Truck and Tractor Day is Tomorrow!
Truck & Tractor Day is happening tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 17! This annual family-friendly event welcomes all ages for an afternoon of hands-on activities, games, and outdoor fun.
Kids can climb aboard big trucks and tractors, sit in the driver’s seat, and honk the horn! Families can also enjoy pumpkin decorating, crafts, games, pumpkin chucking with a giant slingshot, and hayrides. Each family will receive a free pumpkin, and kids can pick up a hard hat while supplies last. Food trucks, market vendors, and local community groups will also be on hand.
Admission and parking are free, so bring the family and join us for a memorable afternoon!
Date: Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026
Time: Noon – 3 p.m.
Location: Fort Steilacoom Park, 8714 87th Ave. SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
We hope to see you there!
Pierce College Employee Art Show Comes to Lakewood City Hall
Pierce College employees’ artwork will be on display at Lakewood City Hall this fall as part of the Pierce College Employee Art Show. Join us for a reception on October 19 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. to celebrate the artists and their work. The exhibition will remain on display at City Hall through Dec. 30, 2026.
Date: Oct. 19
Time: 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main St SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
Admission is free, and the community is invited to attend.
Downtown Transportation Feasibility Study Online Open House
The Downtown Transportation Feasibility Study Open House gives the community a chance to review early ideas for downtown Lakewood.
These include safer street crossings, better sidewalks and bike routes, improved accessibility, and the proposed Green Street Loop. The event is informal, so you can stop by anytime to check out maps and displays, talk with City staff and consultants, and share your thoughts in person, on comment cards, or online.
These ideas are still in the early stages and do not yet have funding. Community feedback from this event, along with input from the SummerFest booth, Fiesta de la Familia, the community survey, and volunteer task forces, will help shape the options and guide the next steps.
After the open houses and more analysis, City Council will choose the preferred plan. The City will also post a summary of community feedback and explain how it shaped the final options on the project website, in participant updates, and in the final report.
The online open house will be available October 12–18, 2026 and includes the same project information and opportunities to provide feedback on your own schedule. The online open house is also available in multiple languages.
Questions? Contact Angie Silva, Assistant Director, Planning & Public Works, at [email protected] or (253) 983-7839.
Downtown Lakewood Development: Planning for Future Growth
Lakewood is preparing for future downtown growth, having completed an environmental review in 2018 under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). The Downtown Subarea Plan expects up to 2,257 new homes, 7,369 new jobs, and 2.85 million square feet of commercial space by 2035. For projects that qualify, this early environmental review can make development easier by removing the need for a separate SEPA review. However, all other city, state, and federal requirements still apply.
The plan also sets up a special downtown development code and highlights public improvements to make the area more connected and walkable. These improvements include wider sidewalks, better routes for walking and biking, new public streets, and more parks and public spaces. The City is focusing on redeveloping vacant and underused properties and invites businesses and developers to reach out to its business concierge team to learn about development requirements, incentives, and opportunities in downtown Lakewood. For more details, visit https://buildyourbetterhere.com/downtown-lakewood-development
LeMay Community Fall Clean-up Event is Almost Here
Bring trash, junk, and recyclables to the Lakewood Transfer Station for the city’s fall Community Cleanup Saturday, Oct. 24 and Sunday, Oct. 25, from 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. (last vehicle admitted at 1:45 p.m.).
This event is free for Lakewood residents only; you must bring a utility bill or ID to show proof of residence.
Participants should be prepared to back up a steep ramp, unload all items themselves, bag all loose items, and wear proper footwear.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 24 & Sunday, Oct 25
Time: 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Location: Lakewood Transfer Station, 3869 94th St SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
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
- Recyclables
- Bagged garbage
Not Accepted Items
- Commercial waste
- Loose items
- Paint/hazardous materials
- Yard waste
- Construction waste
- Lumber longer than 8 feet
- Concrete
- Auto parts
- Explosive materials
- Propane tanks
- Electronics
- Donations
- Mattresses
Lakewood Police Fallen Officers Food and Blood Drive
Help support local families and honor fallen officers by participating in the Lakewood Police Fallen Officers Food and Blood Drive. Community members are invited to donate non-perishable food items, make a monetary donation, or sign up to donate blood. This annual event, hosted by the Lakewood Police Department, benefits Emergency Food Network and Bloodworks Northwest.
Date: Dec. 3, 2026
Location: Lakewood Police Station, 9401 Lakewood Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
Lakewood Street Sweeping Focuses on Fall Leaf Cleanup
As fall arrives in Lakewood, residents can expect increased street-sweeping activity throughout October and November.
