May 2026 Newsletter | Issue 65

Don't miss out on free family fun at the Lacey Spring Fun Fair this weekend!

Summer Registration Opens Wednesday, May 20 at 9 a.m.


Get ready for a great season of programs and activities! Summer registration opens Wednesday, May 20, at 9 a.m. This registration includes programs running in July, August, and September.


Want to plan ahead? Preview summer programs early, build your wish list, and be ready when registration opens!


Financial assistance is available for qualifying households. Visit our website for eligibility information and to apply today!

Events

Fun Fair Is HERE!


The 39th Annual Lacey Spring Fun Fair is finally here! Join us May 16 and 17 at Saint Martin's University for two days of FREE family fun, including rides, live entertainment, Kids World activities, S.T.E.A.M. Fair, craft and food vendors with items for purchase, and so much more.


Enjoy returning favorites like pony rides, the Giant Slide, and the circus train, plus over 75 vendors with crafts, services, treats, and unique finds. Stop by the Kids Market on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to support young entrepreneurs selling their own products. Then come back Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Car Show presented by River Ridge Band Association!


Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, May 16 - Sunday, May 17
  • Time: Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Location: Saint Martin’s University | 5300 Pacific Ave SE
  • Cost: FREE!


On-site parking is limited so skip the stress and take the free shuttle from Civic Plaza near Applebee's on Sleater-Kinney.


Don't miss one of Lacey's favorite weekends of the year! For more details visit the Lacey Spring Fun Fair Webpage.

Grand Opening: Come check out the Lacey Museum!


Come celebrate the grand opening of the Lacey Museum's new location with a day full of community fun, local history, and celebration! Enjoy live music, crafts, tours, a scavenger hunt, light refreshments, and a ribbon cutting as the museum officially opens its door to the public.


Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, June 13
  • Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Location: Lacey Museum | 4160 6th Ave SE Suite 101
  • Cost: FREE!

Creativity Corner: From petals to ocean magic!


Spring and early summer are the perfect time to get creative at the Lacey Museum! Stop by Creativity Corner to explore hands-on crafts inspired by the season — from blooming cherry blossoms to whimsical jellyfish.


Whether you love crafting, painting, or trying something new, you'll enjoy designing your own colorful creation using fun materials, playful patterns, and your unique artistic style!


These free activities are open to all ages and are a great way to add a little creativity to your museum visit.

Event Details:

  • Dates: May 1 – May 30 | June 4 – June 27
  • Times: Thursday and Friday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m | Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Location: Lacey Museum | 4160 6th Ave SE
  • Cost: FREE!


Get inspired, get creative, and make something fun to take home!

Welcome Aboard! Grand Opening Celebration


All aboard for adventure! Join Lacey Parks, Culture and Recreation and the Gateway Rotary Club as we celebrate the grand opening of a brand-new tugboat-themed playground at Bush Park. Bring your crew and get ready for some high-seas fun!


Enjoy hands-on activities like creating your own captain or sailor hat, snapping photos at the "Welcome Aboard" sign, and celebrating the community partners who helped bring this project to life.

Event Details:

  • Date: Wednesday, May 27
  • Time: 5:30 p.m.
  • Location: William A. Bush Park | 4400 Chardonnay Drive SE
  • Cost: FREE!


This exciting new playground was made possible through community partnerships and grant funding, including support from Gateway Rotary Club and the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.


Now open for play come check it out!

Classes

Summer Fun Tour (6-12 years)


Get ready for a summer full of fun, friendship, and adventure! Join our amazing staff for the 2026 Summer Fun Tour, where kids can create lasting memories, make new friends, and stay active all season long.


Each day is packed with games, activities, laughter, and hands-on experiences. Campers will also enjoy access to an on-site library and a summer reading program in partnership with Timberland Regional Library.


Camp Details: June 22 - August 14

Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | $210/week


Locations: Mountain View Elementary School and Lydia Hawk Elementary School

Weekly Themes: Each week brings new adventure — so there's always something exciting to look forward to!


June 22 - 26: The Great Escape

June 29 - July 2: Party in the USA

July 6 - 10: Under the Sea

July 13 - 17: Safari Season

July 20 - 24: Fun in the Sun

July 27 - 31: Play Ball

August 3 - 7: Super Heros

August 10 - 14: Water Week


With a low camper-to-staff ratio (6:1 on-site, 4:1 on field trips) and First Aid/CPR-certified counselors, your child is in great hands.


Register today as spots are limited to 45 campers per week!

