10 recent developments shaping the city of Lakewood in 2025
This list of stories illustrates how new businesses, changes in the local government, and other developments are reshaping the city of Lakewood.
Recent changes include updates to Wards Lake Park, the planned Lakewood Towne Center Apartments, a new Planet Fitness, and plans for a new McDonald’s.
The city is also dealing with the retirement of longtime city manager John Caulfield and police department controversies, such as allegations of officer misconduct and an internal investigation.
NO. 1: POPULAR PIERCE COUNTY PARK TO BE CLOSED IN 2025 FOR MAJOR UPGRADES, LIKE NEW DOG PARK
The park will be getting new paved trails, an off-leash dog park and new playground this year. | Published January 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becca Most
NO. 2: ‘ASPHALT PRAIRIE’ OR NEW APARTMENTS? LAKEWOOD HEARING AIRS PROS, CONS OF TOWNE CENTER SITE
Several spoke out against risk of more polluting storm water runoff while proponents contended the project would improve site. | Published January 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell
NO. 3: A NEW MCDONALD’S IS PLANNED IN LAKEWOOD. HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW AND HOW YOU CAN HAVE A SAY
It’s the second of two new McDonald’s proposed in Pierce County in the past few months. | Published February 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell
NO. 4: HERE IS HOW LAKEWOOD TOWNE CENTER APARTMENT PLANS FARED IN HEARING EXAMINER DECISION
Conditions aim to mitigate concerns on traffic, stormwater runoff and more. | Published February 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell
NO. 5: MANAGER OF 2ND-LARGEST PIERCE COUNTY CITY TO RETIRE. NO IMMEDIATE WORD ON REPLACEMENT
The city said he was a critical part of bringing much-needed attention and funding for various projects. | Published February 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becca Most
NO. 6: MAJOR FITNESS OUTLET WITH LATE HOURS TO OPEN NEW LOCATION IN THIS PIERCE COUNTY CITY
It replaces a former 24 Hour Fitness. | Published March 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becca Most
NO. 7: ARE CITY EFFORTS TO TREAT TOXIC ALGAE AT THIS PIERCE COUNTY LAKE WORKING? WHAT WE KNOW
For decades agricultural waste and manure was dumped into this lake, which has caused issues for the city today. | Published March 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becca Most
NO. 8: LAKEWOOD POLICE’S SECOND IN COMMAND OUT ON LEAVE PENDING INTERNAL INVESTIGATION
Assistant Chief John Unfred was placed on administrative leave March 19, according to a department spokesperson. | Published April 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Peter Talbot
NO. 9: ‘UNFIT FOR HUMAN HABITATION.’ PIERCE COUNTY CITY SUES MOBILE HOME PARK AS NUISANCE
“The Property remains without power or water and continues to be illegally occupied by squatters and transients,” according to the suit. | Published April 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becca Most
NO. 10: RACIST COMMENTS, JOKES ABOUT SEXUAL IDENTITY NET SUSPENSIONS FOR 2 LAKEWOOD COPS
A sergeant who was president of the union and a detective used racist language and harassed colleagues over their sexual identity, records show. | Published May 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becca Most…