The City has identified several High Organic Debris Areas (HODA) that street sweepers focus on during this time of year. These areas are particularly important as trees begin dropping leaves and other organic debris onto roadways. The city map below highlights the roads included in the HODA routes so residents can see where additional sweeping is scheduled.
Residents can help make street sweeping as thorough and efficient as possible by keeping vehicles and trash cans off the street on non-pickup days. Clear streets allow sweepers to reach more of the roadway and collect leaves and debris that can otherwise build up along curbs and gutters. Your cooperation makes a real difference in keeping our neighborhood clean and safe!
A New Neighborhood Association is Coming to Lakeview!
Residents of the Lakeview neighborhood are invited to join us for the first Lakeview Neighborhood Association meeting. This is an opportunity to meet your neighbors, connect with the City of Lakewood, and begin building a neighborhood association focused on the needs, ideas, and priorities of the Lakeview community.
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 28
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Lakeview Hope Academy (Elementary) School
At this first meeting, the topics will be:
• What a neighborhood association can do for the community
• Getting to know your neighbors
• Neighborhood concerns and priorities
• How residents can stay connected with the City
• Next steps for building the Lakeview Neighborhood Association
Celebrating Filipino Youth Leaders with the Seahawks!
Five Youth Council students were selected to participate in the Seahawks Inspire Change leadership program, a youth initiative that builds leadership skills, strengthens cultural identity, and encourages community impact. This year’s program specifically sought Filipino students, making their participation especially meaningful as we celebrate Filipino Heritage Month.
The group attended their first session last Friday, where they were welcomed by Jaxon Smith Njigba and introduced to the program’s leadership activities. The experience will wrap up on a high note as the students head to the December 13 Seahawks vs. Giants game, an exciting finish to their Inspire Change journey! GO HAWKS!
Attend a Wellness Class This Fall
Registration is open for all classes and sessions. Use the registration link to find the class and time that works best for you.
All classes are held at the Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park, 9107 Angle Lane SW. Parking is available behind the building or along the fence near the city park maintenance shop.
Please visit https://cityoflakewood.us/recreation-programs/ to register!
Gentle Yoga: Gentle Yoga is perfect for beginners. This class focuses on slow, mindful movements that honor your body’s natural rhythm. Through accessible poses, breath awareness and other techniques, you’ll build strength, flexibility and inner peace. This class welcomes all bodies and abilities, come as you are!
Fusion Yoga: This dynamic yet accessible class blends gentle, vinyasa, traditional and yin yoga elements into one session. Each session is thoughtfully crafted and adapted to meet the unique needs and energy of the students, creating a personalized experience. No matter what your favorite style of yoga is, you’ll find something that works for you in this class.
Yin Yoga: Experience the healing combination of Yin Yoga’s Passive stretches and Reiki’s gentle energy work. In this meditative style of yoga, you’ll hold supportive poses for extended periods of time. This unique fusion promotes relaxation and releases stored tension in the body and mind.
Qigong: Qigong, pronounced “chi gong,” was developed in China thousands of years ago as part of traditional Chinese medicine. It uses exercises to optimize energy in the body, mind, and spirit, with the goal of improving and maintaining health and well-being. This Qigong class is designed to stimulate the 12 meridians and will include Meridian Tapping, breathwork, and warm-ups. Practicing Qigong in the morning promotes a calm, focused mindset, increases energy, and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day! Qigong is based on a series of forms depicted in the famous silk paintings excavated from the Mawangdui temple in Changsha, Hunan Province.
Intermediate Tai Chi: Tai chi can help reduce the risk of falling and improve balance and flexibility. This class teaches participants ways to improve their overall mind, body, and spirit through a series of slow, continuous movements. It does not matter how strong, flexible, or active you are, as Tai chi is designed for people at all levels of health. With over 30 years of experience, instructor Ronny Llanos will teach an Abbreviated Yang Style form. You will walk away with tools to help with stress reduction, cardiovascular function, balance and posture, arthritic conditions, lowering high blood pressure, and more!
Just a Walk in the Park
Fall is a beautiful time to enjoy the changing colors and fresh air at Fort Steilacoom Park! Join us for Just a Walk in the Park as we move, enjoy nature, and spend time with friends. It’s a wonderful way to stay active, connect with others, and enjoy the outdoors together.
We walk rain or shine, except during snow, icy conditions, or high winds. Please arrive a few minutes early to sign in. We’ll meet in the main parking lot near the dog park. Please leave your furry friends at home.
When: Mondays at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Fort Steilacoom Park Dog Park Parking Lot
We look forward to walking with you!
Upcoming Neighborhood Association meetings
- Lake City Neighborhood Association
- Meets: Second Thursday of every month.
