Asian Pacific Cultural Center Honored for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
In May, the Lakewood City Council invites the community to take a moment to recognize and celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. This annual observance honors the many contributions AANHPI individuals have made to our city, past and present.
Lakewood has deep roots with AANHPI communities, from early immigrant families to those who came to the area alongside service members at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Today, these communities make up nearly 12% of the city’s population and play a vital role in shaping Lakewood through leadership in public service, education, business, science and the arts.
The City encourages residents to explore and celebrate the diverse cultures and traditions that enrich our community. A great place to start is the Asia Pacific Cultural Center, which brings people together through art, education and cultural programs for all ages.
Lakewood City Council Proclaims May 3–9, 2026 as Water Week
The Lakewood City Council recognizes May 3 – 9, 2026 as Drinking Water Week, a time to highlight how essential safe, reliable water is to everyday life. From drinking and cooking to hygiene and fire protection, clean tap water plays a critical role in keeping our community healthy and thriving.
This week also recognizes the people behind the scenes engineers, operators and crews who work every day to ensure Lakewood’s water is safe and dependable from source to tap. Their efforts support public health our local economy, and overall quality of life.
Residents are encouraged to take part by learning more about where their water comes from, helping protect local water sources and practicing simple conservation habits. This shared responsibility helps ensure this vital resource is available for generations to come.
Lakewood City Council Proclaims Week of May 15, 2026 as Police Week
The Lakewood City Council recognizes May 11 – 16, 2026 as National Police Week, a time to honor the men and women who serve in law enforcement and work every day to keep our community safe. In Lakewood, that includes the dedicated members of the Lakewood Police Department who serve with professionalism and commitment.
Nationally, more than 750,000 sworn officers serve communities across the country, often putting themselves in harm’s way. This week is also a time to remember those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, including four Lakewood officers in 2009. Their service and sacrifice continue to be felt and remembered.
Lakewood City Council Proclaims May 17–23, 2026 as Public Works Week
The Lakewood City Council recognizes May 17 – 23, 2026 as Public Works Week, a time to highlight the essential services that keep our city running every day. From maintaining roads and public buildings to managing water systems and waste services, public works professionals play a key role in supporting a safe, healthy and livable community.
These behind-the-scenes efforts are carried out by a wide range of dedicated professionals, engineers, managers and crews who work to build, maintain and improve the infrastructure residents rely on. Their work helps ensure Lakewood remains resilient, sustainable and prepared for the future.
Residents are encouraged to learn more about the impact of public works and recognize the people who help maintain the city’s quality of life.
Reel in the Fun: Youth Fishing Event Coming Soon
Save the date for a fun-filled morning at the Youth Fishing Event on Saturday, May 16! Held at American Lake Park from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., this hands-on experience is perfect for kids ages 5–14 to learn the basics of fishing in a supportive and exciting environment.
Hosted in partnership with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the event features guided instruction on casting, baiting, and reeling in fish, all within a stocked, netted area near the beach. Each child receives their own fishing pole to keep, along with bait and supplies to take home their catch.
Spots are limited across four one-hour sessions, so be sure to register early. Don’t miss this great opportunity for kids to learn new skills, enjoy the outdoors, and make lasting memories!
Get Ready to Celebrate: Lakewood Street Festival
Save the date for Lakewood’s 2026 Street Festival on Friday, May 29! Head to Colonial Plaza from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for an evening filled with live music, dancing, and delicious food from local vendors.
Stroll along Motor Avenue as it transforms into a lively community gathering space featuring unique booths, a festive atmosphere, and a car show showcasing a variety of makes and models. Whether you’re coming for the entertainment, the food, or the chance to connect with neighbors, this is a celebration you won’t want to miss!
Mark Your Calendars: Farmers Market Returns June 2
Mark your calendar, opening day of the Lakewood Farmers Market returns on Tuesday, June 2! Held weekly at Fort Steilacoom Park, this community favorite brings together fresh produce, local vendors, food trucks, live music, and family-friendly fun from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Running through September 1, the market offers something for everyone, from farm-fresh fruits and handmade goods to lawn games and special events like Kids Entrepreneur Market Days. SNAP/EBT benefits are accepted, making fresh, local food more accessible to all.
Don’t miss the kickoff to a vibrant summer tradition, come shop, eat, and connect with your community at the Lakewood Farmers Market!
Lakewood PD Citizens Academy Registration is Now Open!
Registration is now open for the Lakewood Citizens Academy, an annual program hosted by the Lakewood Police Department that gives residents a firsthand look at local law enforcement operations. Held at the police station, the academy features weekly sessions led by officers, detectives, and command staff covering topics such as patrol work, criminal investigations, K9 units, behavioral health response, use of force, and the court system in Lakewood and Pierce County. Participants will also experience interactive training, including an emergency vehicle operations course and virtual reality firearms scenarios, while having the opportunity to engage directly with officers and ask questions about police work in the community.
