Join West Pierce Fire and Rescue for the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
Twenty-five years after 9/11, the City of Lakewood is honored to share this invitation from West Pierce Fire & Rescue to come together as a community in remembrance.
Please join West Pierce Fire & Rescue on Friday, Sept. 11, at 5:30 p.m. at Reflection Park outside Station 31, 3631 Drexler Drive W in University Place.
The ceremony will honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost on 9/11 and the firefighters, paramedics, police officers and countless others whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire us.
Reflection Park features the “Weeping Wall” memorial and a piece of steel from the World Trade Center, brought from New York to Washington by West Pierce firefighters in 2012.
We invite our Lakewood community to join us in remembering, reflecting and honoring those we lost.
Lakewood City Council Proclaims Patriot Day & Day of Remembrance
The Lakewood City Council has proclaimed September 11 as Patriot Day and Day of Remembrance in the City of Lakewood.
The proclamation honors the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and recognizes the courage and sacrifice of the first responders, military members and everyday Americans who came together in the aftermath of the attacks.
As we mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the City of Lakewood joins communities across the nation in remembering those we lost, honoring the heroes who served, and recognizing the enduring spirit of unity and resilience that followed.
We encourage the Lakewood community to take a moment on September 11 to reflect, remember and honor the lives and legacies of those affected by that day.
Lakewood Police Citizens Academy Graduates Recognized
The City of Lakewood congratulates the latest graduates of the Lakewood Police Citizens Academy, who were recognized during the Lakewood City Council meeting on September 8, 2026.
The Citizens Academy gives community members an inside look at the work of the Lakewood Police Department, including law enforcement operations, training, public safety and the many ways officers serve the community.
We are grateful to this year’s participants for taking the time to learn, ask questions and build a stronger connection with the officers who serve Lakewood. Their participation helps strengthen understanding, trust and partnership between our police department and the community.
Congratulations to all of our graduates, and thank you for being part of the Lakewood community!
Welcome Back, Four Heroes Elementary!
The Lakewood Police Department was excited to welcome students back to 4 Heroes Elementary on Friday, Sept. 4, for the first day of school!
Our officers enjoyed greeting students and families as they arrived, sharing smiles, high-fives and plenty of encouragement for a great year ahead. There’s nothing better than seeing the excitement of a new school year, and we’re proud to be there to help our students start it off on the right foot.
To all the students, teachers and staff at 4 Heroes Elementary: Welcome back! We’re glad to see you!
Here’s to a safe, successful and fun school year.
Youth Council Kicks Off a New Year of Leadership and Connection
The Youth Council kicked off its 26–27 term yesterday with a lively first meeting. After warm welcomes and fun icebreakers, members went over the Youth Council manual, looked at this year’s posters, and wrapped up with a group reflection and a photo. Right after the meeting, Irie Henkle and Ava Qualls gave the first Youth Council report of the year. They talked about their summer internships with the Parks and Recreation Department, shared what they learned at the national CADCA Fentanyl Free America conference in Florida, and described how they worked with the Youth Council leadership team to develop new ideas for this year’s curriculum. These efforts aim to keep students engaged, responsive, connected, and having fun.
Desserts on the Driveway Wraps Up Another Sweet Summer in Lakewood
The 2026 series continued in the Lake City neighborhood at the site of the old Lake City Elementary School. Mayor Paul Bocchi and City Manager Doug Russell met with residents to discuss transforming the former school property at 8800 121st St. SW into a community park. Residents also discussed Lakewood’s Parks Legacy Plan and the future of parks and recreation in the area. Each Desserts on the Driveway event highlighted the distinct priorities of Lakewood’s neighborhoods. Topics ranged from public safety and traffic to homelessness, youth programs, parks, community resources, and neighborhood upgrades.
These gatherings gave residents a chance to connect directly with elected officials and city staff in a relaxed, neighborhood-focused setting. Thanks to all residents, neighborhood leaders, City Councilmembers, city staff, and community partners who participated in the 2026 Desserts on the Driveway series. More than enjoying dessert, the event is about building connections, listening to residents, and strengthening Lakewood neighborhoods together.
Join us for Fiesta de la Familia
Mark your calendars for Saturday, Sept. 26, and join us at Fort Steilacoom Park from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. for a fun-filled celebration of culture and community!
Enjoy food, live entertainment, including dancing horses, a mariachi band, and charros doing roping tricks, an art demonstration with hands-on crafts, cultural foods, and roaming entertainers. The event also features a car show, community ofrenda, and Mexican loteria! Kids will enjoy face painting and can participate in a children’s parade. It’s time to show off your best Fiesta attire, traditional clothing, or favorite costume.
Save the date and bring the whole family for a day of celebration, creativity, and community!
Fall Wellness Classes
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!
