National Night Out is Tuesday
Join the Lakewood Police Department, West Pierce Fire & Rescue and Lakewood City Council Tuesday, Aug. 6 to celebrate National Night Out.
Every summer the City of Lakewood participates in this national community building event. Its goal is to bring together neighbors to strengthen the community and break down barriers with first responders and residents.
We hope you’ll participate in this event which is a great way to meet new neighbors, enjoy community potlucks and barbecues, play games and participate in family-friendly activities.
Road impacts on Steilacoom Boulevard
Tacoma Public Utilities is installing and relocating 38 power poles along Steilacoom Boulevard between Weller Road SW and 87th Avenue SW.
Work began this week and will continue for the next three to four months. During this work there will be times when lanes are reduced, or closed at night. Drivers can expect delays when this occurs.
Later this month there will be a temporary nighttime closure at the intersection of 87th Avenue SW and Steilacoom Boulevard SW. The closure is so a large crane can be used to install 95-foot tall power poles near Fort Steilacoom Park. The closure will have the most impact on traffic traveling to and from the Oakbrook area. More information about the closure will be shared once a date is set.
This fall the city will begin road improvement work on Steilacoom Boulevard from its intersection with Weller Road to 87th Avenue SW. Once that work begins, drivers can expect traffic delays. The dates of construction will be confirmed closer to October, when work is expected to begin.
Lakewood Lodging Tax application period now open
The application period is now open for the city’s 2024 Lodging Tax grant awards for 2025. All applications must be received by 5 p.m. Aug. 19, 2024.
The 2024 Lodging Tax Application for 2025 Grant Awards provides information regarding eligible uses of lodging tax revenues and the process for submitting an application.
Project proposals should support and encourage tourism and cultural activities in Lakewood, WA. The source of monies from which projects will be funded is the city’s share of taxes collected on overnight stays at hotels, motels and short‐term rentals, including such activities as Airbnb, bed and breakfasts, RV parks, and other housing and lodging accommodations for periods of time less than 30 days within the City of Lakewood.
Read more and find the application online.
Now accepting applications for Larry Saunders Service Award
The nomination period is now open for the 2025 Larry Saunders Service Award. Names can be submitted until Sept. 20, 2024. Find the nomination form online.
The award recipient will be announced in 2025 and formally recognized at a Lakewood City Council regular meeting at the start of the year. As part of the recognition the winner will select a Lakewood organization to receive a grant award.
The Larry Saunders Service Award was created eight years ago by the Lakewood Community Foundation Fund in collaboration with the City of Lakewood. Its purpose is to recognize exemplary service to Lakewood, either by an individual or organization. It is given annually.
Larry Saunders served as the first Chief of Police for Lakewood and was responsible for forming the department 20 years ago. He also served in the Army and helped establish the National Police College in Baghdad. As a Lakewood resident Saunders honored Lakewood with tireless community service benefiting the Boys & Girls Club, the city’s two Rotary clubs, local veterans and neighborhood associations, and the Lakewood Community Foundation Fund. He passed away unexpectedly in 2016. The award was created to honor his service and keep his legacy and memory alive in Lakewood.
Lakewood Farmer Market & Summer Concerts return
The Lakewood Farmers Market and Summer Nights at the Pavilion summer concerts returned to Fort Steilacoom Park this week.
The summer concerts are in their final stretch – there are only four shows left! We’re also at the half-way point of our Farmers Market season. The market runs every Tuesday from 2-7 p.m. through Sept. 17.
Summer concerts also run Tuesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park. The last show is Aug. 27.
Don’t miss your chance to check out local vendors and enjoy local entertainment. Stop by the market, shop and then grab dinner and a spot on the Pavilion lawn for a fun-filled, family friendly evening.
2024 Summer Nights at the Pavilion concert schedule
- August 6: Catch a Wave (Beach Boys Tribute)
- August 13: Wally & The Beaves (Oldies)
- August 20: ABBAgraphs (ABBA Tribute)
- August 27: Mr. Pink (Dance Hits)
Comprehensive Plan review
The City of Lakewood began its required periodic review of its Comprehensive Plan in September 2022. That work included public meetings and review by the Lakewood Planning Commission of new planning documents and policies and new regulatory documents.
The Planning Commission sent its recommendation to the Lakewood City Council at its July 10, 2024 meeting. The City Council began its review of the recommendation July 22, 2024 at a study session.
Materials from the July 22 City Council meeting are here. Watch the meeting here.
The City Council will continue its review of the proposed changes and updates on the following dates. All meetings begin at 7 p.m.:
- Aug. 12 Study Session with a focus on changing development regulations affecting shoreline properties, residential properties, and the City’s subareas.
- Aug. 19 Public Hearing. In-person or virtual comments will be accepted live. Written comments must be sent by noon, Aug. 19 to be entered on the record. Email comments to City Clerk Briana Schumacher at [email protected].
- Aug. 26 Study Session.
