SummerFEST is Tomorrow, Aug. 15!
We will see you tomorrow at our SummerFEST Celebration!
The free and fun event runs from 11:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. This year, SummerFEST will celebrate Lakewood’s 30th Anniversary. You’ll find special anniversary activities and moments throughout the event that honor Lakewood’s history.
Enjoy food vendors, browse more than 100 market vendors, relax in the beer garden, listen to live music all day, and enjoy performances on the International Stage.
If you’re looking for excitement, check out the aerial motocross shows, tethered balloon rides, and performances by the Wenatchee Youth Circus and Vuelta la Luna Circus.
Take a walk through the Bombs Away car show, join the LEGO building contest, and visit the Veterans Resource Village. The City of Lakewood booth has your SummerFEST Passport – use it to win prizes by joining in sports and arts activities throughout the day.
Families will have plenty to do in the kids’ activity zone. Pony rides are available for a fee, a petting zoo, a giant slide, and roaming activities. New this year: SplashTimesFun Foam Bubble and Splash Party.
Stay for the grand finale. TUIFEAI Cultural Academy will light up the evening with a stunning Polynesian Dance and Fire Show at dusk.
What: Lakewood SummerFEST
When: Saturday, August 15, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Fort Steilacoom Park, 8714 87th Ave SW
Important reminders:
- SummerFEST entrance is free.
- Tickets for some activities are available for purchase on-site.
- Please allow extra time for traffic and parking.
- Off-site parking is available at Pierce College in Lot D. Shuttles will run roughly every 20 minutes to and from the lot and drop people off at Steilacoom Boulevard to walk down Angle Lane into the park.
Find the full schedule of events, parking map, vendor list, and more: NEARcation.com/summerfest.
Lakewood Welcomes Sister City Delegation from Gimhae, South Korea
The City of Lakewood was pleased to welcome a delegation from its Sister City, Gimhae, South Korea, for a visit focused on strengthening the friendship and partnership between the two communities.
During their visit, the Gimhae delegates met with Lakewood City Council members and city leaders to share ideas, learn more about each community, and discuss opportunities for continued cultural, educational, and governmental exchange.
Lakewood and Gimhae have shared a Friendship City relationship since 2006 and officially became Sister Cities in 2022. The partnership promotes cooperation and exchanges in areas including culture, education, sports, government, and economic development.
The visit provided another opportunity to celebrate the strong relationship between the two cities and build connections that will continue to grow in the years ahead.
Lakewood is grateful to our friends from Gimhae for visiting and looks forward to continuing this meaningful Sister City partnership.
Custer Road Reconstruction Project is Underway
Traffic Control and Lane Modifications:
Bridgeport Way has been reduced to one lane northbound between 78th and Custer. The right lane northbound between Custer and 75th has been changed from a through-right to a dedicated right turn lane. Vehicles in the right lane northbound on Bridgeport are required to turn right at 75th.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect during the project.
- Phase 1: Utility providers will finish important infrastructure work before the main road construction begins. This helps prevent more disruptions later.
- Phase 2: New sidewalks and a center turn lane will be added to make it easier and safer for people walking and driving.
- Phase 3: Crews will rebuild and improve the road while it is fully closed. This lets them work safely and get the job done faster.
- Phase 4: In October, crews will finish the final pavement striping during a separate closure before the project wraps up.
Closing the road fully lets crews work on several phases at once and shortens the construction time, bringing the improvements to you sooner.
The City of Lakewood is rebuilding Custer Road between Bridgeport Way and 75th Street to improve safety, access, and the long-term condition of this important roadway. Custer Road carries approximately 20,000 vehicles each day, and the existing pavement has reached the end of its service life. Because the roadway has failed, it must be completely reconstructed – not simply resurfaced. For more information visit https://cityoflakewood.us/custer-road/
Construction includes:
A new roadway pavement, storm drainage improvements, sidewalks and curbs, a center two-way left-turn lane, and street lighting.
Project Funding:
This project is funded primarily through a $2.98 million Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) grant, helping improve Lakewood’s transportation system while minimizing local costs.
