Wards Lake Park Grand Opening
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Noon – 2 p.m.
North Entrance: 2716 84th St Ct S, Lakewood, WA 98499
South Entrance: 8825 25th Ave S, Lakewood, WA 98499
Please note that parking is limited, especially off of 84th street, so be sure to route to one of the new alternative parking areas added to the park, walk, ride transit or carpool to the event.
Schedule of Events
| 8:00 – 9:00am | Bird Walk |
| 9:00am – 12:00pm | Enter to win bike raffle giveaway (or join in Parks Appreciation Day clean up activities!) |
| 12:00 – 1:00pm | Free Hot Dogs |
| 12:30 – 12:45pm | Ribbon Cutting |
| 1:00 – 2:00pm | Bike safety course Art Walk Skateboarding Low-cost helmets Evergreen Mountain Bike Association Workshop |
Bird Walk
Please join us from 8:00-9:00am for a guided bird walk led by our partners from Tahoma Bird Alliance. We will assemble in the south park entrance plaza shortly before 8am. The address is 2716 84th St Ct S. Explore the wetland looking and listening for birds, including a view into the cattails from the new foot bridge, as well as forested parts of the newly renovated park. The wetland should be hopping with spring arrivals like red-winged blackbirds, marsh wrens, ducks and other waterfowl, as well as warblers or even a possible Virginia rail! The path will include groomed trails, some paved, mostly flat or fairly easy ups and downs, please wear sturdy shoes in case it’s raining. All ages welcome!
Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance Beginners Clinic
Join Evergreen’s certified instructor team for an introduction to mountain biking! The goal is to build a couple fundamental skills to get you started rolling down the trail. Through drills, games and trail riding, you’ll practice balance, body positioning, and effective braking.
This mini-clinic is designed for youth ages 6+ and families who can comfortably ride a bike on flat, smooth, terrain. You do not need any prior off-road or trail experience, but you must be able to competently ride a bike. Bikes are not provided. Bikes must be in good working order with hand brakes and helmets are required to participate. Please park at the south parking lot and assemble in the skills area of the bike trails at 1pm. The south entry address is: 2716 84th St Ct S.
Bike Raffle!
The 8 bikes below will be raffled off for free! (must be in attendance to win)
New Improvements
TRAILS AND SHORELINE RESTORATION
Over a mile of trails were improved and developed at the 38+ acre park, including a multi-use paved loop trail with a bridge spanning Wards Lake and a bird blind for wildlife viewing. Over 10 acres of invasive plants were removed, and native plantings were installed, including 700 ft of shoreline restoration around the lake.
ACCESSIBLE AND EXPANDED PARKING
Parking and access at main entrance off 84th street was improved and expanded as well as accessible parking added to support the dog park off 88th St. and new neighborhood access and parking of 25th Ave S. , Replacement and expansion of the existing north play area and picnic shelter, a Portland Loo with public art to replace the existing restroom, entry plaza and concrete pump track were developed in the north areas of the park.
NEW PLAYGROUND AND RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES
A second playground was added at the south end of the site, along with a dog park, a 3.5-acre bike trail system, and a skills area. Enhanced open space areas, fencing, signage, and site furnishings also complement the new and improved recreation opportunities and development.
