Lakewood Weekly Manager’s Bulletin: April 25, 2025

Harry Todd Park parking lot closure begins May 5

Starting Monday, May 5, 2025 the main parking lot entrance of Harry Todd Park will be closed to all vehicles. This closure will be in place until May 16. The lot will reopen for the city’s May 17 Kid Fishing Event.

Between May 5-16, drivers visiting the park will be directed to a lot accessible from North Thorne Lane. Pedestrians can continue to access the park.

The temporary parking lot closure is necessary for the city’s contractor to begin work on planned improvements. This includes three new ADA accessible stalls a full re-sealing and re-stripping of the main parking lot. The large concrete blocks in the main lot will also be replaced with a permanent island curb. Other park improvements include the installation of four pickleball courts.

Work in the park will continue through November 2025. The park will remain open during construction, however, at times, there may be temporary main parking lot closures. Please refer to the posted signage to understand access throughout the construction process.

We appreciate the public’s patience as we work through these improvements. If you have project related questions please contact Capital Projects Manager Daví de la Cruz, via email at [email protected].

Parks Appreciation Day is Saturday

We’re excited to host community volunteers on Saturday for our annual Parks Appreciation Day. We’ll be out at various sites around the city working from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This includes removing invasive species, spreading woodchips and preparing community gardens for spring plantings. All volunteers are welcome, and we encourage you to join us!

Sites where we need help include:

• Edgewater Park
• Fort Steilacoom Park
• Harry Todd Park
• Kiwanis Park
• Springbrook Park
• Community Garden in Lake City

Mayor Whalen’s Community Coffeehouse is Wednesday

Mayor Whalen’s Community Coffeehouse is Wednesday, April 30 at 6 p.m. at The Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park.

Mayor Jason Whalen will host representatives from the West Pierce Emergency Management Coalition (WPEMC) who will share information about the coalition and what it does. This is a great opportunity to learn more about what Lakewood is doing to prepare for a major emergency.

The Pavilion is located inside Fort Steilacoom Park on Angle Lane. There is ADA parking next to the building and nearby in the lot next to the soccer fields.

Pierce Transit celebrates 45 years of service

In mid-April Pierce Transit celebrated 45 years of service with current and former Pierce Transit Commissioners, elected officials, and business and community leaders – including Lakewood Mayor Jason Whalen who serves as the Pierce Transit Board vice chair.

Pierce Transit has proudly served the Pierce County community since 1980.

From CEO Mike Griffus: “It has been our honor to help our neighbors access health care, jobs, educational opportunities and other important destinations for four-and-a-half decades. Here’s to 45 more!”  

Lakewood Police 2025 Citizen Academy registration open

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to drive a police car? Or what it’s like to be in a virtual reality scenario where you have to contact a suspicious person?

Now’s your chance! Registration is open for the 2025 Lakewood Police Citizen’s Academy. This eight-week academy runs from June 10 to July 29, 2025. Classes are every Tuesday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Lakewood police station. There will also be a Saturday session where participants get to drive a Lakewood police vehicle on a closed course and experience a virtual reality “use of force” scenario.

Learn more about the academy and apply online.

Hold your next event in Lakewood

Did you know that in addition to beautiful natural areas, several Lakewood parks offer facilities for rent? That includes The Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park.

This facility has room for up to 75 people inside and can hold more than 100 people with the large garage-style door open. This is a great spot for corporate events, training, graduation parties, weddings or other special occasion celebrations.

Want to stick outside? Many of Lakewood’s parks have picnic shelters with seating for 25 to 100 people. Call 253-983-7887 for a complete list of available space, or email [email protected] to book your spot today!

Sound Healing Workshop is Sunday

The next Sound Healing Workshop is Sunday, April 27 at 7 p.m. at The Pavilion. Register online and prepare for an evening of focused relaxation.

Interested in trying yoga? The City of Lakewood hosts affordable yoga classes for all levels. All classes are held indoors at the Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park, 9107 Angle Lane SW.

The following Yoga classes allow drop-ins for $12 per class:

• Gentle Yoga, Mondays, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
• Gentle Yoga, Thursdays, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
• Fusion Yoga, Thursdays, 6-7 p.m.