- Next Meeting Date: Nov. 12
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Location: West Pierce Fire & Rescue Station 22
- Facebook
- Tillicum/Woodbrook Neighborhood Association
- Meets: Second Tuesday of every month
- Next Meeting Dates: Nov. 10, Dec. 8
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Tillicum Community Center
- Contact: [email protected], 253-988-2536
- Facebook
- Downtown Neighborhood Association
- Meets: Second Wednesday of every month
- Next Meeting Dates: Nov. 11, Dec. 16
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Redeem Church 9315 Gravelly Lake Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
- Facebook
- Fort Steilacoom Neighborhood Association
- Meets: Third Wednesday of every month, unless noted below
- Next Meeting Dates: Oct. 20, Nov. 17
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park, 9107 Angle Ln SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
- Facebook
- Oakbrook Neighborhood Association Meeting
- Meets: Third Tuesday, every other month in odd months
- Next Meeting Date: Nov. 17
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Oakbrook Elementary School
Plant Trees for More Shade, a Cooler Home, and Cleaner Water
Looking to add more trees to your yard and help keep local water clean, all without spending too much? The Urban Tree Sale from Pierce Conservation District makes it simple and affordable to plant new trees.
From now until November 7th, you can choose from several types of trees, each over 6 feet tall and in 5 to 7 gallon containers, for only $10 to $30. When you buy a tree, you’ll also get a free workshop on planting, tips to help your tree grow well, and a watering bucket for deep watering.
Put planting a tree on your to-do list today: https://www.pcdwaterquality.com/tree-sale
Free Dental Care For Veterans
AMVETS Post 1, in partnership with Compassion Washington and Harkness Furniture & Mattress, is proud to host a Free Veterans Dental Event for those who have served our nation.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: AMVETS Post 1, 5717 Tyler Street, Tacoma, WA 98409
- Free dental services for Veterans
- No appointment necessary
- First Come, First Served
This is a wonderful opportunity for Veterans to receive needed dental care at no cost. Please share this post with fellow Veterans, family members, and friends who may benefit from these services.
Thank you to Compassion Washington, the volunteer dental professionals, and Harkness Furniture & Mattress for helping make this event possible.
Doing Business with JBLM – Free Business Workshop
City of Lakewood has partnered with Washington Apex and Pierce County to host an event for companies interested in doing business with JBLM. Learn about defense contracting forecasts, major contract opportunities, and how to get awards. The event will be held at Lakewood City Hall on November 5th, 8–11 a.m. Refreshments will be provided. Stick around for an afternoon tour on base with a stop at their fire station site.
Presentations include:
- JBLM Mission and Installations Contracting Command
- Army Corps of Engineers
- JBLM Forge contract
- APEX Washington Selling to the Government
Who should attend:
- Business owners looking to diversify their income streams and/or increase their government contracting opportunities.
Registration to open soon.
The City Council met on Monday, Oct. 12 for a Study Session. You can watch or listen to the meeting below.
What’s on Deck:
October 19, 2026, Regular Meeting and Study Session, 6:00 P.M.
- Proclamation recognizing Connie Coleman Lacadie, President, Lakewood Sister Cities Association
- Business Showcase – Bloom Thai
- Accepting funding contributed through sponsorship of community events, totaling $54,900, from local businesses and agencies
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement with Pacific Point Defense for public defense services
- Resolution setting November 16, 2026 as the date for a public hearing to consider the partial vacation of 6926 100th Street SW Lakewood, WA 98499
- New Business – Approving the 2027 Human Services funding recommendations
- Items for Discussion – Review of Public Art Recommendations for Scout Project at Harry Todd Park
- Items for Discussion – Review of 2027 Federal Legislative Priorities, State Legislative Agenda, Policy Manual and Pierce County Policy Manual
- Items for Discussion – Legacy Plan Update
- Items for Discussion – Review of 2027 Property Tax Levy
- Items for Discussion – Review of 2026 Year-End Budget Adjustment
- Items for Discussion – Review of 2027 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Docket
November 2, 2026, Regular Meeting, 7:00 P.M.
- Proclamation recognizing Native American Heritage Month
- Proclamation recognizing Veterans Day and Veterans Appreciation Month
- Recognition of Signal Box Artists
- Youth Council Report
- Clover Park School District Report – Krissy Kim, Boardmember
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement for the construction of Kendrick Street – 111th to 108th Street project
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement with Sound Transit to amend contract GA 0100-23 Lakewood Station Access Improvement to add the scope of the City constructing the modifications of the 47th Avenue Bridge over Interstate 5
- This is the date set for a public hearing on the 2027 Property Tax Levy
- This is the date set for a public hearing on the 2026 Year-End Budget Adjustment
- This is the date set for a public hearing on the 2027-2028 Proposed Biennial Budget
- This is the date set for a public hearing on the 2027 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Docket
- Resolution adopting the Legacy Plan
- Resolution adopting the Economic Development Strategy
Each week, the Lakewood Police Department shares a summary of total calls for service from the prior week. The intent of the summary is to provide a snapshot of how the department works to keep the community safe.
