City Council approves City Manager contract
As part of its regular meeting the Lakewood City Council approved an employment contract with Doug Russell to be the next City Manager of Lakewood.
Russell’s first day with the city will be Aug. 25, 2025. Russell is moving to the area from Montana, where he serves as City Manager of Kalispell.
Before approving the employment agreement, the City Council discussed the contract, the performance evaluation process and its eagerness to welcome Russell to the city.
When can I use fireworks in Lakewood?
With the Fourth of July around the corner, we want to remind all residents about the laws around firework discharge in Lakewood.
Legal fireworks can only be discharged in city limits on July 4 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fireworks cannot be discharged on any school grounds or park within the city, or on any city property or public rights-of-way.
Residents who wish to report a violation of the city’s fireworks regulations should go to www.fireworksreport.com. The site will be live to take fireworks complaints from 6 a.m. on June 28 through 6 a.m. on July 5. Call 911 if there’s a medical emergency, injury or active fire. Any complaints before June 28 at 6 a.m. or after July 5 at 6 a.m. should be directed to South Sound 911 non-emergency line 253-287-4455.
As a reminder, violating the Lakewood fireworks law could lead to a $75 fine.
Permissible consumer fireworks within the City of Lakewood can be found here, which is based on Washington State law. Illegal fireworks are listed here on page 2.
If there is a code enforcement issue or concern related to fireworks, such as tall grass or improper sales, please contact: West Pierce Fire & Rescue by calling 253-983-4583.
Leave the fireworks to the professionals. Instead of lighting fireworks in your neighborhood 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.
Desserts on the Driveway: Tuesday in Dower Elementary Area
Do you live in the neighborhood around Dower Elementary School? Do you have questions for the Lakewood City Council? Head to our Desserts on the Driveway event Tuesday!
We’ll be at LASA June 24 at 6:30 p.m. ready to meet with neighbors and talk about matters of interest to the community. LASA is located at 8956 Gravelly Lake Dr SW.
Desserts on the Driveway is an innovative initiative connecting Lakewood 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.
Save the date: Our next Desserts on the Driveway event is July 17 at Springbrook Park. This event is for residents who live in Springbrook.
Summer is in full swing at Fort Steilacoom Park
Between the Lakewood Farmers Market and our Summer Nights at the Pavilion summer concert series, Fort Steilacoom Park is the place to be on Tuesdays!
Head to The Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park every Tuesday between now and Aug. 19 for our summer concert series. We kicked off the fun this week with Rebel Canyon. Check out the photos on our Facebook page. Concerts run 6:30-8 p.m. Next week Baking with Julia performs classic rock – you don’t want to miss it!
Swing by the Lakewood Farmers Market before heading over to the Pavilion lawn to find food, sweet treats, drinks, fresh produce and local items. The market runs every Tuesday from 2-7 p.m. See what vendors are there.
Council Corner: June 16, 2025 meeting recap
Proclamation recognizing Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Mary Dodsworth. The Lakewood City Council presented a proclamation to Mary Dodsworth recognizing her 24 years of service to the city of Lakewood. Dodsworth retired June 13, 2025.
Proclamation recognizing June as Ride Transit month. The City Council presented a proclamation to Pierce Transit recognizing June as Ride Transit Month. In 2024, Pierce Transit provided almost 6.8 million passenger trips by bus, 308,021 SHUTTLE trips, 362,661 Rideshare trips, and 52,379 Runner trips in Pierce County. Of the bus trips, 1 million were free rides to youth 18 years and younger.
The City Council acted on the following:
- Authorized the execution of an agreement with Keller Associates, in the amount of $198,700, to assist in updating the Lakewood Municipal Code Title 12 and the Engineering Standards Manual.
- Authorized the award of a construction contract to Ceccanti, Inc., in the amount of $5,760,819.09, for the Nyanza Road – Gravelly Lake Drive (south) to Gravelly Lake Drive (north) Project.
- Authorized the award of a construction contract to Sound Pacific Construction, LLC, in the amount of $3,201,150.00, for the Interlaaken/112th/Idlewild – Washington Blvd to Idlewild Elementary Project.
