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Residents press Lakewood to address Edgewater Park upkeep as redevelopment contract moves forward
Summary
Speakers told council that Edgewater Park is currently unmanaged and lacks signage and safety information; the city approved a contract with PND Engineers for Edgewater Park development as part of the consent agenda and staff said they will address interim maintenance and signage concerns.
Several residents told the Lakewood City Council on Aug. 4 that Edgewater Park is deteriorating and lacks basic signage and safety information while long‑term redevelopment proceeds.
Polly McClain, who submitted written comments with a co-signer, told the council she and others worried about the park's current condition and said there are no signs marking the park's name, hours, rules or a notice that "no lifeguard is on duty." "It appears to be currently out of control, which I would consider a liability for the city of Lakewood," McClain said during public comment. She also noted that the redevelopment agreement on the agenda appeared to delay park improvements, with a plan that would not take effect until 2029.
The council approved motion 2025-51 — authorizing execution of an agreement with PND Engineers for the Edgewater Park development project — as part of the consent agenda earlier in the meeting. Council members and staff discussed interim steps to address residents' safety and maintenance concerns before construction begins. Council members suggested temporary informational signage and reintroducing a portable restroom near the boat launch; city staff committed to follow up on maintenance and signage.
City staff noted that the final, permanent park signage and full redevelopment will be completed through the engineering and design work authorized by the contract. In the short term, the mayor and staff agreed to review options for temporary signage that explains the redevelopment timeline and to check whether a seasonal portable restroom could be placed near existing park access points.
Background: The city packet lists a development agreement and design work with PND Engineers. McClain asked why the budget figure for a neighborhood park and a city park both appeared to be $8 million in earlier materials and requested clarity about the difference in services and schedule between a neighborhood and a city park designation.
Outcome and next steps: Motion 2025-51 authorizing an agreement with PND Engineers was adopted on the consent agenda. City staff will review interim maintenance needs, evaluate temporary signage and investigate restroom options, and will report back to council as part of park implementation planning.
Discussion-only points: Residents asked that the city take visible, interim steps to manage safety, trash and parking while the long-term redevelopment proceeds.
Actions: Motion 2025-51 (authorize agreement with PND Engineers for Edgewater Park development) — adopted as part of the consent agenda.