Find class descriptions, registration links and more information about drop-ins online.

Council Corner: April 21, 2025 meeting recap

Recognition of the Clover Park School District (CPSD) Daffodil Princesses. Congratulations the three Clover Park School District Daffodil Princesses: Brenda Ceron from Clover Park High School, Eryn McAvoy from Lakes High School and Violet Johnson from Harrison Preparatory School. Princesses Ceron and Johnson joined the Lakewood City Council at its meeting to be recognized for their achievements and selection to the 2025 Daffodil Royal Court.

Proclamation recognizing the month of April, 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nationally almost half of all women and almost one in three men experience sexual assault in their lifetime. At least one in four girls and as many as one in six boys are sexually abused before turning 18 years old, and at least half of people in the 2SLGBTQ+ community are sexually assaulted in their lifetime. The Lakewood City Council took time at its meeting Monday to declare April Sexual Assault Awareness Month to bring attention to these statistics and encourage people to learn more about ways to prevent sexual abuse and to seek information about resources available in the community for victims of sexual abuse. Read the proclamation.

Public hearing: Five-Year (2025-2029) Consolidated CDBG Plan. The City Council held a public hearing on the Five-Year Consolidated CDBG Plan. This plan is a joint effort between the cities of Tacoma and Lakewood and is required for the city to receive federal funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. As part of this process, the city is required to include a public participation component allowing public input on how the funding is allocated to meet housing and community development needs for low- and moderate[1]income individuals. This public process involves two steps, 1) a public hearing during development of the Plan, and 2) a minimum 30-day comment period to receive comments from citizens on the Plan’s specific goals and funding allocations.

The City Council study session included review and discussion on the following items:

• Review of Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 766 to extend certain parameters within which the city’s designated representative can finalize the terms of the city’s Limited Tax General Obligation Bonds.
• Review of Ordinance relating to the approval of projects to be funded with revenue generated by the City of Lakewood’s Transportation Benefit District.
• Review of 2024 Transportation Benefit District Annual Report.
• Review of 2024 Year-End Financial Report.
• Review of 2024 Carry Forward Budget Adjustment.

Watch the meeting.

What’s on deck. The Lakewood City Council meets May 5 at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers.Tentative agenda items include:

• Proclamation recognizing May 4-10, 2025 as Water Week
• Proclamation recognizing Hunger Awareness Month
• Proclamation recognizing National Police Week
• Proclamation recognizing Public Works Week
• Youth Council Report
• Authorizing the execution of an amendment to the agreement with Redside Construction for Wards Lake Park pump track
• Authorizing the execution of an amendment to the agreement with Robert Droll for the American Lake Park bulkhead assessment
• Approving the 2024 Transportation Benefit District Annual Report
• Public hearing: 2025 Carry Forward Budget Adjustment
• Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 766 to extend the bond within which the City’s designated representative can finalize the terms of the City’s Limited Tax General Obligation Bonds
• Ordinance relating to the approval of projects to be funded with revenue generated by the City of Lakewood’s Transportation Benefit District
• Resolution adopting the Tacoma-Lakewood 5-year (2025-2029) Consolidated CDBG Plan
• Resolution updating the fee schedule related to permits
• Resolution approving Halcyon Commons 40-unit Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE)

How to attend: Attend in person at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW. Attend 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 that includes a look at total calls for service the Lakewood Police Department responded to for the prior week. The intent of the summary is to show a snapshot of how the department works to keep the community safe. To see quarterly statistical analysis, visit the Lakewood Police Department crime statistics page on the city website.

Weekly summary April 15-22, 2025

• Calls for Service: 878 (down 15% from prior week)
• Arrests: 44 (up19% from prior week)
• Violent Crime: 19 (down 10% from prior week)
• Property Crime: 46 (down 22% from prior week)
• Traffic Stops: 184 (down 24% from prior week)
• Collisions (reportable): 17 (down 11% from prior week)

Attend a Neighborhood Association meeting in 2025

Neighborhood associations play a crucial role in fostering community engagement and improving the quality of life in local neighborhoods. Through its Neighborhood Connections program, the City of Lakewood aims to not only better connect the community, but also help residents better understand city processes.