- Authorized execution of an agreement with Fence Specialists, in the amount of $98,814.75, for fencing for dog park at Fort Steilacoom Park.
- Appointed Doug Russell as City Manager and authorizing the execution of an Employment Agreement with Doug Russell. His first day with the city of Lakewood is Aug. 25, 2025.
During its study session the City Council:
Held a joint Lakewood’s Promise Advisory Board meeting to review 2024 accomplishments and look ahead at the 2025 work plan.
Received an update on the state legislative session from the city’s government relations firm that included an overview of the 2025 session, a look at the city’s 2025 legislative priorities and next steps to prepare for the 2026 session that begins Jan. 12.
Reviewed the 1st quarter financial report. The financial report offered an overview of activity in all city funds through March 31, 2025. Additionally, performance measures and other data reporting are included at the end of this report.
Watch the meeting.
What’s on Deck. The Lakewood City Council meets Monday, July 7 at 7 p.m. for a regular meeting. Tentative agenda items include:
- Business Showcase: Children’s Trading Post
- Authorizing the execution of an interlocal agreement with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services for the community partnership and police protection programs (tentative)
- Approving the Lodging Tax funding allocation
- Resolution approving a Conditional Certificate for Alliance Residential 12-year property multifamily tax exemption (MFTE)
- Resolution approving a Conditional Certificate for Springbrook II 12-year property multifamily tax exemption (MFTE)
- Resolution amending the City of Lakewood’s purchasing policies (tentative)
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.
The weekly police summary for June 10-17, 2025 will be shared next week, alongside the summary from June 17-24, 2025.
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
- Facebook: Downtown Lakewood Neighborhood Association | Facebook
- Fort Steilacoom Neighborhood Association
- Meeting Dates: June 25, Sept. 16, Oct. 21, Nov. 18
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: The Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park, 9107 Angle Lane SW
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/921496959928160
- 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
TRAFFIC IMPACT OF THE WEEK: Steilacoom Boulevard. On Monday, June 23 drivers can expect significant delays at the intersection with Steilacoom Boulevard and 87th Avenue SW. It will be open, but drivers should avoid the intersection if possible to reduce delays.
Steilacoom Boulevard Weller to 87th Ave: Crews completed the sidewalk except for a few panels that will be completed once utility relocation is finalized. Pre-level paving activities are planned next week and the final pave is scheduled for the week of July 7. Electricians continue installing various traffic signal and pedestrian/traffic illumination system components.
Rose Road Sanitary Sewer Project: Sewer work began on Fern St. An informational flyer will be provided to residents affected by the sewer extension later this summer with information regarding mandatory hookups. The current construction schedule reflects paving of the entire project area mid-late July.
South Tacoma Way Overlay 96th to Steilacoom Blvd.: Project is substantially complete. Thank you for your patience.
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: Stormwater conveyance is complete. The contractor is prepping for new concrete curb and gutter on the east side of South Tacoma Way. Electrical construction continues with light pole foundations on the east side. The landscaping contractor is nearing completion on the west side.
Pierce County Bridgeport Way sewer repair: Work on Bridgeport Way moved from University Place to Lakewood as Pierce County’s contractor continues its bypass work. Work will occur Monday through Friday for 10 to 12 hours every day. Initial work will have lane restrictions at Brideport Way and Meadow Park – one lane in each direction – 24/7 for three weeks. Drivers can expect backups during this time. 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 will be closed during this time. The southbound bus stop on Bridgeport at Meadow Park Road West will be 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: The new park entry plaza concrete is 95 percent complete. Work continues on landscaping, fencing, irrigation and handrails. We anticipate opening the park in July.
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 June 24, 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 group.
Nisqually Trail partnership project: This project will build stops along an approximately one-mile trail within Fort Steilacoom Park to highlight the Nisqually Tribe’s past, present and future and its 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 before the end of the summer.
Park Sign Replacement: New signs will be installed before the end of the summer.
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: Research and exploration of the site and preliminary planning and design are underway to support future permitting 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. The bridge is anticipated to be installed June 24.