Lakewood City Council workshop Saturday
The Lakewood City Council meets Saturday at Lakewood City Hall to discuss its goals for the coming biennium in alignment with its recently adopted budget and its goals and objectives.
The following topics will be discussed:
- Multigenerational Community Center
- Downtown Park
- Mixed Use Development
- Parking Legislation
- Planning and Public Works Workplan
- City Manager Recruitment
Members of the public can attend the meeting 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 (or later) on the city’s YouTube channel.
Spring Artist Reception: ‘Culture Clash: Art Edition’
The first Artist Reception of 2025 is almost here! Head to Lakewood City Hall on Monday, April 7, 2025 to see artwork from the artists of the Hwa Sil Art Studio.
The pieces on display come from artists who range in age from 8 to 80 years.
Join us for a special artist reception to meet the artists and hear from them about their pieces. This is a great opportunity to support local artists, young artists, and engage with the arts community.
Enjoy light refreshments and a performance by Hyewon Kim, a South Korean native with a passion for music who teaches locally and is active in the local arts scene.
Can’t make the reception? The pieces will hang on the walls of the City Hall lobby for all to enjoy during business hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rescheduled: Mayor Whalen’s Community Coffeehouse
Out of a concern for the safety of residents, we took the cautious approach this week to postpone the March 26 Mayor’s Community Coffeehouse due to forecasted stormy weather.
Thankfully the severe thunderstorms, high winds, large hail and minor threat of tornadoes never materialized in Lakewood. But we didn’t want to risk it, which is why we chose to reschedule the event.
Mayor Jason Whalen will hold the community coffeehouse event in April. A date is still being finalized. The topic and presenters will be the same. Representatives from the West Pierce Emergency Management Coalition (WPEMC) 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.
Mayor Whalen’s Community Coffeehouse is held at The Pavilion, 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.
Lakewood’s Comprehensive Plan recognized
The City of Lakewood was recently notified its 2024 Comprehensive Plan periodic review was selected for the “HCD Division Award” by the APA Housing & Community Development Executive Committee.
The plan was submitted for consideration in the Community Development category. The selection committee shared:
“The project exemplifies community development without displacing vulnerable populations, equitable engagement, and community ownership of the planning process.”
Award winners and runners-up will be announced at an upcoming reception.
Lakewood Planning Commission Comp Plan Public Hearing
The Lakewood Planning Commission is holding a public hearing April 2, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. on the 2025 Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map Amendment docket list.
Comments can be shared in person or via Zoom during the meeting, or in writing. Written comments must be sent by 12 p.m. April 2, 2025.
To see the full docket list and for details on how to join the meeting virtually, view the Planning Commission agenda packet.
Help identify future Neighborhood Associations in Lakewood
The City of Lakewood started a Neighborhood Connections Leadership Group to help guide the creation of new Neighborhood Associations in Lakewood. The group meets monthly to identify key priorities for Lakewood residents and to help facilitate information sharing and conversation between residents and city officials.
The group created a draft map identifying neighborhoods and potential new Neighborhood Associations. The map is designed to create smaller, more intentional spaces for community discussions.
Share your thoughts! Public input will help shape this map and ensure it reflects the needs of the community. Take the short survey now.
SummerFEST vendor applications now available
Interested in being part of one of the largest summer events in the South Sound? Applications are now available for the City of Lakewood’s annual SummerFEST event.
This year the event is Saturday, July 19 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Vendors must stay until 6 p.m. or they can stay until close.
SummerFEST is free and offers something for everyone. Enjoy live music all day, performances on the International Stage, a beer garden, kid activities, food trucks, vendors, face painting, interactive displays and a grand finale hot air balloon glow and fire dancer show. You don’t want to miss it!
Applications are due May 1, 2025.
Now accepting applications for 2025 Lakewood Farmers Market
The Lakewood Farmers Market is accepting applications for vendors interested in joining the 2025 market. The 2025 market season kicks off June 3 and runs for 11 weeks until Aug. 26, 2025. There are no markets on July 15 or 22.
Applications are due May 1, 2025.
