Happy Independence Day
We wish you a safe and joyful Fourth of July holiday filled with community, connection and appreciation for the freedoms we share. Thank you for being part of what makes Lakewood such a special place to call home!
Please note: Lakewood City Hall, city operations and the front lobby of the Lakewood police station are closed today. Emergency services and police patrols are not impacted by the closure. Regular operations resume Monday, July 7.
Looking for a fun way to celebrate today? Consider attending one of the many free fireworks shows in the area. Check out this list from Visit Tacoma Pierce County of Independence Day festivities across Pierce County.
Fireworks reminders: Fireworks are not allowed in city parks, public rights-of-way, or Clover Park School District property. Legal fireworks are allowed on July 4 only between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Lakewood police will conduct DUI emphasis patrols this weekend, so please celebrate responsibly and designate a sober driver.
American Lake Park beach access is open
Access to the beach at American Lake Park opened this week. The upper section of the park remains closed while the final work is completed on park improvements. We hope to celebrate a full opening of the park later this summer.
Beach visitors can access the beach using a pedestrian walkway. Hug the outside of the retaining wall from the upper parking lot down the hill to the gate to the beach.
A few reminders to help make sure everyone has a good experience in the park:
- The boat launch parking lot is for boat trailer parking only.
- The upper and overflow lots are open.
- If parking lots are full, street parking is available.
- Cars parked in no-parking zones, in front of driveways, mailboxes or otherwise blocking the roadway will be towed.
- Fireworks are not permitted in city parks.
- Alcohol is not permitted in city parks.
We expect this to be a busy weekend. Please help us keep our parks clean by removing garbage and packing out what you bring in.
Steilacoom Boulevard paving begins Monday
Drivers can expect significant backups on Steilacoom Boulevard between 87th Avenue SW and Weller Road SW from July 7-11, 2025 while the city’s contractor paves the road.
All intersections with Steilacoom Boulevard between 87th Ave and Weller Road will have limited access to and from Steilacoom Boulevard. Backups are expected.
Alternate routes are strongly encouraged.
The work is weather dependent. The plan is for all paving to be completed July 7-11. The road will ready for full use by SummerFEST, July 19. Final striping is expected in August.
Milfoil treatment planned for American Lake
On Tuesday, July 8, 2025 Aquatechnex will apply treatment to American Lake to address Eurasian milfoil in the lake.
Crews will be on the water deploying treatment by boat and with hand wands for treatment in some of the smaller, more difficult areas to reach.
Do not use lake water for irrigation purposes for 24 hours after the application. There are no swimming or fishing restrictions tied to the treatment.
SummerFEST is July 19
The biggest event of the South Sound is happening at Fort Steilacoom Park July 19, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
This free family-friendly festival has 30+ food trucks, a beer garden, high-adrenaline Motocross aerial stunts by Octane Addictions, high flying trapeze shows, performances by the Wenatchee Youth Circus, live music all day on the Main Stage, performances from around the world on the Lakewood Sister Cities International Stage, roaming entertainment, skimboarding, a pop-up skate park, car show, pony rides and kids zone and so much more.
New this year Seattle Ballooning is offering tethered balloon rides for $10/adult, $5/child (4-12 years) from 2-7 p.m. SANCA Flying Trapeze is also offering the public a chance to try flying trapeze for $5/swing. This is for people ages 6 and up with a 250-pound weight limit. People will be harnessed and skilled staff will assist.
The grand finale this year won’t feature a drone show, but we will have the hot air balloon glow where the tethered balloons light up against the night sky behind the Main Stage while Gimme Shelter, a Rolling Stones tribute band plays the final show of the night. The International Stage will once again feature Polynesian fire dancers at 8:45 p.m.
Head to Fort Steilacoom Park, 8714 87th Ave SW, for the not-to-be-missed event of the summer! Visit Nearcation.Com/summerfest for the full event schedule, event map and parking details. Parking is free on site. Carpooling is encouraged and free shuttles will run all day from nearby Pierce College.
Summer fun continues in Lakewood
Head to The Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park every Tuesday for the Lakewood Farmers Market and our summer concert series.
Next week is our last summer concert and Lakewood Farmers Market before we take a two week pause to prepare for, and recover from, SummerFEST. (No market or concerts on July 15 and July 22).
Head to the Pavilion July 8 to see Candy Shoppe take the stage at 6:30 p.m.
Swing by the Lakewood Farmers Market first for food, sweet treats, drinks, fresh produce and local items. The market runs Tuesdays from 2-7 p.m. See what vendors are there.
Make sure to visit our Facebook page each week to check out our summer concert photos.
Now accepting: 2026 Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Map and Development Regulations applications
The application period is now open for requests to change the text of the city’s Comprehensive Plan and development regulations, as well as applications to rezone property. This only happens once a year. Applications can only be submitted through the city’s online permit system.
The application period is July 1-31, 2025. Use the links to find your specific amendment:
Visit our Online Permit Center for more information, email [email protected], or call 253-512-2261.
Pierce Transit seeks feedback on its long-range plan
Over the next 20 years, Pierce County’s population will grow, new technologies will change how and why people travel, and the funding to deliver robust transit service will continue to be a challenge. To address and prepare for these changes and lay the foundation for the community’s future mobility and success, Pierce Transit is drafting its Long Range Plan, called Destination 2045.
