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.

We have updated the topic since last week’s announcement. Join Mayor Bocchi and guests for a presentation on the Lakewood Parks Legacy Plan. City leaders will talk about what they learned from community outreach and survey results as they work to update the plan. The Legacy Plan explains the City’s parks, open spaces, and recreation system, and it guides elected officials, City staff, community members, and anyone interested in our parks and open spaces.

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 a conversation and a chance to connect with neighbors and City leaders in April.

Come Celebrate the Grand Opening of the Newly Renovated Wards Lake Park!

The grand opening is an exciting milestone, a tribute to the Lakewood community, and a showcase of the amenities now available to explore. After years of planning, restoration, and community-driven investment, Wards Lake Park has become a vibrant, accessible, and adventure-ready destination for all ages.

Event Details

• Saturday, April 25, 2026
• Noon – 2:00 p.m.
• 2716 84th St Ct S, Lakewood, WA 98499

Event Highlights

Join your neighbors for an afternoon of fun, free, and low-cost activities!

• Free bike raffle
• Mountain bike course hosted by the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance
• Bicycle training course led by the Lakewood Police Department
• Low‑cost helmets provided by West Pierce Fire and Rescue
• Free hot dogs courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of Lakewood
• City free programs and pop‑ups, including:
  • Skateboard Pop‑Up
  • Art Walk
  • Dog Adoption Event

More information: https://cityoflakewood.us/wards-grand-opening/

A Park Reimagined: What’s New

Trails and Shoreline Restoration
Over a mile of trails was improved and developed at the 38-acre park, including a multi-use paved loop trail with a bridge over Wards Lake and a bird blind for wildlife viewing. More than 10 acres of invasive plants were removed, and native plantings were installed, including 700 feet of shoreline restoration around the lake.

Accessible and Expanded Parking
Parking and access at the main entrance off 84th Street were improved and expanded. Accessible parking was added to support the dog park off 88th Street, along with new neighborhood access and parking on 25th Ave S. The north areas of the park now feature a replacement and expansion of the existing play area and picnic shelter, a Portland Loo with public art to replace the restroom, an entry plaza, and a concrete pump track.

New Playground and Recreation Opportunities
A second playground was added at the south end of the site, along with a dog park, a 3.5-acre bike trail system, and a skills area. Enhanced open spaces, fencing, signage, and site furnishings complement the new and improved recreation opportunities.

This celebration reflects the city’s commitment to fostering safe recreation, building community connections, and expanding opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors. Together, we’re building parks and shared spaces that reflect Lakewood’s pride, resilience, and community spirit.

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/

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! This event is free for Lakewood residents only. A utility bill or ID is required to show proof of residence.

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

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

Keeping Lakewood Healthy: Spongy Moth Eradication Efforts Planned for the Spring

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) continues planning for proposed spongy moth treatments in Lakewood this spring.

Residents and businesses near proposed treatment areas should be on the lookout for a postcard in their mailbox. Residents can visit WSDA’s 2026 eradication webpage to view maps and search if they are in, near, or outside of a proposed treatment area. Residents can also sign up to receive treatment alerts by call or text.

The area will be treated with Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, or Btk, a naturally occurring soil bacteria commonly used in organic agriculture and gardens for caterpillar control with an excellent safety record for bees, birds, fish, pets, and people.

WSDA released a short overview video of the proposed spongy moth treatment plans. Please watch and share it online with your community.

Community Partner Events and Happenings

Upcoming City Hall and Community Engagement Events

Join the Custer Neighborhood Association Planning meeting on Tuesday, March 17 at 6:00 p.m. at Dower 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/

The Lakewood Civil Service Commission meets Wednesday, March 18 at 9:30 a.m. Participants may attend online or at Lakewood City Hall. The commission follows Washington state law to select, hire, demote or promote police officers. Attend online or in person. Meeting details available in our link in bio/on our webpage: https://cityoflakewood.us/civil-service-commission/

The Lakewood Planning Commission meets on Wednesday, March 18 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 Community Services Advisory Board meets Thursday, March 19 at 5:30 p.m. The Board holds public hearings to identify community and housing needs. They then make recommendations to the City Council. Attend online or in person. Meeting details are available in our link in bio/on our website: https://cityoflakewood.us/community-services-advisory-board-2/

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 9 for a Study Session. You can watch or listen to the meeting below.

What’s on Deck: The City Council meets Monday, March 16, for a Regular Meeting and Study Session at 6:00 p.m. Tentative agenda items include:

• March 16, 2026, Regular Meeting and Study Session, 6:00 P.M.
• Business Showcase – Lakewood Auto Body, Andy Mueller
• Authorizing the execution of an agreement with SCJ Alliance, in the amount of $100,000, for the Camp Murray Boat Launch Master Plan
• Amending the 2026 Planning Commission Work Plan
• Ordinance granting Ziply Fiber Pacific, LLC DBA Ziply Fiber, a non-exclusive franchise for the transmission of telecommunications in, through, over and under the rights-of-way of the City of Lakewood
• Ordinance granting NFC Northwest, LLC, a non-exclusive franchise agreement for the transmission of telecommunications in, through, over and under the rights-of-way of the City of Lakewood
• Items for Discussion – H-Barn Restoration Project Update
• Items for Discussion Review of FY 2026 Annual Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Programs
• Items for Discussion – Review of amendments to Lakewood Municipal Code Chapter 5.60 related to Rental Housing Licensing
• Items for Discussion – Review of Resolution updating the City’s Purchasing Policies

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.

