Join us for Fiesta de la Familia Tomorrow!
Join us tomorrow at Fort Steilacoom Park from noon to 6 p.m. for a day full of culture and community fun.
Come for delicious food and live entertainment, like dancing horses, a mariachi band, and charros showing off their roping skills. Try hands-on crafts at the art demo, sample cultural foods, and watch roaming performers. There will also be a car show, a community ofrenda, and Mexican loteria. Kids can get their faces painted and join the children’s parade. Don’t forget to wear your best Fiesta outfit, traditional clothes, or favorite costume.
Bring your family and friends for a day filled with celebration, creativity, and community.
LeMay Fall Clean Up Event is Coming Up!
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.
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
Saturday, Oct. 24 & Sunday, Oct 25
8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Lakewood Transfer Station
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
Road Closure Notice: 59th Ave SW
59th Ave. SW will be closed between Gravelly Lake Dr. SW and Gerlings Dr. SW from 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30, until 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2. The Lakewood Water District needs this closure to open the road and connect to the water main. A detour will be set up during this time.
Businesses next to the work area will remain open, and pedestrian access and parking should not change. Clover Park School District, Pierce Transit, and the Lakewood Police Department have been notified about the closure. Drivers should plan ahead, follow detour signs, and expect some extra travel time.
If you have questions about the closure, please contact Joel Jezek, City of Lakewood Construction Inspector, at 253-304-4559 or [email protected].
Save the Date: Truck & Tractor Day, Oct. 17
Truck & Tractor Day happens every year and welcomes people of all ages. You can decorate pumpkins, make crafts, play games, and try out a giant slingshot for pumpkin chucking. Kids can climb on big trucks and tractors, sit in the driver’s seat, and honk the horn. Each family gets a free pumpkin, and kids can enjoy hayrides and receive hard hats while supplies last.
The event will also feature food trucks, market vendors, and local community groups.
Parking is free for everyone attending.
- Saturday, Oct. 17
- 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
- Fort Steilacoom Park.
Honoring Lives and Raising Awareness: Lakewood Team Participates in Bridge to Hope 5K Run
This year, the City of Lakewood took part in the Pierce County Suicide Prevention Summit and Bridge to HOPE 5K run.
Daisy Lomeli, Court Compliance Officer with the Lakewood Municipal Court and a key partner in the Veterans Treatment Court program, joined Assistant Chief of Police David Claridge for the 5K event.
The run took participants from PenMet Park in Gig Harbor to past the span of the Narrows Bridge and back. The clear skies and view of Mt. Rainier made for a beautiful morning, and the event gave everyone a chance to reflect and honor those in our community and beyond who have lost their lives to suicide.
The Bridge of Hope run reminds us how important connection, awareness, and support are in preventing suicide. We appreciate Daisy, Assistant Chief Claridge, and everyone who participated for representing Lakewood with care, compassion, and commitment.
Current Fall Wellness Classes
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!
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. 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!
Desserts on the Driveway Connects Lakewood Neighbors and City Leaders
This summer, the City of Lakewood’s Desserts on the Driveway program brought together residents, elected officials, and city staff to talk about neighborhood priorities, community concerns, and ways to make Lakewood an even better place to live.
In 2026, Desserts on the Driveway stopped by neighborhoods all over Lakewood, such as Tillicum, Custer, Oakbrook, Downtown, Springbrook, Fort Steilacoom, and Lake City. At each event, residents had the chance to meet the Mayor, City Councilmembers, and city staff in a friendly, relaxed setting.
People brought up all kinds of topics at these gatherings. They talked about public safety, traffic, parks and recreation, homelessness, youth activities, community resources, neighborhood improvements, and construction projects.
In Tillicum, people talked about fireworks and safety, police presence near Harry Todd Park, homelessness, and keeping up the neighborhood. In Custer, residents discussed park safety, youth activities, speeding on Onyx Drive, and traffic on 88th Street.
In Oakbrook, the conversation centered on how Custer Road construction and traffic changes are affecting the area. Downtown residents talked about homelessness, available resources, and how everyone can keep working together to address this challenge.
