Celebrating Art and Connection at Lakewood’s MLK Beloved Community Art Show
The City of Lakewood was pleased to welcome local artists and community members to the MLK Beloved Community Art Show on March 2 at City Hall.
We appreciate the artists who shared their creativity and vision with everyone that night. The event showed how art brings people together to honor creativity, celebrate diverse stories, and build a stronger sense of belonging.
“On behalf of the City of Lakewood Arts Commission, we would like to thank all of the amazing artists who graciously shared their beautiful creations for the MLK Beloved Community art exhibit,” said Sylvi Estrella, Lakewood Arts Commission member. “We continue to be impressed with the vast artistic talent with whom we’ve been privileged to partner. More to come Lakewood!”
The event is part of a public art program, which lets artists display their work at City Hall and be recognized at community receptions throughout the year.
Read about the artists and see their work, visit the City’s website at https://cityoflakewood.us/art/
Sandra Bocas, Valencia Carroll, Shalom Aburu, Edimbo Lekea, Kcie Monk, TyResha Jones-Smith, Rodney King.
City Council Recognizes Red Cross Month and Its Dedicated Local Volunteers
At its March 2 meeting, the Lakewood City Council declared March 2026 as American Red Cross Month to honor the organization’s long history of helping communities in need.
In Lakewood, the American Red Cross is a trusted support system. Local volunteers help during disasters, organize blood drives, and offer comfort when people need it most.
The Red Cross is always there for military members, veterans, and their families. People in Lakewood can also take health and safety classes like CPR, First Aid, and water safety throughout the year.
By making this proclamation, the City Council thanks the South Puget Sound and Olympics Chapter of the American Red Cross for all it has done to support Lakewood’s well-being and strength.
For more than 100 years, the American Red Cross has helped people get ready for and respond to emergencies, big or small. Whether it’s a house fire or a major disaster, their volunteers and staff are often the first to help.
Lakewood’s Free Spring Community Cleanup is Almost Here!
Bring trash, junk and recyclables to the Lakewood Transfer Station for the city’s Spring Community Cleanup!
When:
- Saturday, March 28 & Sunday, March 29
- 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., both days
- Last vehicle admitted at 1:45 p.m. each day
This event is free for Lakewood residents only. A utility bill or ID is required to show proof of residence. Participants should be prepared to:
- Wear proper footwear.
- Back up a steep ramp
- Unload all items yourself
- Bag all loose items
Additional rules:
- 5-minute limit to unload items
- No box vans or vehicles taller than 7 feet
- Trailers over 4-feet by 8-feet prohibited
- Unsafe vehicles may be cited
Accepted items:
- Tires (removed from rims)
- Bicycles
- Furniture
- Grills
- Appliances (no refrigerators)
- Recyclables
- Bagged garbage
Not accepted:
- Commercial waste
- Refrigerators
- Loose items
- Paint/hazardous materials
- Yard waste
- Construction waste
- Lumber longer than 8 feet
- Concrete
- Auto parts
- Explosive materials
- Propane tanks
- Electronics
- Donations
- Mattresses
Senior Activity Center Celebrates Friendship in Full Color
The Lakewood Senior Activity Center held a Tie Dye Friendship Party on Thursday, February 12. Everyone wore their favorite tie-dye t-shirts and had a great time connecting over food and games – all the fun but without any mess!
This month, the Senior Activity Center is hosting a Pot of Gold Glam party for St. Patrick’s Day. Come by on Friday, March 13, wear your brightest gold or boldest green, and enjoy mocktails, sparkling treats, and plenty of chances for great photos.
Visit the Senior Activity Center webpage for more information https://cityoflakewood.us/parks-and-recreation/senior-activity-center/
Community Partner Events and Happenings
Next Week’s City Hall and Community Engagement Events
The Lakewood Arts Commission meets Monday, March 9 at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall. The Commission assesses needs, establishes priorities and makes recommendations for the enrichment of the community and promotion of its cultural vitality through the arts. Attend in person or online: https://cityoflakewood.us/lakewood-arts-commission/
The Tillicum/Woodbrook Neighborhood Association meets on Tuesday, March 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Tillicum-American Lake Gardens Community Center. Agenda highlights: Tillicum Elementary Principal Jason Hill; Officer Tenney from the Lakewood Police Department; and Jeff Gumm discussing Lakewood’s abatement process. More information: https://cityoflakewood.us/neighborhood-connections/
The Downtown Neighborhood Association meets on Wednesday, March 11 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. Agenda highlights: Pierce County Councilmember Jani Hitchen will speak about the JUST Fund, how the County and City work together, and services available for veterans, seniors, and youth. More information: https://cityoflakewood.us/neighborhood-connections/
The Lake City Neighborhood Association meets on Thursday, March 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake City Fire Station (8517 Washington Boulevard). Guest Speaker: Becky Newton, Economic Development Manager for the City of Lakewood. More information: https://cityoflakewood.us/neighborhood-connections/
Join Us for the Mayor’s Community Coffeehouse: April 1 at The Pavilion
Lakewood residents are invited to the Mayor’s Community Coffeehouse on Wednesday, April 1, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at The Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park.
Come meet Mayor Bocchi and guests for a presentation celebrating the City’s 30th Anniversary. You’ll hear about the special events and activities the City has planned for this year, and you’ll take a look back at Lakewood’s history and important milestones as we honor the community spirit that has shaped our city over the last 30 years.