- Sept. 3 Public Hearing. In-person or virtual comments will be accepted live. Written comments must be sent by noon, Sept. 3 to be entered on the record. Email comments to City Clerk Briana Schumacher at [email protected].
- Sept. 9 Study Session.
- Sep. 16 Regular Meeting. The Lakewood City Council is expected to take final action on the update at this meeting.
Council Corner: What’s on Deck
The Lakewood City Council did not meet this week due to it being a fifth Monday (the City Council typically meets the first four Mondays of every month). The Lakewood City Council meets Aug. 5 at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. Tentative agenda items include:
- Proclamation declaring August 6, 2024 as National Night Out.
- Clover Park School District report.
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement with Flock Group for vehicle fingerprint technology.
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement with Northwest Abatement Services, Inc., in amount $88,063.49, for the demolition of 9132 Edgewater Drive SW.
- Reappointing Teresa King and appointing Julius Brown, Jr. and Kristofer Alston to serve on the Public Safety Advisory Committee through August 6, 2027.
- Appointing the 2024-2025 Youth Councilmembers.
- Public Hearing: On the proposed vacation of a portion of 100th Street SW lying west of Dekoven Drive and east of Steilacoom Lake.
- Ordinance amending certain sections of the Lakewood Municipal Code relative to parking enforcement and fines.
- Reports by the City Manager: 112th Street and Idlewild Road Project Update.
How to attend: Attend in person at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW; Join 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 share 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, July 23-30, 2024
- Calls for Service: 929
- Arrests: 43
- Violent Crime: 34
- Property Crime: 80
- Traffic Stops: 57
- Collisions (reportable): 18
Community events
Lakewold Gardens presents Shakespeare in the Garden
Lakewold Gardens and Theater Artists Olympia are pleased to present Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. This abridged version of one of the most revered classical comedies is not your standard Shakespeare; rather, the mood is light, fun and a bit zany!
The family-friendly performance features a small troupe of nine actors who will portray the numerous roles, sometimes donning a wig or a hat to denote the difference between characters in this fast-paced production. The duration of the play is approximately 80 minutes. With the backdrop of Wagner House, the fragrant gardens and sweeping lawns, Lakewold makes an ideal setting for the play and an enchanting summer outing.
Performances are Friday and Saturday, Aug. 23 and 24, 2024. Tickets are $20.
Learn more about other summer events at Lakewold Gardens and purchase tickets online.
Save the date: Harvest Hoedown at the H-Barn
Partners for Parks is hosting a “Harvest Hoedown” Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 from 4-7 p.m. to help raise money for its H-Barn restoration project.
This fun-filled, family-friendly event will have live country music, family activities, a festive farm atmosphere, dancing, food trucks and a raffle. Cost is $10 per person. Children eight years and under are free.
The nonprofit Partners for Parks is raising $3.5 million to contribute toward restoration of the historic H-Barn at Fort Steilacoom Park. The group has raised $2.1 million toward its final goal. Learn more about its efforts and purchase tickets 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.
Now Hiring!
There are a variety of positions available for hard workers looking to join the City of Lakewood team. Lakewood offers a competitive benefits package. We are part of the state retirement system (PERS). And the city is a beautiful place to work. Find a current list of open positions online.
Road project updates
Interlaaken Bridge repair
The City’s contractor began replacing caps at the west end of bridge working from west to east. The bridge will remain closed throughout construction.
Steilacoom Boulevard (Weller Road to 87th Ave SW)
Tacoma Public Utilities began work this week to relocate 38 utility poles on Steilacoom Boulevard between Weller Road and 87th Ave SW. Drivers should expect lane closures as the poles are installed. This work is expected to happen over the next three to four months. Later this month TPU will need to close the intersection at 87th Ave SW and Steilacoom Boulevard to install 95-foot-tall poles. A crane is necessary to assist with the installation, requiring the intersection’s closure. The closure will happen overnight to limit the impact to drivers. Road construction will begin this fall on this stretch of roadway for a $6 million road improvement project. Once construction begins, drivers can expect all-day lane closures over an extended period.
Hipkins Road
Hipkins Road SW is closed from 104th Street SW to Angle Lane SW for the installation of a new water main by Lakewood Water District. Installation of a new water main on Angle Lane and along Hipkins from 104th to Cross Lane is now complete. A new water main still needs to be completed in the intersection of 104th Street. That work will begin next week. Once completed, they will test the main and begin tying existing services and connections.
Farwest Drive, Safe Routes to School
Concrete crews continue to place new concrete along the project limits. The electrical subcontractor has installed the foundations for the new pedestrian luminaires and is continuing to install conduit throughout the project. Traffic control continues to allow traffic movement in all directions, except for temporary stops while equipment is maneuvering through the jobsite.
Ardmore/Whitman/93rd
Remaining work includes the installation of street luminaires (expected installation end of summer) and the installation of the traffic signal (anticipated end of summer).
84th and Pine
Street luminaires were installed at the end of the week. Poles are expected to be installed next week. The poles and cabinets will be wired and tested for the next few weeks and the signal will be commissioned.