Lakewood Weekly Manager’s Bulletin: March 14, 2025

Crime continues its decline in Lakewood

Police Chief Patrick D. Smith shared the Lakewood Police Department’s annual report and year-end 2024 crime summary with the Lakewood City Council at its March 10 meeting. 

Overall, the city saw its total crime rate drop 19% compared to 2023. This was the largest drop in crime in the last two years. In 2023 crime was down nearly 4% over 2022 and in 2022 it was down nearly 7% compared to 2021.

For 2024, crime rates were down in the following categories:

• Violent crime dropped 3%
• Aggravated assaults dropped 14%
• Property crimes dropped 26%, including:
  • Vehicle thefts by 67% 
  • Vandalism by 30%
  • Stolen property by 26%
  • Burglary by 20%

Read more about why we continue to see crime go down in Lakewood.

Lakewood Police announce annual award recipients

The Lakewood Police Department recognizes its employees quarterly, celebrating those who rise to the top in their respective fields. At the end of the year, the department selects its annual award recipients. These recipients were announced March 10, 2025. They include:

• Supervisor of the Year: Sgt. Charles Porche
• Detective/Investigator of the Year: Detective Karen Latimer
• Officer of the Year: Officer Josh Repp
• Rising Star: Officer Jack Jonson
• Civilian Employee of the Year: Svea Pitts

Read more about the recipients and the work they do for the department.

Hidden Heroes: Vanessa Woods

Vanessa Woods is a cherished resident of Lakewood, having been in the dental field for 20 years. She consistently brings smiles to everyone she encounters. Her professional expertise is matched by her unwavering love and compassion for the City of Lakewood, driving her to take on active roles in various community initiatives.

This commitment to the community is exemplified through her leadership in the Lake City Neighborhood Association. In this role, she has spearheaded numerous projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for all residents. Her ability to bring people together and foster a sense of unity has made a significant impact on the neighborhood.

Read more.

The goal of Hidden Heroes is to raise the visibility of Black and African American leaders in our community. This is the final hero for 2025.

Mayor Whalen’s Community Coffeehouse is March 26

Join Lakewood Mayor Jason Whalen on Wednesday, March 26 at 6 p.m. at The Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park for his first community coffeehouse of 2025.

The topic of the evening is emergency management. Representatives from the West Pierce Emergency Management Coalition (WPEMC) will be there to share information about the coalition and what is does. This is a great opportunity to learn more about what Lakewood is doing to be prepared for a major emergency and how you can do the same for your family.

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

Spring Cleanup dates announced

The City of Lakewood’s free community cleanup is Saturday and Sunday April 12-13 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the last car admitted at 1:45 p.m. This event is for Lakewood residents only, proof of residency is required.

Head to the Lakewood Transfer Station, 3869 94^th Street SW, and bring items you no longer want or need. Find a full list of what items will be accepted online.

Lakewood Youth Empowerment Summit

Registration is now open for the Lakewood Youth Council’s annual Lakewood Youth Empowerment Summit. This event is free for students in grades 7-12 who live in Lakewood.

The event is Saturday, April 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Harrison Preparatory School. Attend to connect with other Lakewood students, participate in fun and engaging activities and visit local vendor booths. There will be interactive breakout sessions, games, prizes, a Chick-Fil-A lunch, coffee truck and more. Register online.

Lakewood’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan certified

Last week, the Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Board approved certification of the 2024 Lakewood Comprehensive Plan. 

Lakewood is one of the first, if not the first, city to achieve this certification statewide. 

Congratulations and thanks to Lakewood Planning Manager Tiffany Speir who led the update process. She worked with the Lakewood Planning Commission, City Council and many stakeholder groups and residents to bring forward this major 10-year update that reflects changes in state law and other regulatory updates.

Spring recreation class registration is open

Our Spring Recreation class registration is open! Now’s your chance to sign up for things like Tai Chi (Beginner and Intermediate levels available), Qigong, Cardio Drumming, or check out our weekly Yoga class schedule. There’s also a new March Meditations class happening every Sunday in March – and it’s free!

