Lakewood Farmers Market Wraps Up on Tuesday, Sept. 1
Tuesday, Sept. 1, is the final Lakewood Farmers Market of the summer season! Be sure to stop by one last time to stock up on fresh, local favorites and enjoy the market before the season ends. Support local farmers, makers, and food vendors, pick up fresh seasonal produce, and enjoy one more Tuesday at the market with your friends and neighbors.
Fall Wellness Classes
Registration is now open for all classes and sessions. Please use the registration link to find the right class and time for your schedule. All classes are held in the Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park, 9107 Angle Lane SW. Parking is available behind the building or along the fence near the city park maintenance shop. https://cityoflakewood.us/recreation-programs/
Gentle Yoga: Gentle Yoga is perfect for beginners. This class focuses on slow, mindful movements that honor your body’s natural rhythm. Through accessible poses, breath awareness and other techniques, you’ll build strength, flexibility and inner peace. This class welcomes all bodies and abilities, come as you are!
- Gentle Yoga – Mondays 4:45PM
- August 10 – September 14 (no class on 9/7)
- Gentle Yoga – Thursdays 4:45PM
- August 13 – September 17
Fusion Yoga: This dynamic yet accessible class blends gentle, vinyasa, traditional and yin yoga elements into one session. Each session is thoughtfully crafted and adapted to meet the unique needs and energy of the students, creating a personalized experience. No matter what your favorite style of yoga is, you’ll find something that works for you in this class.
- Fusion Yoga – Mondays 6:00PM
- August 10 – September 14 (no class on 9/7)
- Fusion Yoga – Mondays 6:00PM
- September 28 – November 2
Yin Yoga: Experience the healing combination of Yin Yoga’s Passive stretches and Reiki’s gentle energy work. In this meditative style of yoga, you’ll hold supportive poses for extended periods of time. This unique fusion promotes relaxation and releases stored tension in the body and mind.
- Yin Yoga – Thursdays 6:00PM
- August 13 – September 17
2026-2027 Youth Council Kickoff!
Members of the 2026-2027 Youth Council gathered at The Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park on Aug. 22 for an annual kickoff event. It was a chance for all 63 students to connect before official business begins in September. After a catered lunch and welcome remarks, members dove into lively icebreakers such as Stinger, Find Me, the Marshmallow Spaghetti Tower, and Comic Strip Drawing. The Leadership Team provided a brief overview of this year’s mission, expectations, communication tools, policies, and volunteer opportunities, followed by poster-style goal setting and an open Q&A. With fresh ideas, strong leadership, and lots of energy, the Youth Council is gearing up for an exciting year ahead!
Youth Share Insights from National Conference and Training
Youth Council interns Ava Qualls and Irie Henkle represented Lakewood at Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) 25th Annual Mid-Year Training Institute, held alongside the DEA’s Fentanyl Free America Summit. Supported by Lakewood’s CHOICE, they joined Shannon Bennett for national training focused on youth-led prevention and emerging fentanyl-related challenges.
Upon returning home, Ava and Irie presented their key takeaways to Lakewood’s Promise Advisory Board and the Community Services Advisory Board. They will also brief the Lakewood City Council on September 6, continuing to support youth-driven strategies related to State Opioid Settlement funding.
Their insights – ranging from fentanyl-prevention tools to strengthening positive youth spaces – help reinforce the City’s ongoing commitment to youth well-being and community safety.
Lakewood’s Signal Box Art Adds Color to Local Intersections
Art is making its way to more of Lakewood’s streets as the City continues its signal box art wrap program, transforming everyday traffic signal cabinets into colorful public art.
The newest installation can now be found at Steilacoom Boulevard and Hipkins Road, adding another creative touch to one of Lakewood’s busy intersections. The wraps are designed to add visual interest and celebrate the community.
Lakewood’s signal box wraps feature artwork created by local and South Sound artists, with themes that reflect the community’s history, natural beauty, culture and character.
Next time you’re traveling through Lakewood, keep an eye out for these small but colorful pieces of public art brightening the City’s streets.