An updated draft of the plan is accepting public comments through Aug. 1. Take a moment to look over the presented options and offer comments at PierceTransit.org/LongRangePlans.
Council Corner: What’s on Deck
The Lakewood City Council meets Monday, July 7 at 7 p.m. for a regular meeting. Tentative agenda items include:
- Authorizing lodging tax funding allocation, the amount of $9,000, for Sister City Gimhae K-pop concert
- Authorizing the execution of an amendment to the agreement with Greater Lakes Mental Healthcare for mental healthcare professionals
- Approving the 2026 South Sound Housing Affordability Partners (SSHA3P) budget allocation
- Authorizing the execution of an amendment to the HOME Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan Program (HOME ARP) Subrecipient Agreement
- Authorizing the execution of interlocal agreement with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services for the community partnership and police protection programs
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 call summary June 24-July 1, 2025
- Calls for Service: 803 (down 3% from prior week)
- Arrests: 43 (up 13% from prior week)
- Violent Crime: 21 (down 19% from prior week)
- Property Crime: 49 (down 6% from prior week)
- Traffic Stops: 77 (down 46% from prior week)
- Collisions (reportable): 19 (up 12% from prior week)
Community Events
Lakewood Playhouse final show of 86th season
There are only two weeks to go before the Lakewood Playhouse offers its final production of its 86th season. It’s final performance is “The Spitfire Grill.”
The Spitfire Grill is a celebration of human kindness, set to a melodic folk inspired score.
Performances run July 11-27 with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. There is also a Pay What You Can/Industry Night performance on Sunday, July 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Call the Box Office at (253) 588-0042 orvisit the website to book online.
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.
Meetings:
- Downtown Neighborhood Association
- Meeting Dates: Aug. 13, Oct. 8, Nov. 15
- Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Location: Interim Lakewood Library, 10202 Gravelly Lake Dr. SW
- Fort Steilacoom Neighborhood Association
- Meeting Dates: Sept. 16, Oct. 21, Nov. 18
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: The Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park, 9107 Angle Lane SW
- 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]
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: Crews completed grinding this week. The final pave is scheduled for July 7-11, 2025 (weather dependent). Expect significant traffic impacts/delays with varying traffic control setups effecting all directions of travel on both Steilacoom Boulevard and all intersecting cross streets from 87th Ave to Weller Rd. Final channelization/roadway striping is expected to occur in August. Crews are restoring behind sidewalks and communication companies are continuing their arial line relocations.
Rose Road Sanitary Sewer Project: Sewer work continues on Fern St. The current construction schedule reflects paving of the entire project area mid- to late-July.
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 contractor poured new concrete curb and gutter on the east side of South Tacoma Way and continues placing new cement concrete sidewalks, driveways and other concrete ADA improvements. Electrical construction continues with light pole foundations on the east side. The landscaping contractor completed work on the west side and is progressing on the east side.
Pierce County Bridgeport Way sewer repair: Pierce County’s contractor continues its bypass work on Bridgeport Way. Drivers can expect backups during this work due to reduced speeds and lane reductions. A police officer will direct traffic during the day. At night and on the weekends there will be a 4-way stop with stop signs. For safety, the speed limit was reduced to 20 mph. The sidewalk on the east (northbound) side of Bridgeport is closed. The southbound bus stop on Bridgeport at Meadow Park Road West is temporarily closed as well. Visit PierceTransit.org for up-to-date bus route information. For more information about this sewer construction project, visit www.PierceCountyWa.gov/BridgeportRepair
Park project updates
American Lake Park: Work continues to complete the final development details including landscaping, irrigation and handrails. Beach access opened July 3 and will remain open. The upper park remains closed while the final items are complete.
Legacy Plan Update 2026: The city is updating its Parks Legacy Plan. Visit the Legacy Plan webpage to stay up to date or attend an outreach event. Your voice will help shape the future of Lakewood’s open spaces, parks, and recreation programming. Look for us at the Lakewood Farmer’s Market July 8 or Aug. 19 to learn more and share your thoughts. Email Capital Projects Manager David de la Cruz with questions or to request a presentation for your organization in the summer and early fall.
Nisqually Trail partnership project: This project will build stops along an approximately one-mile trail within Ft. Steilacoom Park to highlight the Nisqually Tribe’s past, present and future and their connection to the prairie lands at the park. The installation of several interpretive elements of this project will occur this winter. Tile mosaic artwork will be installed on two existing kiosks in the park end of this summer or early fall.
Harry Todd Improvements: Pickleball Courts are slated for completion by the end of July. Please help us protect the surrounding lawn that is still being established by staying off the grass.
Park Sign Replacement: New signs will be installed before the end of the summer. Active Park is the first to receive the new sign – check it out!
Primely Park Playground Replacement: The new playground is open to the public, additional ADA parking stall and pathway are coming soon.
Westlake Ave Street End Pilot Project: Permitting and design are underway with the goal to start construction in 2026.
Oakbrook Park Improvements: Design and permitting for a shelter and perimeter pathway is underway. We anticipate construction to start before the end of the year.
Wards Lake Park: Progress continues with new playgrounds, the south parking lot and bridge construction. Future work in the coming weeks includes site fencing, work on the new 1.5 acre off-leash dog park, and the new south parking lot park entry off 25th Ave S.