Ecology test shows no detectable toxins in Waughop Lake
On April 16, 2025 the City of Lakewood took a sample from Waughop Lake and sent it to the state Department of Ecology and its cyanobacteria toxicity testing program.
The purpose of the test was to determine whether there are detectable levels of common toxins in the lake due to harmful freshwater algae that could be present.
The city received the test results this week. They show the sample was negative for the toxins commonly associated with harmful algae, or cyanobacteria.
According to the results, the levels for Microcystins, Anatoxin-a, Cylindrospermopsins and Saxitoxin were all below the state’s recreational guidance values.
Visitors who walk around the lake may notice the water is bright green currently. This indicates algae is present, but it is not toxic.
While there is no current toxic algae blooms at Waughop Lake, we recently replaced signs around the lake sharing information with visitors about harmful algae blooms. The signs share the information in multiple languages.
Weller Road to close Monday and Tuesday
Weller Road will close on the south side of Steilacoom Boulevard Monday and Tuesday May 5-6, 2025 during construction hours. The closure is tied to the road improvements occurring on Steilacoom Boulevard. Detours will be in place during the closure and the road will be open by the evening and overnight.
Lakewood Comprehensive Plan nationally recognized
The American Planning Association Housing and Community Development Division recently recognized the city’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan 10-Year Update with an award in its Community Development category.
The recognition was awarded at the association’s recent annual meeting. In the write up of why the city’s plan won the award the organization said:
“This plan stood out for its strong emphasis on inclusive engagement, thoughtful and forward-looking policy updates, and a commitment to equitable growth. It serves as a clear and community-rooted roadmap for the city’s future—balancing vision with practical strategies shaped by the voices of Lakewood residents.”
Thank you volunteers!
Did you visit a park in Lakewood this week with the sunny weather we’re having? If you visited Fort Steilacoom Park, Kiwanis Park, Harry Todd Park or Springbrook Park you undoubtably noticed fresh woodchips under the playground. The shoreline of Edgewater Park was cleaned up with the removal of invasive species, and the grave markers at the Western State Hospital cemetery in Fort Steilacoom Park are now easier to read thanks to the work of many volunteers with the Grave Concerns organization. The Community Garden in Lake City is ready to go for the spring and summer planting season and the community plots at Springbrook Park will be showing signs of new produce soon.
All these improvements are thanks to the 136 volunteers who stepped up to help with our annual Parks Appreciation Day last weekend. (Check out photos here).
We couldn’t have done this work without these dedicated volunteers. We also want to thank F-Dub for their generous donation of water and snacks to help keep volunteers fueled during their hard work.
Next year’s Parks Appreciation Day is April 25, 2026. We hope to see you there! Thank you, Lakewood, for being such a hands-on community!
Harry Todd Park parking lot closure begins Monday
On Monday, May 5, 2025 the main parking lot entrance of Harry Todd Park will close to all vehicles. The closure is 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].
Deadline to register for Lakewood Police 2025 Citizen Academy is May 6
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! Register today fo r 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.
Registration closes Tuesday, May 6. Once it closes all applicants will be contacted by a member of the Lakewood Police Department to inform them whether they were accepted into the academy.
Learn more about the academy and apply online.
Save the date: Retirement reception for John Caulfield is May 27
The public is invited to an open house reception to celebrate Lakewood City Manager John J. Caulfield Earlier this year Caulfield announced his retirement after 12 years serving the city. Caulfield’s last day is June 5, 2025.
The celebration is Tuesday, May 27, 2025 from 5:30-7 p.m. in Council Chambers at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW. Please RSVP.
Lakewood Volunteer Recognition event is May 28
Are you a volunteer with the city of Lakewood? Or did you volunteer with the city in the last year? We want to say thank you!
Please join us for our annual Volunteer Recognition event on Wednesday, May 28 from 4:30-6 p.m. at The Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park, 9107 Angle Lane SW.
All attendees must RSVP. Deadline to RSVP is May 16. Please RSVP 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!
Drop in Yoga offered at The Pavilion
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: What’s on Deck
The Lakewood City Council meets Monday, 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 KBH Construction for the park sign project
- Authorizing the execution of an amendment to the agreement with Robert Droll for the American Lake Park bulkhead assessment
- Authorizing the execution of an amendment to the agreement with Redside Construction for Wards Lake Park pump track
- Approving the 2024 Transportation Benefit District Annual Report
- Authorizing the execution of an amendment to the agreement with DP Excavation, in the amount of $43,599.60, for the demolition of dangerous and nuisance structures at 9320-9330 Bridgeport Way SW
- Public hearing: 2025 Carry Forward Budget Adjustment
- Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 766 to extend the date 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 Apartments 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 22-29, 2025
- Calls for Service: 1,001 (no change from prior week)
- Arrests: 40 (down 9% from prior week)
- Violent Crime: 21 (up 11% from prior week)
- Property Crime: 42 (down 18% from prior week)
- Traffic Stops: 213 (up 6% from prior week)
- Collisions (reportable): 13 (down 24% 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 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].
Celebrate Classy Chassis reopening in Lakewood
Classy Chassis is inviting the community to celebrate the grand re-opening of its Lakewood location May 16-18, 2025. The event will include free car washes, giveaways and prizes, a bounce house for kids on Sunday and the award of $10,000 to be split between three local nonprofits: Lakewood Baseball Club, Lakewood Boys & Girls Club and the Lakewood Family YMCA. Classy Chassis Car Wash & Detailing is located at 7701 Custer Road. Find more information online.
Community conversation with Rep. Mari Leavitt
Head to Pierce College in Lakewood on Monday, May 19 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. for a conversation with state Rep. Mari Leavitt. Community members and students are invited to attend to discuss legislative updates, share what’s important to them and get answers to questions on key issues affecting the 28th Legislative District.
Event Details
- What: Community Conversation with Rep. Mari Leavitt
- When: Monday, May 19, 2025
- Time: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Where: Pierce College Fort Steilacoom | Student Performance Lounge
9401 Farwest Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
This event is free and open to the public. Constituents are encouraged to attend, share their perspectives, and hear about Rep. Leavitt’s work in the state Legislature. This is a time to learn from folks what is top of mind for them.
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: 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. Weller Road will be closed on the south side of Steilacoom Boulevard Monday and Tuesday, May 5-6, 2025 during construction hours; detours will be in place during the closure and the road will be open by the evening/overnight.
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 new sewer main ahead of the grading operation.
South Tacoma Way Overlay 96th to Steilacoom Blvd.: The city’s contractor Miles Resources continues with concrete work ahead of the asphalt overlay. The HMA placement is currently scheduled to occur mid-May.
South Tacoma Way & 92nd signal replacement: The city’s contractor continues placing new concrete and installing new signal components on this project.
South Tacoma Way 88th to north city limits: The cCity’s contractor is working on the west side of South Tacoma Way placing new concrete curb and gutter as part of the improvements between 88th and the north city limit. Irrigation lines will be installed followed by concrete sidewalks and other pedestrian access improvements. Once the west South Tacoma Way.
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: New beach sand was installed. Significant progress was made this week on the completion of the new accessible ramp and beach plaza pavers. Formwork of the entry plaza is expected to begin next week. The restroom sewer connection, concrete seat walls, irrigation repair and handrail fabrication are underway. The current opening is expected mid-summer.
American Lake 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. The work is anticipated to begin in the fall.
Wards Lake Park Improvements: Work continues with the site trail development, bridge abutments and north and south playground construction. Work is also starting on the new shelter footings. 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 this summer. 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: The playground is being installed.
- 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. Bids will be opened in May with City Council approval expected in early June with construction to follow.
- 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.