Springbrook’s event had a Back-to-School theme, where neighbors enjoyed desserts, hot dogs, school supplies, and community resources together. At Fort Steilacoom, residents got another chance to meet with city representatives and talk about what matters most in their neighborhood.
The 2026 series wrapped up in Lake City, where residents met with Mayor Paul Bocchi and City Manager Doug Russell to talk about what’s next for the old Lake City Elementary School property and the idea of a new community park. They also discussed Lakewood’s Parks Legacy Plan and the city’s future for parks and recreation.
Upcoming October Neighborhood Association meetings
- Lake City Neighborhood Association
- Meets: Second Thursday of every month.
- Next Meeting Dates: Oct. 8, Nov. 11
- 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: Oct. 13, 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: Oct. 14, 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.
Pierce County 2026 General Election Information
The 2026 General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Pierce County voters can find information about the election, voter registration, ballots, drop box locations, and other election services through Pierce County Elections.
Ballot drop boxes will be available beginning October 16 and will remain open around-the-clock through 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 3. A ballot drop box is located outside Lakewood City Hall at 6000 Main St. SW, Lakewood, WA 98499. Additional ballot drop box locations are available throughout Pierce County.
Voters who are not registered, or who need to update their voter registration, may do so online or by mail through October 26. Voters may also register or update their registration in person through 8 p.m. on Election Day at the Pierce County Elections Office, located at 2401 S. 35th St., Room 200, Tacoma, WA 98409.
For more information, visit PierceCountyElections.org or contact Pierce County Elections at 253-798-VOTE (8683) or [email protected].
South Sound Defense Manufacturing & Innovation Summit
The South Sound Manufacturing and Defense Summit is coming to Lakewood on Oct. 1.
The event brings together manufacturers, technology businesses, resource partners, and industry leaders for a full-day program focused on defense contracting, critical technology needs, supply-chain opportunities, industry readiness, and advanced manufacturing resources.
Whether you’re an established defense supplier or exploring how your capabilities could fit within the defense industrial base, this summit will provide practical information, relevant connections, and opportunities to better understand where the market is headed.
Click the image below to scan the QR code and get event and registration information.
The Lakewood’s Promise Advisory Board meets Thursday, Oct. 1 at 7:30 a.m. at Lakewood City Hall. The Lakewood’s Promise Advisory Board develops relationships among citizens and businesses to deliver The Five Promises to Lakewood youth. The Five Promises are adults that care, public safety, health, education, and equal opportunity. https://cityoflakewood.us/lakewoods-promise-advisory-board/
The Civil Service Commission meets Thursday, Oct. 1 at 9:30 a.m. at Lakewood City Hall. The Civil Service Commission follows State law to select, hire, demote, and promote police officers. https://cityoflakewood.us/civil-service-commission/
The City Council met on Monday, Sept. 21 for a Regular Meeting. You can watch or listen to the meeting below.
What’s on Deck:
October 5, 2026, Regular Meeting, 7:00 P.M.
- Proclamation recognizing October, 2026 as Filipino American History Month
- Proclamation recognizing October 4 – 10, 2026 as Fire Prevention Week
- Recognition on 2026 Youth Academy Participants
- Youth Council Report
- Appointing a Youth Councilmember to serve on the Lakewood’s Promise Advisory Board (tentative)
- Appointing Lakewood Arts Commission members (tentative)
- Ordinance approving the 2026 Annual Development Regulations
- Ordinance approving the Cannabis Code Amendments
- Reports by the City Manager – Review of the 2027-2028 Proposed Biennial Budget
October 7, 2026, Special Meeting, 6:00 P.M.
- Department Presentations of the 2027-2028 Proposed Biennial Budget
- City Council
- City Manager
- Parks, Recreation & Community Services
- Police Department
- Legal Department
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 Sept. 15 – 22
- Calls for Service: 908 (-4% from prior week)
- Arrests: 41 (+14% from prior week)
- Violent Crime: 33 (+14% from prior week)
- Property Crime: 43 (-10% from prior week)
- Traffic Stops: 96 (-38% from prior week)
- Collisions (reportable): 17 (-11% 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
The Park Legacy Plan is an important document that captures the needs of Lakewood’s future park system. The draft plan is 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 November 2 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