Road Closure & Detour:
To rebuild the roadway safely and efficiently, Custer Road will be closed between Bridgeport Way and 75th Street during construction.
Local Businesses:
Please continue to support the local businesses along the Custer Road corridor during construction. These businesses will remain open and rely on the continued support of customers throughout the project. Your patronage will help them continue serving the community while this important infrastructure improvement is underway.
Traffic Control:
Main detour will be via Bridgeport Way and 75th St for through traffic
Contractor will accommodate access to all businesses to the fullest extent possible
The Traffic Control Plan will adjust where needed as construction progresses.
Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM):
The City’s Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) has been sent out to businesses and residents in the affected area.
Custer Business Highlight – Just Like Home Daycare Center
The City is coordinating with local business owners to present a video series showcasing businesses along Custer Road.
This video features Just Like Home Daycare Center of Lakewood, a local childcare provider dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing, and family-centered environment for children. We talked with the center to learn more about what makes Just Like Home unique and why supporting local businesses is especially important during construction.
Just Like Home Daycare Center, along with other businesses on Custer Road, will remain open throughout construction. We encourage families to continue supporting this local business and the important childcare services it provides to the Lakewood community.
The center is committed to providing quality care in a warm, welcoming environment where children can learn, play, and grow. Its dedicated staff work closely with families to ensure children feel safe, supported, and at home while in their care.
Thank you to Just Like Home Daycare Center for serving Lakewood families and being an important part of our community.
For more information about the road project, detour maps, and how to subscribe for project updates, please visit https://cityoflakewood.us/custer-road/
Milfoil Treatment on American Lake is Scheduled for August 17, 2026
The City of Lakewood and the American Lake Management District will conduct a milfoil treatment on American Lake beginning Aug. 17, 2026.
The treatment is part of the lake’s ongoing invasive aquatic vegetation management program. Eurasian milfoil is an invasive aquatic weed that grows primarily underwater and can spread rapidly through fragmentation. The City’s 2026 work plan includes aquatic vegetation surveys and the control and treatment of invasive aquatic vegetation.
The treatment will be conducted by Aquatechnex, the City’s contractor for American Lake milfoil treatment. The work is conducted under applicable Washington State Department of Ecology requirements and permits.
Residents and lake users should be aware of treatment activities and follow any posted signs or temporary restrictions.
The City will continue to monitor American Lake following treatment to evaluate results and to help guide future invasive vegetation management.
For additional information about American Lake, the Lake Management District, treatment activities, and lake survey results, visit https://cityoflakewood.us/lake-management/
Lakewood Farmers Market Returns August 25
One week down, one week left to go! We’re excited for the Farmers Market to return on Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Fort Steilacoom Park.
Join us from 2–7 p.m. for fresh local produce, flowers, handmade goods, delicious food, food trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities. The market also accepts SNAP/EBT benefits, helping make fresh, local food accessible to more members of our community.
Come shop local, enjoy an afternoon at the park, and support the farmers, makers, and small businesses that make the Lakewood Farmers Market a community favorite.
Save the Date for Lakewood’s Fiesta de la Familia!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, and join us at Fort Steilacoom Park from 12–6 p.m. for a fun-filled celebration of culture and community!
Enjoy delicious food, live entertainment, a local art show, hands-on crafts and roaming performers. Kids can join in the fun with balloon making, face painting and a children’s parade. Families are encouraged to dress in their best Fiesta attire, traditional clothing or favorite costume.
The event will also feature a car show and showcase the work of local artists. Come meet the artists, hear their stories and learn how their cultures influence their work.
Save the date and bring the whole family for an afternoon of celebration, creativity and community!
Join us for an Upcoming Desserts on the Driveway Event!
Desserts on the Driveway is an innovative initiative connecting the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, City Council members, and city officials with Lakewood neighborhoods. This event offers residents a platform to voice concerns, share ideas for solutions, and gain insight into city services.
- Springbrook
- Springbrook Park
- Friday, August 14
- 6:30 p.m.
- Fort Steilacoom Park
- The Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park
- Friday, August 28
- 6:00 p.m.