There are currently six Neighborhood Associations in Lakewood. Five meet regularly. The meeting times and locations are listed below. All residents are invited and encouraged to attend an upcoming meeting for their respective neighborhood. Find out more about the Neighborhood Connections Program online.

Meetings:

• Fort Steilacoom Neighborhood Association
  • Meets: The third Tuesday of the month
  • Location: The Pavilion in Fort Steilacoom Park, 9107 Angle Lane SW
• Springbrook Community Meetings
  • Meets: The third Thursday of the month
  • Location: Springbrook Park
• Tillicum/Woodbrook Neighborhood Association
  • Meets: The second Tuesday of the month.
  • Location: Tillicum-American Lake Gardens Community Center, 14916 Washington Ave SW.
• Downtown Neighborhood Association
  • Meets: Meets the second Wednesday of the month.
  • Location: Interim Lakewood Library, 10202 Gravelly Lake Dr. SW
• Lake City Neighborhood Association
  • Meets: Every other month. Next meeting is in May.
  • Location: West Pierce Fire & Rescue station, 8517 Washington Blvd. SW
• North Lakewood Neighborhood Association
  • No meetings scheduled.

Community events

Lakewood History Museum presents ‘Abraham Lincoln Raw’

Author and historian DL Fowler will present a special one night only program titled “Abraham Lincoln Raw” on Thursday, May 1 at the Lakewood History Museum. 

Fowler  has dedicated his distinguished career to researching source documents, neglected footnotes, hidden clues and more to enter Abe’s inner world during his times of crisis.  Fowler has published three books on Lincoln two of which are curated in the Lincoln Presidential Library. 

Attend this free event Thursday, May 1. Doors open at 6 p.m. Presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. Fowler will host a book signing before his presentation. The Lakewood History Museum is at 6114 Motor Ave. SW.

Lakewood Playhouse presents ‘for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf’

Join the circle as seven women share their stories and find strength in each other’s truth, passion and humor. This fusion of poetry, dance, music and song explodes off the stage and touches the hearts and minds of all those who experience it. It’s time for joy. It’s time for sisterhood. It’s time for colored girls. The performance runs May 23 to June 8, 2025, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.  The “pay what you can” and industry night is Sunday, June 1 at 7:30 p.m. Call the Box Office at (253) 588-0042 or visit www.lakewoodplayhouse.org to book online.

South Sound Wildlife area spring cleanup

Head to the South Sound Wildlife area Saturday, May 10 and join members from Clover Park Rotary and other Lakewood service clubs for an annual Spring Cleanup from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Located in the heart of Lakewood on Phillips Road across from Hudtloff Middle School, this 100 acre area is open to the public for hiking, bird watching, dog walking and other uses consistent with a wildlife preserve.

Jobs include something for everyone:

• Plant starts in Prairie
• South field and West Field weed indigenous plant ID Garden
• Weed retaining walls in parking area
• Install two informational signs for education area
• Remove ivy by entrance area
• Pull Scotch broom

Come join friends and neighbors for half a day of making Lakewood a better place for everyone. For more information, contact Alan Billingsley at [email protected].

Lakewood Playhouse summer education programs

The Lakewood Playhouse is offering fun, educational, and exciting opportunities for youth to participate in theater this summer! Each camp is led by theatre professionals and will focus on the process of building a theatre production from audition to performance. The first session begins June 23. The program includes an opportunity for students ages 14-22 to sign up for an immersive Shakespeare experience and perform “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Museum of Glass and Lakewood SummerFEST this summer. Call the Box Office at (253) 588-0042 for more details or visit Lakewood Playhouse online

Sign up for Lakewood Alert (Code Red)

The City of Lakewood uses Code Red, an alert service, to notify residents of important information happening in the city.

If there is an emergency that requires public notification, we will use Lakewood Alert as one way to communicate. We will also post information to our website and social media channels.

Subscribers can sign up to receive text and email alerts. People can also sign up for important non-emergency updates including information about road impacts from large events in the city or information about special events.

Find out more and sign up today.

Road project updates

Steilacoom Boulevard Weller to 87^th Ave: Work on the south side of Steilacoom Boulevard continues with demolition activities and storm system installations. Electricians are digging in electrical conduit on the south side.

