Lakewood Receives $3.7 Million For Quality Of Life Projects

LAKEWOOD, WA — The City of Lakewood has secured $3.7 million in capital funding from the state Legislature, which it says will go to support several quality of life improvements.

The bulk of the money, $3.2 million, will go to improve American Lake Park, Wards Lake Park, and Fort Steilacoom Park, the city said. Proposed improvements include additional public waterfront access, repairs to sport fields, the creation of new walking trails, even a new dog park. (Dog lovers: they have not yet said which park will get the dog park, sorry.)

The remaining $515,000 will go to expand the Living Access Support Alliance facility, which helps Lakewood residents who are struggling with homelessness or other domestic issues. The city says the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the housing crisis and many other problems, and they hope this expansion will allow them to serve more Lakewood residents in need.

More about the Living Access Support Alliance and its mission can be found on its website.

Meanwhile, the Legislature has improved several other investments that the city says will largely benefit Lakewood, including:

• $5 million for the Nisqually Environmental Impact Study.
• $5 million to support the Lakewood Water District’s PFAS removal treatment plant.
• $1.4 million for the JBLM North Clear Zone Project.

The city says the funding was provided largely thanks to the efforts of local representatives in the Legislature, like Sens T’wina Nobles and Steve Conway, and Reps Dan Bronoske, Mari Leavitt, Steve Kirby and Melanie Morgan.

"The state legislature has invested in Lakewood," said City Manager John Caulfield. "Our growing community will enjoy the rewards of these investments for years to come. We are especially pleased to see a continued legislative focus on healing those hurt most by the pandemic. For that we express our gratitude to our state legislators from the 28th and 29th legislative districts."