Chief Leschi Honor Walk at Fort Steilacoom Park
We were thankful to join the Nisqually Indian Tribe for the 2026 Chief Leschi Honor Walk at Fort Steilacoom Park on Thursday, Feb. 19. Together, we honored Chief Leschi’s legacy and his deep connection to this land as we walked the Nisqually Loop Trail.
During the walk, we learned about the importance of this area, Chief Leschi’s life, and how he was wrongly hanged not far from the park on Feb. 19, 1858. The day highlighted the ongoing strength and resilience of the Nisqually People and their descendants, and reminded us of the important role the prairie lands played in the lives of Indigenous peoples who once lived where Fort Steilacoom Park is now located.
As we walked together, we felt grateful and recognized our shared responsibility to care for the land. Thank you to everyone who joined us for activities that encouraged learning, remembrance, and respect for people of all ages.coming events and encourage continued involvement as we shape Lakewood’s future together.
MLK Beloved Community Art Show
Lakewood honors local artists by hosting artist receptions at City Hall. For each event, artists hang their artwork at City Hall for a limited time. Then, we host the public on a special reception night to meet the artists, enjoy light snacks, and admire the art. Join us at our MLK Beloved Community Art Show next week. Event details:
- Date: Monday, March 2
- Time: 5-7 p.m.
- Location: Lakewood City Hall
To learn about the artists and their work, please visit the event webpage at https://cityoflakewood.us/art/
Save the Date: City of Lakewood Parks Appreciation Day!
The City of Lakewood is participating in Parks Appreciation Day this year on Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This 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.
Site locations this year include:
- Edgewater Park
- Fort Steilacoom Park
- Harry Todd Park
- Kiwanis Park
- Wards Lake Park
- Springbrook Park
Work usually includes:
- Removing invasive species like blackberries, Scotch broom and English ivy.
- Spreading woodchips below playground equipment.
- Beautifying community garden site.
- Grooming trails and removing litter and other trash left behind.
Volunteer information: All are welcome! To sign up call 253-983-7887 or email [email protected] to help us prepare and to learn what is planned for each site. Volunteers who are not registered are encouraged to still show up at one of the park sites listed to help. Volunteers should arrive at 9 a.m. with gloves, water, outdoor clothing, and sunscreen (and hand pruners if you have them). We work rain or shine, so watch the weather and dress accordingly.
This is a great way to earn community service hours while giving back to the city where you live.
More event information: https://cityoflakewood.us/parks-appreciation/
Youth Leadership Month: Celebrating Lakewood’s Youth Council!
Youth Leadership Month takes place every February. Its main goal is to encourage young people to step into leadership roles and make a difference in their communities. Organizations that support this observation help high school students discover their strengths, learn about career paths, and develop as leaders. Students get the chance to lead in their schools, neighborhoods, and future workplaces. This helps prepare the next generation to give back to their communities. Plus, the experience can be a valuable addition to college and scholarship applications.
Youth Council explores the power of the outdoors: The Lakewood Youth Council is examining how outdoor activities and community service together support individual well-being and community health. This spring, youth will partner with Habitat for Humanity and college volunteers from California State University, San Marcos, to build fences for local families. Through this work, volunteers make a lasting impact, gain practical skills, build relationships, and help strengthen the community. The experience also fosters a sense of belonging and purpose through meaningful service.
Save the Date: Lakewood Youth Council Youth Empowerment Summit
- Theme: You Are Going to Be Okay!
- Format: Choose Your Own Adventure
- Date: Saturday, April 18
- Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Location: Pierce College Lakewood Campus Cascade Bldg. 4th Floor
- Who should come: Students in grades 7-11
- Transportation: Free Pierce County Bus transportation on a dedicated route organized for this event.