Rose Road Sanitary Sewer Project: The city’s contractor is installing a new sewer main and stub outs on Rose Road. They have graded the first section subgrade on Rose Rd and continue installing a new sewer main ahead of the grading operation.

South Tacoma Way Overlay 96^th to Steilacoom Blvd.: The city’s contractor Miles Resources started work this week. They are currently demoing, grading and setting/pouring concrete for upgraded ADA curb ramps.

South Tacoma Way & 92^nd signal replacement: The city’s contractor began installations of underground signal components.

South Tacoma Way  88^th to north city limits: The city’s contractor is working on the west side of South Tacoma Way placing new concrete curb and gutter as part of the improvements between 88^th and the north city limits. Irrigation lines will be installed followed by concrete sidewalks and other pedestrian access improvements. Once the west side nears completion, crews will begin demo and storm installations on the east side.

Bridgeport Way from 75^th to north city limits: Pierce County Sewer has an emergency repair starting of its interceptor line along Bridgeport Way through the entire city limits and into University Place. For more information visit Pierce County’s website.

Parks project updates

American Lake Park: Work continues to prepare the park for a mid-summer opening. Boat launch update: We hope to be able to re-open the middle boat launch for public use soon. The launch closest to the swim area may remain closed this summer due to the planks at the end of the launch being unstable. The city applied for an emergency repair permit to complete necessary repairs at the end of 2024. The Army Corps of Engineers denied the permit and told the city to apply for a separate permit. The city was awarded the permit, but could not complete the necessary repairs due to rising water levels and availability of Department of Fish and Wildlife crews who must be part of the repair project.

Wards Lake Park Improvements: Work continues. The 35-acre park will remain closed through November 2025 while the city’s contractor makes major upgrades to this park.

Westlake Avenue Street End Pilot project: Design on how the site development could look for this pilot project will start in late spring with updates to follow. Construction is anticipated in 2026. View a summary of a March 8 public meeting on page 6 of PRAB meeting agenda packet.

Chambers Creek Trail. The first section of the trail will open to the public in spring 2025, with the remaining two sections of trail opening throughout the spring and summer as trail crews complete work. The public should expect trail closures during this work.Please be aware of trail signage and stay on the open trails.

Other park projects planned for 2025:

• Primley Park playground replacement: Stay tuned for a community work party date.
• Oakbrook Park: A new picnic shelter is on order and design is ongoing for a trail inside the park perimeter that will be installed before the busy summer season.    
• New park signs: The new signs will be installed in May. Parks will remain open during this process. Please respect the construction area and stay away from heavy machinery.
• Historic H-Barn revitalization: Local nonprofit Partners for Parks is working to raise $3.5 million to match a $4 million commitment from the city to restore the historic H-Barn in Fort Steilacoom Park. Design work is underway to determine building and code needs, as well as cost estimates. 
• Harry Todd pickleball courts: Four new pickleball courts will be developed at Harry Todd Park this year. Work begins May 5 with a parking lot closure to add ADA stalls and improve the parking lot. The closure remains in place until May 16. A side lot will be open off North Thorne Lane for cars. Future parking lot closure are expected, but will be minimized to keep the park accessible.The courts should be available for public use by fall 2025.
• Nisqually Loop Trail Fort Steilacoom Park: In partnership with the Nisqually Tribe, the city will install several interpretive exhibits along the Nisqually Loop Trail in the southeast area of the park. The exhibits will be located along a 1-mile trail and include Nisqually art, educational information and Lushootseed language. Construction is anticipated to occur late summer-fall of 2025.
• Tenzler Log: Landscaping and fencing will surround the perimeter in the coming months. Additional signage and information will be added to share more about this BIG piece of history.
• Reader board: A new electronic reader board is planned for the corner of Gravelly Lake Drive and Motor Avenue.
• Lakewood Legacy Plan: As the city begins outreach information will be shared with the public about how to get involved and provide feedback.
• Camp Murray Boat Launch Master Planning: The city will be assembling a stakeholder group to shape the early master plan for improvements at the Camp Murray Boat Launch in the Tillicum neighborhood.