- Lake City
- former school site 8800 121st SW Lakewood, WA 98498
- Thursday, Sept. 10
- 7:00 p.m.
Neighborhood Association Meetings
- Fort Steilacoom Neighborhood Association
- Meeting Date: August 19
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park, 9107 Angle Ln SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
- Facebook
- Tillicum/Woodbrook Neighborhood Association
- Next Meeting: September 8
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Tillicum Community Center
- Contact: [email protected], 253-988-2536
- Facebook
- Downtown Neighborhood Association
- Meeting Date: September 9
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Redeem Church 9315 Gravelly Lake Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
- Facebook
- Oakbrook Neighborhood Association Meeting
- Meeting Date: September 15
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Oakbrook Elementary School
The City Council met on Monday, Aug. 10 for a Study Session. You can watch or listen to the meeting below.
What’s on Deck:
August 17, 2026, Regular Meeting and Study Session, 6:00 P.M.
- Police Commissioning and Commendation Ceremony
- Business Showcase – Bandido Solutions
- Authorizing the execution of the Pierce County Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) Interlocal Agreement
- This is the date set for a public hearing on the 2026 Comprehensive Plan Amendments
- New Business – Authorizing the execution of a land lease and facility use agreement with Partners for Parks for Fort Steilacoom H-Barn Restorations and Operations
- Items for Discussion – Review of Pierce County Conservations Futures Program
- Items for Discussion – Review of Automated Traffic Safety Camera Program
August 18, 2026, (Tuesday) Special Meeting, 6:00 P.M.
- Update of Legislative Agenda and Policy Manual
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.
Statistics for the week of Aug. 4 – 11, 2026
- Calls for Service: 972 (-2% from prior week)
- Arrests: 41 (+21% from prior week)
- Violent Crime: 22 (-12% from prior week)
- Property Crime: 52 (-7% from prior week)
- Traffic Stops: 144 (+19% from prior week)
- Collisions (reportable): 16 (-11% from prior week)
Sign up for Lakewood Alert
Sign up to receive emergency alerts from the City of Lakewood through our new notification system. Lakewood Alert has a fresh look and a simpler sign-up process.
If you signed up previously, your contact information was saved to the new platform. Now is a good time to check and update your details if needed.
These alerts will mainly be used for emergencies where life safety is at risk. The system will also be used sparingly for non-emergencies like missing persons, traffic congestion, and extreme weather notifications.
When you register to receive alerts, you can select the types of messages and your preferred communication method. You can adjust these settings at any time.
Subscribe: Scan the QR code or visit CityofLakewood.Us/Lakewood-Alert
Updates for the week of August 13 – 20
*Please note that the listed dates are tentative and may change due to weather or other conditions.
ACTIVE ROAD CLOSURES:
Wadsworth/Silcox/Boat Sewer Extension: Sewer construction on Silcox, Wadsworth, Boat and 88th continued this week and is expected to last another week. The contractor will begin grading the roads for paving at the end of the month. Local access will be provided via detour routes, as applicable.
112th – South Tacoma Way to Steele Street: 112th will be closed each night between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Grinding, pavement repair, and paving were completed the nights of August 10-August 14. The contractor will close 112th Street August 17 through August 19 to raise castings and install permanent signing. The project will be suspended until September when permanent striping can be applied.
Custer Road – Bridgeport to 75th: Construction began on August 12. Custer Road is closed to through traffic. Access to local parcels is available via Grange and Burgess. The roadway was removed this week. Crews have begun storm drainage installation. Streetlight conduit and storm drainage construction will continue into next week.
Tacoma Power has completed their power relocation. Three of four communication lines has relocated with the last needing to be relocated in the coming weeks for the existing poles to be removed during construction.
Projects in Design & Development in 2026:
- Edgewater Park
- H-Barn partnership project at Fort Steilacoom Park
- Nisqually Trail partnership Project at Fort Steilacoom Park
- Westlake Ave Street End Lake Access Pilot Project
- Oakbrook Park Improvements
- Primley Park Improvements
For more information on upcoming parks capital projects, please visit https://cityoflakewood.us/parks-and-recreation/parks-capital-projects