Details: Attend this free event and choose Your own adventure. Use your passport to attend 8–12-minute skills drop-in sessions on preparing environmentally conscious meals, relieving stress, setting boundaries and self-advocacy, understanding credit and setting a budget, college, high school and job prep, digital life management, decision making, time management, basic childcare, public speaking and more. Students will also have access to a dynamic keynote speaker, coffee truck, video gaming tables, photo booth, Chick-fil-A lunch, and raffle prizes.
Lakewood’s Promise to Youth
The City of Lakewood is committed to ensuring every child has access to the Five Promises:
- Caring Adults
- Safe Places
- A Healthy Start
- Effective Education
- Opportunities to Help Others
These resources are available at home, in school, and throughout the community, forming the foundation of our collaborative efforts with partner organizations.
Join Us:
The Lakewood Promise Advisory Committee meets on the first Thursday of each month.
Learn More:
To attend or learn more, please contact Shannon Bennett at [email protected].
Connecting Neighbors: Resources and Support at Tillicum Woodbrook Community Center
The Tillicum Woodbrook Community Center offers several resources open to the public. Community center hours are 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Tuesday – Saturday. Available services include:
- Food Bank
- Open Wednesdays 12:30- 3:30 p.m. & Saturdays 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
- Clothing Bank
- Open during business hours
- Senior Meals
- Tuesdays & Thursdays at 12:0 p.m.
- Pet Foodbank
- Second Thursday of each month, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Resource referrals are available during open during business hours only. Please visit www.tillicumwoodbrookcommunitycenter.com for more information.
In-person Support for Victims and Survivors of Domestic Violence
Beginning Feb. 19, advocates from the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center will be available at Lakewood City Hall on the third Thursday of each month, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to provide in-person support for victims and survivors of domestic violence. Services include safety planning, domestic violence education, and referrals to community resources.
For more information, contact the City of Lakewood Legal Department at 253-983-7841. To speak directly with an Advocate, call 253-798-4166.
Join the Lakewood Collaborative Coalition
We invite you to be part of the Lakewood Collaborative Coalition—a monthly gathering of residents, community groups, and partners dedicated to Lakewood’s well-being.
This effort is led by the City of Lakewood with support from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department’s Communities of Focus program. Our coalition is a welcoming space to connect, learn, and work together.
Meeting Details:
- When: Second Wednesday of each month
- Time: 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
- Where: Lakewood City Hall, partner locations, or online via Zoom
Each meeting includes community updates, guest speakers, and small group discussions on collaboration, culture, and action planning. Everyone interested in making Lakewood better is welcome!
Questions?
To attend or learn more, please contact Shannon Bennett at [email protected]
We hope you’ll join us to help build a healthy, connected Lakewood.
Next Week’s City Hall and Community Engagement Events
The Lakewood Planning Commission meets on Wednesday, March 4 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. The Commission assists in preparing the Comprehensive Plan, zoning, and land use related regulations for the City. Attend in person or online: https://cityoflakewood.us/planning-commission/
The Lakewood Promise Advisory Board meets on Thursday, March 5 at 7:30 a.m. at City Hall. The Board develops relationships among residents and businesses and advises the Council the delivery of The Five Promises for Lakewood youth. Attend in person or online: https://cityoflakewood.us/lakewoods-promise-advisory-board/
The Oakbrook Neighborhood Association Planning Meeting is on Thursday, March 5 at 6:00 p.m. at Oakbrook Elementary School. Neighborhood associations play a crucial role in fostering community engagement and improving the quality of life in neighborhoods. More information: https://cityoflakewood.us/neighborhood-connections/
Council Corner
The City Council did not meet the week of Feb. 23
What’s on Deck: The City Council meets Monday, March 2, for a Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m. Tentative agenda items include:
- Proclamation recognizing March 2026 as American Red Cross Month – Larry Bleich
Community Volunteer Leader, American Red Cross – South Puget Sound and Olympics Chapter - Youth Council Report
- Clover Park School District Report – Janet Caldwell, Boardmember
- Authorizing execution of an agreement with CivilAir Engineers, PLLC, in the amount of $950,000, for Downtown Subarea Transportation Feasibility Study
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement with Pacific Rim Talent, in the amount of $52,350, for entertainment at City special events
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement with Cascade Right of Way Services, in the amount of $79,835, for services related to the Mt. Tacoma Project
- Authorizing the award of a construction contract to R.L. Alia Co., in the amount of $1,780,137, for the Custer Road – Bridgeport to 75th Project
- Ordinance amending engineering development regulations, including the Engineering Standards Manual, Lakewood Municipal Code (LMC) Titles 12 and 13, and Chapter 18A.20
How to Attend:
- In person at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW
- 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.