The Lakewood Farmers Market is nestled in Fort Steilacoom Park in the heart of Lakewood. The market runs Tuesdays from 2-7 p.m. The city’s Summer Nights at the Pavilion concert series overlaps the market from 6:30-8 p.m. starting June 17 until Aug. 19. Visitors enjoy strolling and grabbing a bite before concerts kick off.
Market vendors include local artisans, farmers, food trucks, food sellers, bakeries, fresh cut flowers, small business owners, small-batch wineries and distilleries and more.
Vendor applications are due May 1, 2025. Download the application (PDF).
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 94th 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.
Spring recreation classes underway
Check out our weekly Yoga class schedule. The next Sound Healing Workshop is April 27. 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: What’s on Deck
The Lakewood City Council meets Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. for its annual workshop. The meeting will be held in Council Chambers at City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW. Tentative items for discussion include:
- Multigenerational Community Center
- Downtown Park
- Mixed Use Development
- Parking Legislation
- Planning and Public Works Workplan
- City Manager Recruitment
The next regular meeting is Monday, April 7 at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. Tentative agenda items include:
- Proclamation declaring April, 2025 as Parks Appreciation Day
- Proclamation recognizing Black Wellness Week
- Proclamation recognizing the Fair Housing Act
- Youth Council Report
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement with KBH Construction Company for the Harry Todd Park Pickleball Courts + Parking Lot
- Ordinance amending Lakewood Municipal Code Chapter 1.44 entitled General Penalties
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 18-25, 2025
- Calls for Service: 1,027 (up 9% from prior week)
- Arrests: 30 (down 27% from prior week)
- Violent Crime: 19 (down 24% from prior week)
- Property Crime: 51 (down 9% from prior week)
- Traffic Stops: 199 (up 12% from prior week)
- Collisions (reportable): 14 (down 36% 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.
Attend a Neighborhood Association meeting
- 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
Cops vs. Teachers annual charity event is April 18
The 16th annual Cops vs. Teachers fundraiser event is April 18 at Lakes High School. This year’s event, hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Clover Park, is raising money in support of long-time Clover Park School District educator Tom Prentice and the ALS Society.
The event includes the basketball game and a silent auction. Doors open at 5:15 p.m., tip-off is 6:30 p.m. Learn more about this year’s event.
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.
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 87th Ave: The city’s contractor has placed a large portion of concrete sidewalks and driveways on the north side of Steilacoom Blvd. They will continue grading and placing concrete through the next two weeks.
Rose Road Sanitary Sewer Project: The city’s contractor is installing a new sewer main and stub outs on Rose Road.
South Tacoma Way Overlay 96th to Steilacoom Blvd.: The city’s contractor Miles Resources has modified its schedule to begin work April 7 due to scheduling conflicts with subcontractors.
South Tacoma Way & 92nd signal replacement: The city’s contractor has modified its schedule to begin work April 7 due to scheduling conflicts with subcontractors.
South Tacoma Way 88th to north city limits: Work is expected to start Monday, March 31. Lakewood Water District has completed the installation of their new water main in this location and their contractor is working on final clean up items.
Bridgeport Way from 75th 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 on the sewer connection for the new restroom continues with restroom installation anticipated to occur the second week of April. Construction of the retaining walls is nearing completion with the installation of wall caps. Site fencing installation is underway.
Wards Lake Park Improvements: The building permit for the 175-foot span bridge was approved. Installation is anticipated to occur this summer. Stairs along steeper sections of trails are under construction with trail base course and gravel installation underway. Site clearing of invasive species plants continues to define the new walking trails. Work continues to protect the trees in the area. 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: This week the Parks and Recreation Community Advisory Board reviewed a summary of a March 8 community meeting to hear from the public about opening up the street end to public use. Design on how the site development could look will start in late spring with updates to follow. Construction is anticipated in 2026. View the summary on page 6 of PRAB meeting agenda packet.
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: All old park signs are now removed. Preparation for installation of new parks signs is underway. Parks will remain open during this process. Please respect the construction area and stay away from heavy machinery.
- Historic H-Barn revitalization: The PuyallupTribe is the latest donor to the Historic H-Barn revitalization project. The tribe recently donated $20,000 to Partners for Parks. The local nonprofit 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: 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: 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: A preliminary engagement plan was shared with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. As the city begins its public 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.