Custer Road Construction Update
Sidewalk grading continued this week, with the majority of curb and gutter and approximately one-quarter of the sidewalk completed. Construction activities are scheduled to continue next week. Grinding at the Custer and 75th intersection is planned for Tuesday night from 8:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M., which may result in delays. We appreciate the community’s ongoing support. https://cityoflakewood.us/custer-road/
Custer Road Construction Business Highlight – Kreative Kids
The City is partnering with local business owners to create a video series highlighting businesses in the Lakewood community.
This video spotlights Kreative Kidz on Custer Road, a local childcare and learning center dedicated to creating a fun, nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. We spoke with the team to learn what makes Kreative Kidz special and why supporting local businesses matters during construction.
Kreative Kidz and other local businesses will remain open during construction. We encourage you to stop by, support the local team, and continue visiting, shopping, and doing business in our community.
Visit https://cityoflakewood.us/custer-road/ for road project details, detour maps, or to sign up for weekly construction updates.
Neighborhood Association Meetings
- Oakbrook Neighborhood Association Meeting
- Meeting Date: September 15
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Oakbrook Elementary School
Grow Shade. Cool Your Home. Protect Our Waters
Want to increase canopy cover on your property while improving local water quality without breaking the bank? Pierce Conservation District’s Urban Tree Sale makes it easy to plant trees at a discount.
Open now through November 7th, Pierce Conservation District is offering a selection of 5 to 7 gallon trees over 6 feet tall for just $10 to $30. Every purchase includes a free tree planting workshop, where you will learn about the benefits of trees, get step-by-step planting guidance to help your tree thrive, and receive a watering bucket for deep watering.
Add planting a tree to your to-do list today: https://www.pcdwaterquality.com/tree-sale
Pierce County Suicide Prevention Summit and Bridge to Hope 5K
Pierce County is taking an important step toward suicide prevention and community awareness by hosting its first Suicide Prevention Summit and Bridge to Hope 5K on September 18. This free event offers opportunities for education, connection, support, and community involvement.
The summit will take place in three segments, and participants are welcome to register for one or all of them. From 12–4:30 p.m., the program will focus on professionals, including first responders, counselors, healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, and others who support individuals and families. From 4–6 p.m., the focus will shift to the general community, providing an opportunity for everyone to learn more about suicide prevention and how we can help save lives.
The evening will conclude with the Bridge to Hope 5K Walk/Run, beginning at 6:15 p.m. Participants will cross the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in this timed event and receive a commemorative embroidered badge.
Whether you participate in one segment or the entire event, this is a meaningful opportunity to build awareness, strengthen connections, and support suicide prevention efforts throughout Pierce County. Registration is free, and community members are encouraged to share the event with colleagues, friends, family, and others who may benefit.
Date: Sept. 18
Time: 12:00–7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Lakewood Planning Commission meets on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. The Commission assists in preparing the Comprehensive Plan, zoning, and land use-related regulations for Lakewood in accordance with state law. Agenda, minutes, and how to attend in person or online: https://cityoflakewood.us/planning-commission/
The Community Services Advisory Board meets on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. The Community Services Advisory Board holds public hearings to identify community and housing needs. They then make recommendations to the City Council on the best use of money to meet those needs. https://cityoflakewood.us/community-services-advisory-board-2/
The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee meets on Friday, Sept. 18 at 8:30 a.m. at City Hall. The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) reviews proposals to impose, adjust, or repeal taxes under RCW 67.28 (hotel/motel tax). The committee also considers applications to use tourism-related tax revenue to fund programs to improve tourism in Lakewood. https://cityoflakewood.us/lodging-tax-advisory-committee/
Planning Commission Public Hearing Notice – Comprehensive Plan
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing for the 2027 Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map Amendment docket list on Sept. 16, 2026, at 6:30 pm. All persons may submit written comments about the amendments no later than noon on Sept. 16 or testify in-person or virtually during the public hearing. https://cityoflakewood.us/planning-commission-public-hearing-notice-3/
Hearing Date: Sept. 16, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m.
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 Sept.11, 2026 at https://cityoflakewood.us/planning-commission/
Notice of Lakewood City Council Public Hearing – Cannabis Code Amendments
On Monday, September 21, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., or soon thereafter, the Lakewood City Council will hear public testimony on the proposed Cannabis Code Amendments. To view the amendments visit: Cannabis Code Amendments – City of Lakewood
If you have concerns about this matter and want those concerns to be known and considered, they must be presented at the hearing or written comments can be submitted to the City Clerk, 6000 Main Street SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 or by e-mail to [email protected] prior to the hearing.
This hearing will take place in the City Council Chambers, 6000 Main Street SW, Lakewood, WA or you may attend the meeting virtually by dialing +1(253) 215- 8782 on your phone and enter meeting ID: 868 7263 2373. You can also visit: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86872632373. All persons will have an opportunity to present their oral comments at the hearing.
