribute to the Lakewood community, and a showcase of the amenities now available to explore. After years of planning, restoration, and community-driven investment, Wards Lake Park has become a vibrant, accessible, and adventure-ready destination for all ages.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
- Time: Noon – 2:00 p.m.
- Location: Wards Lake Park – 2716 84th St Ct S, north and south entrances
For more information visit https://cityoflakewood.us/wards-grand-opening/
Next Week’s City Hall and Community Engagement Events
- The Fort Steilacoom Neighborhood Association meets on Tuesday, April 21 at 7:00 p.m. at Idlewild Elementary School. Follow us on Facebook to stay updated on any changes to the meeting day and time.
- Downtown Neighborhood Association meets Wednesday, April 22 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Follow us on Facebook to stay updated on any changes to the meeting day and time.
Community Partner Events and Happenings
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 13 for a Study Session. You can watch or listen to the meeting below.
What’s on Deck: The City Council meets Monday, April 20, 2026, for a Regular Meeting and Study Session, at 6:00 p.m. Tentative agenda items include:
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement with the Six Remnant Defendants related to the National Opioid Settlement
- Authorizing the execution of an amendment to the agreement with FACET NW, in the amount of $50,000, for street end design services for the West Lake Street End Project
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement with Salish Construction Company, in the amount of $324,808, for the Street Light Installation Project
- Authorizing the execution of an amendment to the agreement with EXP US Services, with an increase of $137,515, to reflect grant funding
- Authorizing the execution of an amendment to the agreement with Pacific Point Defense, in the amount of $86,000, for public defense services
- This is the date set for a public hearing on the FY 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan for CDBG and HOME Programs
- Ordinance No. 849 amending Lakewood Municipal Code Chapter 5.60 related to Rental Housing Licensing and Inspection Requirements – continued from April 6, 2026
- Resolution updating the City’s Purchasing Policies
- Items for Discussion – 1st Quarter (2026) Police Report
- Items for Discussion – Review of 2025 Transportation Benefit District Annual Report
- Items for Discussion – Review of 2025 Year-End Financial Report
- Items for Discussion – Review of 2026 Carry Forward Budget Adjustment
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 7 – 14, 2026
- Calls for Service: 902 (-5% from prior week)
- Arrests: 57 (+27% from prior week)
- Violent Crime: 16 (-16% from prior week)
- Property Crime: 58 (+23% from prior week)
- Traffic Stops: 164 (-7% from prior week)
- Collisions (reportable): 18 (+29% from prior week)
Updates for the week of April 16 – 23, 2026
*Please note the dates listed are tentative and may change due to weather or other conditions.
ACTIVE CLOSURES:
Nyanza Road Improvements: Most utility casting adjustments are complete. Nyanza Road is scheduled to reopen the evening of Friday, April 17. Please drive cautiously as crews will continue adjusting utility castings the following week. The roadway will close again for striping after a three-week asphalt curing period. We will provide advance notice before this work begins.
112th St SW – Gravelly Lake Drive to Bridgeport Way: The base paving is complete. The top asphalt layer will be placed on the south side of 112th on Friday, April 17, and on the north side on Saturday, April 18. Local traffic may experience delays as the pavement cures. Paving will begin each morning at Bridgeport Way and end at Gravelly Lake Drive. After paving, the contractor will spend one week adjusting utility castings before reopening the roadway. 112th Street is tentatively set to reopen on Friday evening, April 24. A separate closure for striping will occur after a three-week asphalt curing period.
Main Street – 59th to 108th: Main Street will be closed from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. between 59th and 108th Street until April 18. The City, developer, and contractor are working to minimize impacts and expedite reopening. A future three-week closure will be required for utility and roadway restoration, which will occur after 112th Street reopens. Please observe the 20 MPH speed limit during non-working hours, as steel plates will remain on the roadway.
Grant Ave/Orchard Sewer Extension: Sewer main and side sewers along Orchard Street between Union Avenue and Washington Avenue are complete. Crews will now move to Grant Avenue between Orchard and Maple, where pavement has been removed and sewer installation will begin this week.
FINISHING UP CONSTRUCTION:
Steilacoom Boulevard Weller to 87th Ave: One utility pole remains at Hipkins and Steilacoom. All contract work is complete except for three locations needing additional concrete work. The contractor will schedule final concrete pours once the last pole stub is removed.
South Tacoma Way – 88th to the north city limits: The contractor is completing final cleanup and punch-list items.
UPCOMING CONSTRUCTION:
Wadsworth/Silcox/Boat Sewer Extension: Work on the new sewer system is expected to begin in June 2026 and will require full closures of these local access streets.
112th Street – Farwest to Holden: Work is scheduled to begin June 11, after the Clover Park School District 2025-26 school year ends. Most traffic-impacting construction will be completed during summer break.
Custer Road – Bridgeport to 75th: This project will begin August 1 and require approximately 60 days of full closure for pavement removal, utility installation, road widening, curb and sidewalk construction, and paving. Striping will occur under a separate closure in October. A detour via Bridgeport Way and 75th will be in place during construction.
112th – South Tacoma Way to Steele Street: Resurfacing is expected to take place in early summer 2026. Most work will require full nighttime closures of 112th Street for about one 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.