Statistics for the week of Oct. 6 – 13
- Calls for Service: 789 (-11% from prior week)
- Arrests: 31 (-16% from prior week)
- Violent Crime: 21 (-40% from prior week)
- Property Crime: 38 (-22% from prior week)
- Traffic Stops: 91 (+8% from prior week)
- Collisions (reportable): 15 (-25% from prior week)
Sign up for Lakewood Alert
Sign up to receive emergency alerts from the City of Lakewood through our new notification system. Lakewood Alert features a fresh look and a simpler sign-up process.
If you signed up previously, your contact information was transferred to the new platform. Now is a good time to review and update your details if needed.
These alerts will primarily be used for emergencies where life safety is at risk. The system will also be used sparingly for non-emergencies, such as missing persons, traffic congestion, and extreme weather notifications.
When you register to receive alerts, you can select the types of messages and your preferred communication method. You can adjust these settings at any time.
Subscribe: Scan the QR code or visit CityofLakewood.Us/Lakewood-Alert
ACTIVE ROAD CONSTRUCTION:
Wadsworth/Silcox/Boat Sewer Extension: Crews have been restoring landscape and completing punch list items. Raising utility castings will continue into the next week. The contractor is scheduled to pour a few more sidewalk and driveway sections throughout next week. Driveways are expected to be paved back Tuesday, October 20.
Custer Road – Bridgeport to 75th: Custer Road has been striped, and all lanes are now open. Streetlight poles were received last week, but the arms were unexpectedly not shipped with the poles. The contractor is still awaiting an estimated ship date for the arms. Once they arrive, the contractor will install the poles. Minor cleanup will continue intermittently.
UPCOMING ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS:
Kendrick Street – 111th to 108th & 111th Street – Bridgeport to 112th: The project is currently being advertised. Bids are expected to open on October 21. Construction is anticipated to start in December or January. This project will construct a green street concept with new pavement, curbs, bike lanes, sidewalks, planters, street lighting, storm drainage, and water main replacement along Kendrick between 111th to 108th Street. 111th Street will have similar improvements but will not have street lighting.
Washington Boulevard – Gravelly to Interlaaken & 83rd to Lake City – PSE Line Maintenance: Crews will be performing maintenance on the power lines the week of October 27. Work will include trimming trees along Washington Boulevard between Gravelly Lake Drive and Interlaaken Drive and along Washington Boulevard between 83rd and Lake City. The westbound lanes of Washington Boulevard will need to be closed during this operation for the safety of the traveling public and workers during this operation.
The Park Legacy Plan is an important document that captures the needs of Lakewood’s future park system. The draft plan was online for resident review and comment through September 30. Comments will be compiled and will be used to finalize the plan for adoption, slated for the Nov. 2 City Council meeting.
Camp Murray Boat Launch Master Plan. This plan examines opportunities for potential development at the Camp Murray Boat Launch, currently operated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The master plan includes concept drawings of potential improvements and will also recommend funding and future operations. The Master Plan is in its final stages of completion based on steering committee and public input and is slated to go before City Council in November.
Capital projects in design and development:
- Nisqually Interpretive Trail Loop at Fort Steilacoom Park – This project is now in production, with interpretative signs and materials being ordered for installation late this year. The project was developed in partnership with the Nisqually Indian Tribe and is primarily supported by grant funding from the Department of Commerce.
- Westlake Street End Pilot Project – This project is in the contracting phase. Westlake Avenue is the City’s first street end development. The City previously assessed the existing conditions and development potential of these lakefront sites through a street end water access study conducted in 2022. See https://cityoflakewood.us/lakefrontstreetends to learn more.
- Edgewater Park – This project is in design. This project will both protect and improve the shoreline, improve parking and access, and replace the existing boat launch. Project permitting is slated to begin in fall 2026 and extend into 3Q 2027 because of the rezoning of portions of the park, the complexity of shoreline development, and extensive local and state agency review.
- H–Barn Restoration at Fort Steilacoom Park – The City is working with Partners for Parks on the design and fundraising for this project. The project is slated for 60% design completion and a fundraising update in December 2026.
- Oakbrook & Primley Park – These neighborhood parks will receive accessibility and amenity improvements in early 2027.
You can learn more about all Park plans and projects at: https://cityoflakewood.us/parks-and-recreation/parks-capital-projectspital-projects