March 3 – March 10, 2026

• Calls for Service: 822 (+2% from prior week)
• Arrests: 32 (-33% from prior week)
• Violent Crime: 18 (-5% from prior week)
• Property Crime: 20 (-53% from prior week)
• Traffic Stops: 99 (+21% from prior week)
• Collisions (reportable): 17 (-11% from prior week)

Road Project Updates*

*Please note the dates listed are tentative and may change due to weather or other conditions.

Active Projects: Update March 12 – 19, 2026

112th Street SW – Gravelly Lake Drive to Bridgeport Way

Lakewood Water has completed its work for this period. The City’s contractor is grading the roadway for curbs, sidewalks, and paving. Curb and sidewalk installation will proceed as weather allows. The contractor’s three-week schedule is available here: 3-Week Look Ahead.

The total project cost is estimated at $3.5 million, fully funded by the Sound Transit Lakewood Station Access Improvement project. Planned improvements include sidewalks, bike lanes, storm drainage, street lighting, and a reconstructed roadway.

The contractor began work on January 20, 2026, closing the roadway to through traffic to allow for complete removal and replacement. Substantial completion is expected by May 2026.

Nyanza Road

Both lanes of Gravelly Lake Drive north of Nyanza are now open, and portable traffic signals have been removed. The base layer of asphalt is complete. The contractor will return to apply the top layer once weather and temperatures permit. Afterward, a few days will be needed to adjust utility castings.

Nyanza Road remains closed to through traffic. The contractor will address punch list items in this section during inclement weather. Residents are encouraged to use caution when driving through the work zone.

In spring 2025, the Lakewood City Council approved a $4.3 million construction contract for road safety improvements on Nyanza Road SW.

Improvements include:

• Curb and gutter
• Sidewalks
• Stormwater infrastructure, replacing outdated systems to improve stormwater runoff quality
• Asphalt paving
• Concrete pole streetlights
• New Lakewood Water District water main (collaborative project with LWD)

Construction is anticipated to begin in July and continue through winter 2025. Lane closures will be in place, and Nyanza Road will be a one-lane road northbound – heading away from its intersection with the roundabout at Gravelly Lake Drive toward its other intersection with Gravelly Lake Drive. Drivers should expect backups, especially during morning and afternoon commute hours. Plan accordingly and use alternate routes where possible.

Questions? Contact Design Engineer JB Hur at 253-983-7845 or email [email protected]

Interlaaken Dr. /112th St. /Idlewild Dr.

The contractor is addressing punch list items and restoring areas behind the sidewalk. Please use caution when traveling through the work zone. Striping will occur when weather allows, and the roadway will be closed during this process to prevent damage from tracking plastic striping material. The material requires 30-40 minutes to set at current temperatures.

This spring, the Lakewood City Council approved a construction contract for major improvements to Interlaaken Drive between Washington Boulevard and 112th Street.

Additional improvements will be made to 112th Street between Interlaaken Drive and Idlewild Drive, and to Idlewild Drive from 112th Street to Idlewild Elementary School. The total project cost is estimated at $3 million.

Improvements include:

• Curb and gutter
• Sidewalks
• Stormwater improvements to replace aging infrastructure and enhance storm runoff water quality
• Asphalt paving
• Aluminum streetlights

While the road is under construction, the Lakewood Water District will also use this opportunity to replace its water main on Interlaaken Drive.

Lane closures are expected in July 2025. Construction will continue through winter 2025. Interlaaken Drive through the construction zone will be closed, allowing local access only for residents who live on the stretch of road under construction. 112th Street and Idlewild will be one-way only through the construction zone heading west, then expand to two-way traffic outside the construction area. Alternate routes include 83rd Ave. SW. Drivers should expect backups, especially during the morning and afternoon commute hours, and plan to use alternate routes when possible.

Questions? Contact Design Engineer JB Hur at 253-983-7845 or [email protected]

Recently Completed Projects

Steilacoom Blvd

Utility poles are being cleared, and the contractor is expected to return once the weather permits to pour the final sidewalk sections. This project added sidewalks, curb and gutter, street lighting, and four new traffic signals along Steilacoom Boulevard between 87th Avenue and Weller Road. A new road surface was also completed. This project created the missing link in non-motorized transportation between Fort Steilacoom Park and the recently completed Steilacoom Boulevard corridor, connecting to the city’s downtown Business District and Lakewood Towne Center.

South Tacoma Way – 88th to 80th

This project added curbs, sidewalks, and bike lanes along South Tacoma Way between 88th and 80th. It completes the final non-motorized improvement section along the Pacific Highway/South Tacoma Way corridor, connecting the Ponders neighborhood to the City of Tacoma. A new traffic signal at 84th and corridor-wide street lighting were also installed.

South Tacoma Way – 96th to Steilacoom

Two separate projects were combined on this segment of South Tacoma Way to resurface the roadway, install a traffic signal, and upgrade pedestrian access at the intersection of 92nd and South Tacoma Way.

Rose/Forest/Fern Sewer Extension

Partially funded by Pierce County ARPA, this project extended sanitary sewer service along Rose Road, Forest Street, and Fern Street in the Tillicum neighborhood. The roadways were repaved.

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!