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: March 10 recap

Continuum of Care update. Representatives from Pierce County’s Continuum of Care group attended the meeting to share the work being done regionally to address needs around homelessness.

Review of 4^th Quarter (2024) police calls for service and 2024 Annual Police Report. Lakewood Police Chief Patrick D. Smith shared updates with the City Council on the fourth quarter crime summary for 2024 and presented the department’s 2024 Annual Report.

Nyanza Road Improvement Project Update. The design plans for road improvements on Nyanza Road are nearing completion. It is anticipated construction could start as early as late spring or early summer, depending on the bid award and contract approval by the Lakewood City Council. This $5.5 million project included new pavement, street lighting, storm drainage, curbs and sidewalks. It will complete the Gravelly Lake Non-Motorized loop, continuing the new sidewalks from Gravelly Lake Drive to Nyanza Road. Lakewood Water District will partner with the city to replace the existing water main along Nyanza Road. As part of this project a roundabout is proposed at the intersection of Nyanza Road and Gravelly Lake Drive, which would replace the existing traffic signal.

Watch the meeting.

What’s on Deck. The Lakewood City Council meets March 17, 2025 at 6 p.m. for a regular meeting followed by a study session in Council Chambers.Tentative agenda items include:

• Proclamation recognizing First Responder Wellness Week
• Authorizing the execution of the Pierce County Force Investigation Memorandum of Understanding
• Resolution authorizing the retirement, reassignment and sale of Lakewood Police K9 Officer Kona as surplus property of the City of Lakewood
• Item for Discussion: Five-Year (2025-2029) Consolidated CDBG Plan Update
• Item for Discussion: Review of amendment to Lakewood Municipal Code Chapter 1.44 entitled General Penalties
• Items for Discussion: Waughop Lake Update

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 March 4-11, 2025

• Calls for Service: 812 (down 10% from prior week)
• Arrests: 50 (down 24% from prior week)
• Violent Crime: 14 (down 18% from prior week)
• Property Crime: 45 (down 29% from prior week)
• Traffic Stops: 141 (down 27% from prior week)
• Collisions (reportable): 17 (down 6% 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.

• 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 

State Rep. Mari Leavitt hosts town hall Saturday

Community members and neighbors are invited to attend a district Town Hall Meeting with state Rep. Mari Leavitt on Saturday, March 15, at 10 a.m. at Steilacoom Town Hall, 1717 Lafayette St. This event provides an opportunity for residents to engage directly with Rep. Leavitt, ask questions and discuss key issues impacting the community. Attendees will have the chance to share their concerns and ideas in an open discussion. Questions can be submitted early via this web form: Questions for Town Hall. The event is free and open to the public. 

Black Family Wellness Expo

This community event is designed to encourage a healthy lifestyle for people from all cultures, ethnicities and communities.

Doors open Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 10 a.m. at the STAR Center, 3873 South 66th Street in Tacoma. The Expo runs until 2 p.m. There are activities for children and adults. While there learn about:

• Healthy eating habits
• How to prevent hypertension and diabetes
• Prostate health
• Holistic mental and physical wellbeing
• Art therapy
• Dental care and education
• COVID-19 vaccines available
• Free health screenings

More information: TacomaLinksinc.org 

Friends of the Lakewood Library Donation Dropoff

The Friends of the Lakewood Library is accepting donations Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the back parking lot of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 10630 Gravelly Lake Drive SW from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A second drop off date is April 12.

Donations go to support the group’s book sale event happening May 2-3 to benefit the Tillicum Library and Lakewood Interim Library.

In addition to books, they will also accept DVDs, CDs and puzzles. Are you a book lover and/or just looking for a neat place to volunteer for a few hours on a Thursday? The Friends of the Lakewood Library could use your help! Contact them at [email protected].

Pierce County Councilmember Jani Hitchen hosts in-district meeting

Join Pierce County Council District 6 Councilmember Jani Hitchen Wednesday, April 9, 2025 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the McGavick Center in Lakewood for her annual in-district meeting.