Feb. 17 – Feb. 24, 2026
- Calls for Service: 781 (-4% from prior week)
- Arrests: 40 (+11% from prior week)
- Violent Crime: 23 (-15% from prior week)
- Property Crime: 30 (-40% from prior week)
- Traffic Stops: 121 (-10% from prior week)
- Collisions (reportable): 25 (+92% from prior week)
Road Project Updates*
*Please note the dates listed are tentative and may change due to weather or other conditions.
112th St SW – Gravelly Lake Drive (GLD) to Bridgeport Way (BPW): The City’s contractor continues installing the new surface water drainage system on 112th St SW between 60th and Bridgeport Way (expected to conclude by the end of next week). Electricians continue installing new illumination system conduit and luminaire bases on the south side of the project. Concrete crews have placed approximately 2,000 feet of concrete curb and gutter. Concrete placement is scheduled to continue for the next two weeks throughout the project. 112th St SW between Gravelly Lake Drive and Bridgeport Way SW is closed to thru-traffic (local access only) for the construction of new sidewalks, curb & gutter, paving, storm drainage, and paving on 112th St SW between Gravelly Lake Drive and Bridgeport Way. The closure is anticipated to remain in place until construction activities conclude in early summer 2026. Lakewood Water District continues installing water system upgrades within the project limits.
Nyanza Rd Improvements: The City’s contractor continues working on the concrete splitter islands and other concrete flatwork throughout the project. The portable temporary traffic signals at the north connection of Nyanza and Gravelly Lake Drive are expected to be removed by the end of next week; east-west traffic will be able to utilize the new roundabout while construction continues on Nyanza Rd. New sidewalk installation is expected to be completed by the end of this month, allowing landscape restoration efforts to begin shortly thereafter. Final paving throughout the project is expected to occur late-March to early-April, weather depending. Nyanza Rd is closed to through traffic, with local access available only from the south connection to Gravelly Lake Drive. Nyanza is still closed to all traffic at the north connection to Gravelly Lake Drive. East-west traffic on Gravelly Lake Drive is controlled by a temporary signal system at the north connection with Nyanza Rd.
Steilacoom Boulevard Weller to 87th Ave: All contract work is complete, except for three locations that require additional concrete work. City staff coordinated with private utility agencies to relocate the final three communication poles so the concrete work could be completed. Schedule pending utility contractor availability.
South Tacoma Way – 88th to north city limits: The commissioning of the new signal at 84th and South Tacoma Way has been postponed until Friday, Feb. 27. Once completed, the old system will be removed, new concrete curb ramps will be installed, and minor restoration work will be performed.
Interlaaken/112th/Idlewild: All paving is complete on this project, and the road is open to the public; expect limited lane closures to accommodate remaining minor work. Landscape restoration, minor concrete work, and general site cleanup are ongoing.
Wadsworth/Silcox/Boat Sewer Extension: The City’s contractor is expected to being construction of the new sewer system beginning mid-late April.
Grant Ave/Orchard Sewer Extension: The City’s contractor is expected to begin work on Grant Ave beginning late February – early March (pending materials approval/procurement).
Visit the capital projects webpage for more information. You can also report an issue through the MyLakewood311 app.
Parks and Recreation Updates
The City of Lakewood will host many community events in 2026. Visit the Events page to see what’s coming up!