Save the Date for Lakewood’s Fiesta de la Familia!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, Sept. 26 and join us at Fort Steilacoom Park from 12:00 –6:00 p.m. for a fun-filled celebration of culture and community!
Enjoy food, live entertainment, including dancing horses, a mariachi band and charros doing roping tricks, an art demonstration with hands on crafts, cultural foods, and roaming entertainers. The event also features a car show, community ofrenda and Mexican loteria! Kids will enjoy face painting and can participate in a children’s parade. It’s time to show off your best Fiesta attire, traditional clothing or favorite costume.
Save the date and bring the whole family for a day of celebration, creativity and community!
Printmaking Artists Are Wanted for Fiesta de la Familia
The Lakewood Arts Commission and the Fiesta de la Familia Committee are looking for printmaking artists who want to show their art and provide a hands-on activity for the community attending this year’s event.
If you’ve got a flare for floral arrangements, there is also a floral design contest! Floral arrangements can be submitted by community groups and must be hand-crafted using real flowers and greenery with a fiesta style! Limited to 10 entries.
Contest and Artist submittal deadline: Sept. 10, 2026.
Click the links below for more information!
Build Your Better Here in Lakewood
Lakewood is creating new opportunities for businesses and developers through strategic transportation access, available commercial properties, and growing demand for housing and jobs.
With access to I-5 and SR-512, the City has invested more than $100 million in transportation improvements in recent years, with another $32.8 million in road projects planned. By 2044, Lakewood aims to add 9,000 new housing units and 9,000 new jobs.
The City is also working to make development faster and more predictable. Its Online Permit Center allows applicants to submit applications, make payments, and track project status online. Average review times have decreased by 20%. Pre-application meetings and walk-in assistance are also available.
Projects such as Kendrick Landing, a 245-unit affordable housing community developed by DevCo Residential Group, demonstrate the opportunities available through collaboration between developers and the City.
For developers considering Lakewood, early planning, complete applications, and communication with City staff can help keep projects moving. The City’s low-cost pre-application process is a helpful first step for navigating requirements and identifying opportunities.
Learn more about building and development opportunities in Lakewood: Build Your Better Here
Custer Road Construction Update
Custer Road remains closed to through traffic, with access to local parcels available via Grange and Burgess. Construction activities will continue into next week, including streetlight conduit installation and grading. The contractor is also scheduled to pour curb and gutter next week. In addition, PSE Gas, Lakewood Water, Lumen, and Verizon crews will be on site to adjust or relocate utilities that conflict with the planned roadway improvements.
Althea’s Footwear Solutions Featured in Custer Road Business Video Series
The City is partnering with local business owners to create a video series highlighting businesses along Custer Road as road construction gets underway.
This video spotlights Althea’s Footwear Solutions, a Lakewood business specializing in comfortable, supportive footwear and personalized shoe fittings. The business offers a variety of footwear, custom orthotics, and other solutions, with Certified Pediatrists and trained fitting experts helping customers find options that meet their individual needs.
We spoke with the team to learn what makes Althea’s Footwear Solutions special and why it’s important to continue supporting local businesses during construction.
Althea’s Footwear Solutions and other businesses along Custer Road will remain open during construction. We encourage you to continue shopping local and supporting the businesses that are part of the Lakewood community.
Visit cityoflakewood.us/custer-road/ for road project details, detour maps, or to sign up for weekly construction updates.
Lakewood Police Department Shares E-Bike Safety Guide for Riders
The City of Lakewood is seeing increased use of e-bikes and motorized dirt bikes, especially around city parks. While these devices are growing in popularity, riders and families should understand where they can legally operate and how to do so safely.
Many of the devices officers encounter are electric dirt bikes that resemble motorcycles. Under the Lakewood Municipal Code, these may qualify as “motor vehicles” because they are self-propelled and capable of transporting a person.
Motor vehicles, including certain electric dirt bikes, are not allowed on park trails unless specifically designated for motorized use.
