Lakewood, WA
Lakewood, Washington
Lakewood is known for its beautiful lakes, the city’s parks that make up over 540 acres of land, attractive neighborhoods surrounded by trees, and their unique housing options. The population is nearly 60,000 with over 26,000 households. There are 5 lakes in Lakewood which total almost 2 miles of water that are commonly used for water sports such as boating, water-skiing, tubing, and fishing.
Since 2004, when the city of Lakewood formed their first police department, the crime has dropped significantly, creating a safer community for our residents. Lakewood is the second-largest city in Pierce County and lies in the Clover Park School District which has 2 high schools, 4 middle schools, and 16 elementary schools. the Clover Park School District also contains 2 specialty schools and 2 colleges – Pierce College Fort Steilacoom and Clover Park Technical College.
Lakewold Gardens
Lakewold Gardens is a 10-acre non-profit estate garden. The property first began in 1908 and expanded in 1918. By 1987, the land was donated to a nonprofit organization where it became open to the public. There are 7 garden rooms: The Tom Gillies Hardy Fern Foundation Display Garden, Shade Garden, Woodland Garden, Rock Garden, Cutting Garden, The Knot Garden, and the Library Courtyard. Lakewold includes a variety of different nurseries from European to Asian-inspired gardening styles.
Lakewold Gardens has special events year-round, including MayFest, Beautiful Tables Showcase, Discovery Walks with the Garden Manager, Guest speakers, and Second City Chamber Concert Series. Classes are offered to the public in topics including Garden Photography, Organic Gardening, Herb Gardens, Stone Sculpture, Basic Pruning, and Cutting Gardens.
Fort Steilacoom Dog Park
The Fort Steilacoom Dog Park contains 22 acres of fenced, off-leash open spaces for dogs to run free, explore, and meet new friends. The area is regularly landscaped and features bushes, trees, and logs, as well as furnishings including water fountains and benches. There is also a separate smaller fenced area for smaller dogs. This park has been open to the public since 2006 and has received a multitude of awards including “Best Dog Park” in both Western Washington in 2017 and by South Sound Magazine.
South Tacoma Antique Mall
This large antique store sells anything you could possibly imagine – art, furniture, automotive and sport accessories, appliances, toys, jewelry, and more. If you are not able to find what you’re looking for, you can add the item to the mall’s Wish List and one of the 100+ antique dealers in the area will try to find it for you!
American Lake Park
Located on the northern shore of American Lake, this 5-acre park offers picnic shelters, picnic tables, a playground, restrooms, a designated swimming area, and a public boat launch. The Lakewood SummerFEST Triathlon is held here each year, as well as college rowing crews and junior rowing clubs.
Lakewood Towne Center
When the Lakewood Mall was going out of business and practically falling apart back in 2001, the shopping center was refurbished into an open-space center with 4 distinct components: the civic center with city hall in the center, a power center, an entertainment center, and a neighborhood center. The Lakewood Towne Center is now a very popular gathering place for locals, and you can find over 60 stores and restaurants here including Marshall’s, Five Guys, Cold Stone Creamery, Burlington, GameStop, Red Robin, Barnes & Noble, and PetSmart.