Register Here!
Next Week’s City Hall and Community Engagement Events
Tillicum/Woodbrook Neighborhood Association
- Meets: Second Tuesday of each month
- Date: May 12
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Tillicum Community Center
- Contact: [email protected], 253-988-2536
Lake City Neighborhood Association
- Date: May 14
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Location: West Pierce Fire & Rescue Station 22
Community Partner Events and Happenings
Keeping Lakewood Healthy: Spongy Moth Eradication Update
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) began spongy moth treatments in Lakewood on May 8. Additional spraying is expected to continue Monday or Tuesday next week, depending on weather conditions. WSDA will confirm the exact day once conditions are suitable. Spraying is expected to conclude later this month.
Residents can visit WSDA’s 2026 eradication webpage to view treatment maps and check for updates. You can also sign up for call or text alerts to stay informed.
The treatment uses Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk), a naturally occurring soil bacteria widely used in organic agriculture. Btk targets caterpillars and has an excellent safety record for people, pets, birds, fish, and pollinators.
The City Council met on Monday, May 4 for a Regular Meeting. You can watch or listen to the meeting below.
What’s on Deck: The City Council meets Monday, May 11, 2026, for a Study Session at 7:00 p.m. Tentative agenda items include:
- Joint Planning Commission meeting
- Presentation by West Coast League Baseball
- Review of Six-Year (2027-2032) Transportation Improvement Program
- Review of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan
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.
Weekly calls for service April 28 – May 5, 2026
- Calls for Service: 961 (+7% from prior week)
- Arrests: 38 (+23% from prior week)
- Violent Crime: 25 (+19% from prior week)
- Property Crime: 34 (-11% from prior week)
- Traffic Stops: 125 (+16% from prior week)
- Collisions (reportable): 14 (0% from prior week)
Updates for the week of May 7 – 14, 2026
*Please note the dates listed are tentative and may change due to weather or other conditions.
ACTIVE CLOSURES:
Nyanza Rd Improvements: Nyanza Road has reopened. Street lighting installation is now tentatively scheduled at the end of May. Poles arrived this week, but arms are still a week or two from shipping. Please use caution while traveling through the construction zone with contractors standing light poles. Striping has been tentatively scheduled for the week of May 18. The striping is weather dependent and will take place under nighttime closures of Nyanza Road. The contractor is currently scheduled to stripe the nights of May 20-22 beginning each night at 7:00 P.M. until 6:00 A.M. the following morning.
112th St SW – Gravelly Lake Drive (GLD) to Bridgeport Way (BPW): 112th Street has reopened. Striping has been tentatively scheduled for the nights of May 27-29. Each night, the contractor will close 112th at 7:00 P.M. and reopen at 6:00 A.M. the following morning. Lighting poles will be shipped in mid-August. Light poles will be stood once the contractor has the poles and can schedule crews for installation.
Main Street – 59th to 108th: Main Street will remain closed Monday through Saturdays during the daytime hours of 7:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. between 59th and 108th Street. As a reminder, drivers traveling Main St. during non-working hours are advised to adhere to the recommended 20 MPH speed limit as steel plates will remain on the roadway.
Grant Ave/Orchard Sewer Extension: Sewer main and side sewers along Orchard have been completed. Crews will now focus on the last segment of Grant Avenue SW of Berkeley. Road restoration crews are scheduled to be starting in the coming weeks to start the restoration process.
FINISHING UP CONSTRUCTION:
Steilacoom Boulevard Weller to 87th Ave: Lumen will be out to pull the last pole this week, and the contractor will now schedule the final concrete pours.
UPCOMING CONSTRUCTION:
Wadsworth/Silcox/Boat Sewer Extension: Work is expected to begin on the new sewer system in May/June 2026. This will require full closures of these local access streets.
112th Street – Farwest to Holden: Work is expected to begin on June 11, following completion of the Clover Park School District 2025-26 regular school year. It is expected that most of the traffic impact-related construction will be completed during the summer break.
Custer Road – Bridgeport to 75th: This project will begin on August 1 and require an approximate 60 days of full closure to remove the pavement, install utilities, widen the road for a new two-way left turn lane, curbs, and sidewalks, and pave. Striping will be completed under a separate closure in October. A detour including Bridgeport Way and 75th will be in place during construction.
112th – South Tacoma Way to Steele Street: A resurfacing project along 112th Street between South Tacoma Way and Steele Street is expected to take place in the early summer months of 2026. Most of this work will require full closures of 112th Street in the night hours over the period of a week.