For further information about this matter, please contact Angie Silva at 253-983-7839 or [email protected].
Notice of Lakewood City Council Public Hearing – Annual Development Regulation
On Monday, September 21, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., or soon thereafter, the Lakewood City Council will hear public testimony on the 2026 Annual Development Regulation. To view the amendments visit: https://cityoflakewood.us/city-council/city-council-agendas/
If you have concerns about this matter and want those concerns to be known and considered, they must be presented at the hearing or written comments can be submitted to the City Clerk, 6000 Main Street SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 or by e-mail to [email protected] prior to the hearing.
This hearing will take place in the City Council Chambers, 6000 Main Street SW, Lakewood, WA or you may attend the meeting virtually by dialing +1(253) 215- 8782 on your phone and enter meeting ID: 868 7263 2373. You can also visit: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86872632373. All persons will have an opportunity to present their oral comments at the hearing.
For further information about this matter, please contact Tiffany Speir at 253-983-7702 or [email protected].
The City Council met on Tuesday, Sept. 8 for a Regular Meeting. You can watch or listen to the meeting below.
What’s on Deck:
September 14, 2026, Study Session, 7:00 P.M
- Joint Lakewood Arts Commission meeting and review of recommendation for Nyanza Road at Gravelly Lake Drive public art project
- Review of 2nd Quarter (2026) Financial Report
- Legacy Plan Update
- Review of 2026 Annual Development Regulations
- Review of Cannabis Code Amendments
September 21, 2026, Regular Meeting and Study Session, 6:00 P.M.
- Proclamation declaring September 15, 2026 through October 15, 2026 as Hispanic Heritage Month – Sylviann Estrella
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement for the Westlake Ave Street Ends project (tentative)
- Approving the 2027-2028 City Council Goals and Priorities (tentative)
- Authorizing the execution of an amendment to the Interagency agreement with Washington Department of Enterprise Services for Clean Building Performance Standard improvement
- This is the date set for a public hearing on the 2026 Annual Development Regulations
- This is the date set for a public hearing on the Cannabis Code Amendments
- Ordinance adopting the 2026 Comprehensive Plan Amendments
- Items for Discussion – Pierce Transit Update
- Items for Discussion – Economic Development Update and Pierce County Economic Development Board
- Items for Discussion –Pierce Conservation District Update – Dana Coggon, Executive Director
- Items for Discussion – Review of encroachment permit framework (tentative)
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 September 1 – 8
- Calls for Service: 886 (-7% from prior week)
- Arrests: 43 (-2% from prior week)
- Violent Crime: 24 (-29% from prior week)
- Property Crime: 49 (+40% from prior week)
- Traffic Stops: 111 (+18% from prior week)
- Collisions (reportable): 14 (0% 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
Updates for the week of September 10 – 17
*Please note that the listed dates are tentative and may change due to weather or other conditions.
ACTIVE ROAD CLOSURES:
Wadsworth/Silcox/Boat Sewer Extension: The contractor will continue restoration work into next week. Local access will be maintained through detour routes as needed.
Custer Road – Bridgeport to 75th: Grading of sidewalk continued this week. Most of the curb and gutter and a quarter of the sidewalk has been poured. Sidewalk grading and pouring will continue next week. Grinding of the Custer/75th intersection will occur Tuesday night between 8:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M. Expect delays during that time.
The Camp Murray Boat Launch Master Plan explores development opportunities for the site, currently operated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The plan includes concept drawings and will recommend funding and operational strategies. The Steering Committee will review public feedback from the August 4 Open House and owner/operator interviews at its September meeting. Final recommendations are expected to go before City Council in October.
Capital projects in design and development:
- Nisqually Interpretative Trail Loop at Fort Steilacoom Park: The project was advertised for bid on July 23, with bids opened on August 11. City Council is expected to award the contract in September. Construction is anticipated to begin this fall and continue through the first quarter of 2027. The project is a partnership with the Nisqually Indian Tribe and is primarily funded by a Department of Commerce grant.
- Edgewater Park: The project is at 30% design. Permitting to rezone and amend the shoreline designation, with support from the Department of Ecology, has been underway since the first quarter and is expected to be adopted this fall. The project will protect and enhance the shoreline, improve parking and access, and replace the existing boat launch. Due to rezoning, shoreline development complexity, and agency reviews, permitting is expected to continue through the third quarter of 2027.
- H–Barn Restoration at Fort Steilacoom Park: The City and Partners for Parks are collaborating on design and fundraising. The project is scheduled to reach 60% design completion, with a fundraising update, in December 2026.
- Oakbrook and Primley Parks: Accessibility and amenity improvements are planned for early 2027.
You can learn more about all Park plans and projects at: https://cityoflakewood.us/parks-and-recreation/parks-capital-projects