We’ll have light snacks and refreshments.
The event takes place at The Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park, 9107 Angle Lane. Look for the tan building with an outdoor stage near the barns. We’ll meet inside the climate-controlled facility. Parking is available but limited next to the building, and more parking is nearby.
We hope you’ll join us for good conversation, a chance to connect with neighbors, and a closer look at Lakewood’s story.
Notice of Public Hearing and Opportunity for Public Comment
The City of Lakewood and Washington Department of Ecology are seeking public comments on one proposed 2026 locally initiated amendment to the City’s Shoreline Master Program (SMP).
The update is strictly limited to the proposed redesignation of parcel 3085002170 from Shoreline Residential to Urban Park and does not amend any other text of the SMP.
The joint local-state public comment period will run from March 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. A joint local-state public hearing is set for March 18 at 6:30 p.m. and can be attended in person at Lakewood City Hall or via ZOOM.
Send comments to Tiffany Speir at [email protected]. Comments sent to the City will be forwarded to the Department of Ecology.
Proposed amendments to the City SMP are available for review at https://cityoflakewood.us/smp/ and at the Lakewood Planning & Public Works Department, 6000 Main St SW, Lakewood, WA 98499.
- Hearing Date: March 18, 2026
- Time: 6:30 PM
- 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 March 13, 2026, at https://cityoflakewood.us/planning-commission/ For further information, please contact Tiffany Speir, Planning Division Manager, at [email protected].
Council Corner
The City Council met on Monday, March 2 for a Regular Meeting and Study Session. You can watch or listen to the meeting below.
What’s on Deck: The City Council meets Monday, March 9, for a Study Session at 7:00 p.m. Tentative agenda items include:
- Review of franchise agreement with NFC Northwest, LLC
- Lakewood Station Access Improvements Update (Kendrick Street 30% Design)
- Overview of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan
- Review of Natural Environment and Climate Change (NECC) Advisory Board
- Review of Ordinance enacting an additional sales and use tax of one-tenth of one percent for criminal justice purposes
- Review of franchise agreement with Ziply Fiber Pacific, LLC
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. 24 – March 3, 2026
- Calls for Service: 804 (+3% from prior week)
- Arrests: 47 (+18% from prior week)
- Violent Crime: 18 (-28% from prior week)
- Property Crime: 42 (+11% from prior week)
- Traffic Stops: 82 (-32% from prior week)
- Collisions (reportable): 19 (-24% from prior week)
Road Project Updates*
*Please note the dates listed are tentative and may change due to weather or other conditions.
Finishing Up Construction
- Steilacoom Boulevard Weller to 87th Ave: Final utility relocation is scheduled for late next week or early the following week. All contract work is complete except for three locations needing additional concrete work. After relocation, the contractor will schedule the final concrete pours.
- South Tacoma Way – 88th to the north city limits: The new signal at 84th and South Tacoma Way was activated on Friday, February 27. Demolition of the remaining signal infrastructure will be completed next week. After demolition, the contractor will schedule the final concrete pours and begin final cleanup.
- Interlaaken/112th/Idlewild: All paving is complete and the road is open to the public. Limited lane closures may occur for remaining minor work. Landscape restoration, minor concrete work, and site cleanup are ongoing.
Active Closures
- Nyanza Rd Improvements: The contractor will complete the remaining sidewalk pours when weather permits. Paving of the final base lift on the south side of the roundabout is tentatively set for Tuesday, March 10, but may be delayed by weather. After paving, several days will be needed to adjust utility castings before reopening the roundabout and Nyanza. Striping, restoration behind the sidewalk, mailboxes, and street lighting will follow once the roadway is open. Lane closures will be necessary for much of this work. The entire roadway will be closed at night for striping for at least three weeks after the final paving lift.
- 112th St SW – Gravelly Lake Drive to Bridgeport Way: Stormwater, electrical, and water main work was completed this week. The sidewalk at the east end has been poured, and grading of the curb, sidewalk, and roadway continues. The curb on the western portion is scheduled to be poured next week, weather permitting. Crews will proceed as quickly as conditions allow. Paving is tentatively planned for late March or early April, depending on weather.
Upcoming Construction
- Wadsworth/Silcox/Boat Sewer Extension: Construction of the new sewer system is scheduled to begin in June 2026 and will require full closures of these local access streets.
- Grant Ave/Orchard Sewer Extension: The City’s contractor will begin work on Grant Ave in late April 2026. Grant and Orchard will be fully closed to through traffic during construction.
- 112th Street – Farwest to Holden: Construction will begin June 11, after the Clover Park School District 2025-26 school year ends. Most traffic-related work will be completed during the summer break.
- Custer Road – Bridgeport to 75th: This project will begin August 1 and require a full closure for about 60 days to remove pavement, install utilities, widen the road for a new two-way left-turn lane, and add curbs and sidewalks. Paving will follow. Striping will be completed during a separate closure in October. A detour using Bridgeport Way and 75th will be provided.
- 112th – South Tacoma Way to Steele Street: Resurfacing along 112th Street between South Tacoma Way and Steele Street is scheduled for early summer 2026. Most work will require full night-time closures of 112th Street for about one week.
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!