Currently, no Lakewood park trails permit motorized vehicles. These devices may only be operated on paved roads, parking lots, and designated areas. The speed limit in parks is 15 mph, and all riders must operate at a safe speed for conditions.
Washington State law recognizes three classes of e-bikes:
- Class 1: Pedal-assist up to 20 mph
- Class 2: Throttle-assisted up to 20 mph
- Class 3: Pedal-assist up to 28 mph
Class 3 riders must be at least 16 years old. While Washington does not currently require helmets for e-bike riders statewide, helmet use is strongly encouraged. Helmets significantly reduce the risk of serious injury.
Violations of park regulations may result in a civil infraction and fines up to $125. Riders may also be asked to leave the park if their behavior poses a safety concern.
The City of Lakewood and the Lakewood Police Department are committed to addressing this issue through education first. Parents and guardians are encouraged to talk with their children about responsible riding, traffic laws, and safe operation in public spaces. Before you ride, know your e-bike, know the rules, and ride at a safe speed for conditions.
For questions, contact the Lakewood Police Department at (253) 830-5000.
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.
- 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
- Tillicum/Woodbrook Neighborhood Association
- Next Meeting: September 8
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Tillicum Community Center
- Contact: [email protected], 253-988-2536
- Downtown Neighborhood Association
- Meeting Date: September 9
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Redeem Church 9315 Gravelly Lake Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
- Oakbrook Neighborhood Association Meeting
- Meeting Date: September 15
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Oakbrook Elementary School
Grow Shade. Cool Your Home. Protect Our Waters
Want to increase canopy cover on your property while improving local water quality without breaking the bank? Pierce Conservation District’s Urban Tree Sale makes it easy to plant trees at a discount.
Open now through November 7th, Pierce Conservation District is offering a selection of 5- to 7-gallon trees over 6 feet tall for just $10 to $30. Every purchase includes a free tree planting workshop, where you will learn about the benefits of trees, get step-by-step planting guidance to help your tree thrive, and receive a watering bucket for deep watering.
Add planting a tree to your to-do list today: https://www.pcdwaterquality.com/tree-sale
Pierce Transit Announces Temporary Park & Ride Closures for Paving Maintenance
Pierce Transit will temporarily close two Park & Ride parking lots for scheduled paving and maintenance work in late August and early September.
SR 512 Park & Ride
The SR 512 Park & Ride parking lot will be closed for maintenance August 31–September 3, 2026. All vehicles must be removed from the lot by Sunday evening, August 30. Bus service will continue to operate from the location during the park-ing lot closure.
We encourage customers to plan ahead and remove vehicles from the affected lots before the closure deadlines. For general information, call (253) 581-8000, option 2, then 5.
Pierce County Suicide Prevention Summit and Bridge to Hope 5K
Pierce County is taking an important step toward suicide prevention and community awareness by hosting its first Suicide Prevention Summit and Bridge to Hope 5K on September 18. This free event offers opportunities for education, connection, support, and community involvement.
The summit will take place in three segments, and participants are welcome to register for one or all of them. From 12–4:30 p.m., the program will focus on professionals, including first responders, counselors, healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, and others who support individuals and families. From 4–6 p.m., the focus will shift to the general community, providing an opportunity for everyone to learn more about suicide prevention and how we can help save lives.
The evening will conclude with the Bridge to Hope 5K Walk/Run, beginning at 6:15 p.m. Participants will cross the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in this timed event and receive a commemorative embroidered badge.
Whether you participate in one segment or the entire event, this is a meaningful opportunity to build awareness, strengthen connections, and support suicide prevention efforts throughout Pierce County. Registration is free, and community members are encouraged to share the event with colleagues, friends, family, and others who may benefit.
Date: Sept. 18
Time: 12:00–7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Lakewood Planning Commission meets on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. The Planning Commission assists in preparing the Comprehensive Plan, zoning, and land-use-related regulations for Lakewood. Agenda, minutes, and how to attend in person or online: https://cityoflakewood.us/planning-commission/
The Civil Service Commission meeting originally scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 3 at 9:30 a.m. has been cancelled.