Topics include:

• Learning about the work of the Public Health Advisory Board
• State and county response to COVID-19
• HIV testing in Pierce County, and other public health topics.
• Hear from Hitchen about her recent trip to Washington, D.C. and the work she does with the National Association of Counties.

Partners for Parks announces two major funding commitments

Partners for Parks is excited to share major updates on the H-Barn renovation project, a historic preservation effort that will be a landmark achievement for the City of Lakewood and its residents.

Two significant funding commitments were recently secured:

• Amazon generously committed $50,000 to support the renovation.
• The Hokold Foundation of Lakewood, WA pledged $200,000, further ensuring the project’s success.

Read more.

Lakewood Community Foundation Fund accepting applications

The Lakewood Community Foundation Fund is now accepting applications for grants from the 501c3 organizations located in Lakewood. Total grant funds available for award is approximately $40,000. Applications are due April 11, 2025.

All grants will fulfill the fund’s ideals, as expressed in the Mission and Vision statements: 

• Mission: To improve the lives of people in the Lakewood community by encouraging the generosity of donors and by accepting and distributing resources through a permanent endowment.
• Vision: Connecting donors with worthy causes to benefit the Lakewood community.

Applications are available 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: The city’s contractor continues grading for new curb and gutter and sidewalks on the north side. Concrete is expected to start being placed the week of March 17. The electrical subcontractor continues installing conduit in several locations throughout the project.

Rose Road Sanitary Sewer Project: The city’s contractor is installing new sewer main and stub outs on Rose Road.

South Tacoma Way Overlay 96^th to Steilacoom Blvd.: The city’s contractor Miles Resources has modified its schedule to begin work March 24 due to scheduling conflicts with subcontractors.

South Tacoma Way & 92^nd signal replacement: The city’s contractor has modified its schedule to begin work March 31 due to scheduling conflicts with subcontractors.

South Tacoma Way  88^th to north city limits: Work is expected to start late this month or early April. Lakewood Water District is currently installing new water main ahead of the city’s capital improvement project; their work is anticipated to occur Mon-Saturday until they are done with their project.

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: Grading and formwork began this week on the new grand staircase leading to the beach plaza. Early next week sewer work will temporarily close Vernon Avenue SW on Monday and Tuesday, March 17-18.

Wards Lake Park Improvements: Site clearing of invasive species plants continues to define the new walking trails. Work continues to protect the trees in the area. The mountain bike track is anticipated to be finished by early next week. 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: The Parks and Recreation Community Advisory Board had a successful community meeting March 8, gathering substantive feedback from residents on site at Westlake Avenue. A summary of the meeting and what was heard will be shared with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board at its March 25 meeting. View meeting details.

Chambers Creek Trail. The city partnered with Pierce County and University Place on a project to improve access along Chambers Creek between the City of Lakewood and University Place. Pierce County recently completed the construction of a boardwalk. Pierce County Trails is working on the soft surface portion of this 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: A community workday was postponed due to delays in delivery of the new playground equipment. Stay tuned for a new 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 location for new park signs will be marked and demolition and hauling of existing signs will begin in the coming weeks. Parks will remain open during this process. Please respect the construction area and stay away from heavy machinery.
• Historic H-Barn revitalization: Grants and community funding continues to come in to support the preservation of the H-barn at Fort Steilacoom Park. Local nonprofit Partners for Parks is working to raise $3.5 million to match a $4 million commitment from the city. Design work will start in early spring to determine building and code needs, as well as cost estimates. 
• Harry Todd pickleball courts: The bid process is currently open. Sealed bids will be accepted until March 18. Then a lowest bidder identified and contract awarded. Four new pickleball courts will be developed at Harry Todd Park this year. 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/The BIG One: 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. A request for bids is expected to go out in the coming weeks.
• Lakewood Legacy Plan: The city is updating its Legacy Plan detailing improvements for parks for the next six years. Information will be shared about how to provide input and outreach events to hear from residents.
• 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.