Playground Pals (6-12 years)


Come join the FREE fun this summer! Our incredible Parks and Recreation staff will be offering supervised playground time, as well as structured activities that include arts and crafts, games, fitness, water activities, and even a summer reading program brought to you by the Timberland Regional Library. Lunch will be provided by the Summer Food Service Program. Playground Pals is made possible in partnership with North Thurston Public Schools!


Class Details: June 22 - August 14

Monday - Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. | FREE



Locations: Mountain View Elementary School and Lydia Hawk Elementary School


Please note that pre-registration is required and you must attend a North Thurston Public School.

Groove and Move: Beginner Hip Hop (6-12 years)


Get ready to move, groove, and express yourself! This high-energy class focuses on beginner hip hop technique, building confidence, and musicality in a fun and welcoming environment.


Dancers will learn choreography, freestyle basics, and enjoy getting active with each session.  Don’t forget to bring water!


Class Details: June 10 - July 1

Wednesdays, 6:35 – 7:05 p.m. | $45


Location: Lacey Community Center, Rooms 1 and 2

Hip Hop Step Aerobics (16+ years)


This energizing aerobics class blends step combinations with a fun hip-hop vibe and high-energy music. Expect big movement, booty-shaking beats, and a workout that keeps you smiling while you sweat!


No experience is required. Just bring your own step, water, and get ready to move, groove, and have fun! Please note that some lyrics may be explicit. Aerobic step will not be provided.


Class Details: June 10 - July 1

Wednesdays, 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. | $45


Location: Lacey Community Center, Rooms 1 and 2

Color Your Canvas (16+ years)


Step into a dreamy, bohemian-inspired night as you paint a vibrant masterpiece glowing under a mystical moon. In this guided workshop, you’ll learn step-by-step techniques to create a stunning, free-spirited scene on canvas filled with color and expression. Instructor is Tina Price, Bessie Mae’s Paint Parties. 


Class Details: June 11

Thursday, 6 – 8 p.m. | $50


Location: Jacob Smith House

Tiny Movers (3-5 years)


This fun and upbeat class introduces our youngest dancers to the magic of movement through ballet, hip-hop, and musical theater. Each week includes music, rhythm, basic technique, and tons of imagination. Perfect for energetic little ones who love to dance and perform.


Class Details: June 10 - July 1

Mondays, 5 – 5:45 p.m. | $55



Location: Jacob Smith House

Trips

Jakob Two Trees - Issaquah (18+ years)


This outing will take us to Issaquah to meet Jakob Two Trees. A short stroll on the paved pathway to find Jakob will be followed by a trip to Gilman Village Shopping Center which offers a quaint shopping experience with locally owned shops, restaurants, and boutiques.


Class Details: May 17

Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | $55


Location: Lacey City Hall

Meet Your Parks Board

Aram Wheeler, Chair of the Board!


Meet Aram Wheeler, who is wrapping up his third term on the Park Board – nearly 9 years of service to the Lacey Community!  


Why he serves:

"I've always felt a strong pull to give back to the community you live in. There's always a way to contribute, and I hope my involvement encourages others to do the same."


Why Lacey’s Parks Matter So Much:

Lacey’s Parks have been a part of Aram’s life for more than 40 years – offering places to gather and connect with nature. After moving away from Lacey for a brief time, he experienced communities without strong park systems, which gave him an even deeper appreciation for what Lacey has built and inspired him to return home.  


Favorite local spot:

Wonderwood Park! "It's been a huge part of my life from childhood adventures to raising my own family there. It's truly one of Lacey's gems."


Fun Fact:

Aram has the Lacey Parks, Culture and Recreation logo tattooed on his leg — a permanent reminder of the community he loves!


Do you love Parks and have an interest in getting involved in the community? Learn more and apply to be a Parks, Culture, and Recreation Board member here.

Did You Know?

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the country!


Did you know pickleball combines the elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong into a fast-paced game that's easy to learn and fun for beginners and experienced players alike? Lacey Parks, Culture and Recreation offers opportunities for players of different skill levels to stay active, meet new people, and enjoy a little friendly competition through local pickleball programming and league play.


Whether you're picking up a paddle for the first time or already perfecting your curve, pickleball is a great way to build community, improve coordination, and stay moving. With its growing popularity, it's no surprise more and more players are joining the fun each season! Register here today!

Facebook  Instagram

CONTACT US

Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm

360-491-0857

LaceyParks@CityofLacey.org