The Lakewood Promise Advisory Board meets on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 7:30 a.m. at City Hall. Lakewood’s Promise Advisory Board works with local citizens and businesses to support Lakewood youth through The Five Promises. These promises include adults that care, public safety, health, education, and equal opportunity. Agenda, minutes, and how to attend in person or online: https://cityoflakewood.us/lakewoods-promise-advisory-board/
Planning Commission Public Hearing Notice
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing for the 2027 Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map Amendment docket list on Sept. 16, 2026 at 6:30 pm. All persons may submit written comments about the amendments no later than noon on Sept. 16, or testify in-person or virtually during the public hearing.
Hearing Date: Sept. 16, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Lakewood City Hall or via ZOOM. Instructions on how to attend the hearing, testify and/or submit written comments will be published no later than Sept.11, 2026 at https://cityoflakewood.us/planning-commission/
The City Council met on Tuesday, Aug. 18 for a Special Meeting. You can watch or listen to the meeting below.
What’s on Deck:
September 8, 2026, (Tuesday) Regular Meeting, 7:00 P.M.
- Proclamation declaring September 11, 2026 as Patriot Day and Day of Remembrance – Assistant Chief David Claridge, Lakewood Police Department and Assistant Chief Hallie McCurdy, West Pierce Fire & Rescue
- Proclamation declaring September 15, 2026 through October 15, 2026 as Hispanic Heritage Month – Sylviann Estrella
- Recognition of the Lakewood Police Department Citizens Academy Participants
- Youth Council Report
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement with Ready Rebound, LLC, in the amount of $69,920, to provide orthopedic injury treatment management for City employees through 12/31/2028
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement with Northwest Cascade, Inc., in the amount of $388,336, for the Nisqually Loop Interpretive Signage project
- Authorizing award of a CDBG Major Home Repair loan, in the amount of $112,000, for the rehabilitation of 11610 Interlaaken Drive SW, including a construction contract, in the amount of $102,574.16, with In Time Renovations
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement with D&D Construction Inc., in the amount of $157,243.68, for the repair and replacement of a section of roof at City Hall
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement for the replacement of the garage door at Lakewood City Hall (tentative)
- Reappointing Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members (tentative)
- Resolution setting a public hearing on October 19, 2026, to consider the partial vacation of a portion of the 100th Street SW right-of-way abutting Lake Steilacoom (Permit No. ENG-2026-86); directing preparation of a staff report and that notice be given.
September 14, 2026, Study Session, 7:00 P.M
- Joint Lakewood Arts Commission meeting and review of recommendation for Nyanza Road at Gravelly Lake Drive public art project
- Review of 2nd Quarter (2026) Financial Report
- Legacy Plan Update
- Review of 2026 Annual Development Regulations
- Review of Cannabis Code Amendments
- Review of franchise agreement with Clover Park School District for fiber optic cable (tentative)
- Review of Council Chambers Technology Upgrades (tentative)
September 21, 2026, Regular Meeting and Study Session, 6:00 P.M.
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement for the Council Chambers Technology Upgrades (tentative)
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement for the Westlake Ave Street Ends project (tentative)
- Approving the 2027-2028 City Council Goals and Priorities (tentative)
- This is the date set for a public hearing on the 2026 Annual Development Regulations
- This is the date set for a public hearing on the Cannabis Code Amendments
- Ordinance adopting the 2026 Comprehensive Plan Amendments
- Ordinance approving franchise agreement with Clover Park School District for fiber optic cable (tentative)
- Items for Discussion – Pierce Transit Update
- Items for Discussion – Economic Development Update and Pierce County Economic Development Board
- Items for Discussion –Pierce Conservation District Update – Dana Coggon, Executive Director
- Items for Discussion – Review of encroachment permit framework (tentative)
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. 18 – 25, 2026
- Calls for Service: 938 (-3% from prior week)
- Arrests: 46 (+5% from prior week)
- Violent Crime: 26 (+8% from prior week)
- Property Crime: 49 (+23% from prior week)
- Traffic Stops: 105 (-25% from prior week)
- Collisions (reportable): 16 (-38% 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 features a fresh look and a simpler sign-up process.
