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City planner outlines Lakewood's parks legacy-plan update; public open house July 24
Summary
Parks staff presented a timeline and outreach plan for updating Lakewood's Parks, Recreation and Open Space (Legacy) Plan, including community events this summer, an online survey in the fall, a draft plan in spring, and potential adoption in May; staff requested a planning-commission liaison to the task force.
David de la Cruz, parks capital project manager for the City of Lakewood, briefed the Planning Commission on July 16 about the ongoing update to the city's Parks, Recreation and Open Space (Legacy) Plan. De la Cruz said the update will guide park improvements, capital investments and programming priorities and is intended to support grant applications by documenting community priorities and a project list.
The update process and timeline: De la Cruz said staff have been conducting outreach at farmers markets and community events this summer, will hold an open house at the Lakewood Library from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 24, and plan a targeted survey in the fall. Staff expect to compile survey results and draft plan sections over the winter, convene the legacy-plan task force in winter, produce a draft in spring and seek adoption in May 2026. He said the plan focuses on a near-term six-year implementation window while also framing longer-term (30-year) priorities.
Key topics and recent or planned projects discussed: - American Lake Park: staff described ADA access and restroom improvements, a new plaza, landscaping and a partially reopened beach; staff said work continues on a third boat-launch lane that requires lower water levels for reconstruction. - Harry Todd Park: shoreline restoration, new fishing piers, a replacement restroom, a new playground and planned pickleball courts; staff said new pickleball courts and ADA stalls were expected to open in July. - Silicon Park turf and fields: redevelopment includes four fields and batting cages; one field serves as Pierce College's home field. - Recent completions and ongoing projects: turf-field replacements, playground replacements, Springbrook Park expansion, Wards Lake land acquisition and Westlake Avenue pilot work. - Undelivered projects from the prior legacy plan: a list of items (barbecue and trail improvements, dog-park additions, shelter/turf improvements) that remain in a running prioritization list for future work.
Funding and grant strategy: De la Cruz told commissioners the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is a primary grant source used by the city; RCO programs often require a local match. He said the legacy-plan document is important to demonstrate organized community input and project priorities when applying for grants.
Public safety and access: Commissioners and community members raised safety, homeless encampments, and the need for more public access to Lakewood's lakes as recurring themes during outreach. De la Cruz said safety and health issues are being raised during engagement and will be addressed in the plan. Several commissioners urged preserving street ends and expanding public water access where feasible.
Commission input and next steps: Commissioners praised recent park work and encouraged continued public outreach. The parks staff asked the commission to consider appointing a member as a liaison to the legacy-plan task force so commissioners could track progress and advocate for the plan. De la Cruz encouraged commissioners to share the project QR code and outreach links with neighborhood groups and civic organizations.
No formal action was taken; the presentation was informational and staff will continue outreach and bring draft plan materials back for review.