If you signed up previously, your contact information was transferred to the new platform. Now is a good time to review and update your details if needed.
These alerts will primarily be used for emergencies where life safety is at risk. The system will also be used sparingly for non-emergencies, such as 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 27 – September 3
*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 is nearly complete, with only minor cleanup remaining. The contractor has started stormwater and grading work, which will continue for the next few weeks before paving begins. Local access will be maintained through detour routes as needed.
Custer Road – Bridgeport to 75th: Custer Road remains closed to through traffic. Local access is available via Grange and Burgess. Streetlight conduit installation and grading will continue into next week, followed by curb and gutter work. PSE Gas, Lakewood Water, Lumen, and Verizon will also be on site to adjust or relocate utilities as needed.
108th Street Railway Crossing Replacement: Sound Transit will replace crossing panels at the 108th Street railway crossing east of Lakeview Avenue starting Friday, August 28 at 10:00 p.m. 108th Street will be fully closed to all traffic between Lakeview and Halcyon. Detours will be available via 100th Street or Bridgeport/Pacific Highway.
269 Lake Louise Drive Water Service: Lakewood Water District will install a water service at 269 Lake Louise Drive on August 31 and September 1, requiring a road closure. Drivers should use alternate routes to avoid the work area.
Washington Boulevard SW: The City of Lakewood’s electrical contractor will temporarily close westbound Washington Boulevard SW between Interlaaken Dr SW and Alameda Ave SW on September 4 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. to replace two damaged streetlight poles in the median. Detour signage will be provided, and local access for residents will be maintained.
Park, Recreation, Open Space and Trails Plan. The draft Legacy Plan outlines future needs for Lakewood’s park system. To learn more, visit the City booth on Sept. 1 at the final Farmers Market or see the Lakewood Parks Legacy Plan online. Public comments are accepted through Sept. 30 and will inform the final plan, scheduled for adoption at the Nov. 2 Council meeting. Staff will present updates at the Clover Park Rotary meeting on Sept. 2 and at the City Council Study Session on Sept. 14.
The Camp Murray Boat Launch Master Plan explores development opportunities for the site, currently operated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The plan includes concept drawings and will recommend funding and operational strategies. The Steering Committee will review public feedback from the August 4 Open House and owner/operator interviews at its September meeting. Final recommendations are expected to go before City Council in October.
Capital projects in design and development:
- Nisqually Interpretative Trail Loop at Fort Steilacoom Park: The project was advertised for bid on July 23, with bids opened on August 11. City Council is expected to award the contract in September. Construction is anticipated to begin this fall and continue through the first quarter of 2027. The project is a partnership with the Nisqually Indian Tribe and is primarily funded by a Department of Commerce grant.
- Westlake Street End Pilot Project: Bids are being accepted, with the opening scheduled for September 3 at City Hall. If a suitable bid is received, City Council will consider contract approval in late September. This is the City’s first street end development, following a 2022 study of lakefront site conditions and potential. For more information, visit https://cityoflakewood.us/lakefrontstreetends.
- Edgewater Park: The project is at 30% design. Permitting to rezone and amend the shoreline designation, with support from the Department of Ecology, has been underway since the first quarter and is expected to be adopted this fall. The project will protect and enhance the shoreline, improve parking and access, and replace the existing boat launch. Due to rezoning, shoreline development complexity, and agency reviews, permitting is expected to continue through the third quarter of 2027.
- H–Barn Restoration at Fort Steilacoom Park: The City and Partners for Parks are collaborating on design and fundraising. The project is scheduled to reach 60% design completion, with a fundraising update, in December 2026.
- Oakbrook and Primley Parks: Accessibility and amenity improvements are planned for early 2027.
You can learn more about all Park plans and projects at: https://cityoflakewood.us/parks-and-recreation/parks-capital-projects