December 2, 2024

We Have a Lot to be Thankful for in

the City of Federal Way!

Dear Citizens of Federal Way,

I hope you were able to find some time to relax and enjoy Thanksgiving with your family and friends!

Now that Thanksgiving has passed and we look forward to the holiday season, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude to all those who work hard to make our community of Federal Way a welcoming space and a wonderful place to live.

Whether you work for the city or one of the many great businesses here, you volunteer to make the city a better place, or simply strive to be a good neighbor, I can’t say enough about how important you are to making Federal Way the best city it can be.

I am always open to hearing from our residents and encourage you to provide your feedback during our regular City Council meetings or by emailing me to let me know what we can do to make your life better. We are always looking for ways to improve the experience of living and working in Federal Way.

The holiday season is the perfect chance to reflect on the compassion we have for each other and find a deeper connection with our community. As your Mayor, I work every day to ensure we provide the services and amenities you need to live, work and thrive.

As a reminder, we are hosting two fun holiday-focused events this Saturday, Dec. 7. First, bring your kids and join me at the Jingle Bell Brunch at the Federal Way Community Center from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Then, in the evening, join us for our free Tree Lighting Ceremony at Town Square Park at 4 p.m. I hope to see many of you there!

On behalf of the City of Federal Way, Happy Holidays to you and your family!

Warm Regards,

Mayor Jim Ferrell

Hanwoori Sign Installation

Mayor Jim Ferrell and members of the City Council were on hand as a new sign was installed at the Hanwoori Garden. The Hanwoori Garden, located off SW Campus Drive near the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center, is a collaboration between the City of Federal Way and the Federal Way Korean American Association.

The project is spearheaded by former Federal Way Mayor and City Councilmember Michael Park.

The beautiful structures and landscaping are generously provided by the Federal Way Korean American Association and the Sister City of Donghae, South Korea, as part of a cultural exchange.

Once completed, the Hanwoori Garden will be an environmental and aesthetic area of contemplation and a representation of Federal Way’s strong sister city relationship with Donghae, which was established in 2000.

Featured Upcoming Event

Tree Lighting Ceremony this Saturday

Join us for our annual free Tree Lighting

Ceremony at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Town Square Park. All ages are welcome to enjoy this magical holiday event.

The ceremony will include:

• A visit from Santa.
• Live music.
• Free cocoa and cookies.
• Tree lighting ceremony by the Mayor.

Thank you to our sponsors, Federal Way Arts Commission, Sylvan Learning, and MultiCare.

Starting a Block Watch in Your Neighborhood

If you are interested in creating a safer community for your family, your neighbors, and yourself, it might be time to start a Block Watch. A Block Watch helps keep you and your neighbors safe and can strengthen your relationship with local law enforcement.

What is a Block Watch?

A Block Watch is a neighborhood safety network where residents partner with law enforcement to help prevent crime. By staying vigilant, looking out for each other, and reporting any suspicious activity, neighbors build a strong, connected community.

Regular meetings foster trust and open communication, empowering residents to address concerns and ultimately deter crime. Each Block Watch group has a Block Watch Captain who serves as a direct link to law enforcement and organizes group meetings.

Steps to Start a Block Watch in Your Neighborhood:

Step 1 - Gauge Interest: Walk around your neighborhood and talk with residents to see if they would like to participate. Make a list of those interested.

Step 2 - Contact Law Enforcement: Reach out to Tiffany Clemmings, Community Engagement Coordinator at the Federal Way Police Department, to provide the number of interested neighbors and share any specific concerns. You can reach Tiffany by phone at 253-835-6707 or by email at Tiffany.Clemmings@FederalWayWA.gov.

Step 3 - Host a Block Watch Meeting: Organize a meeting with interested neighbors. Choose a convenient date, time, and location, and create an agenda that addresses the group’s safety needs and concerns.

Step 4 - Stay Connected: Set up a messaging platform for group members to post updates, share photos, and report any suspicious activity to the Block Watch Captain and law enforcement.

By creating a Block Watch, you’ll help establish a safer, more connected community where everyone feels supported and protected.

Public Works Host Green Cleaning Workshop

Federal Way community members took part in a free green cleaning workshop on Nov. 25 put on by the City of Federal Way Environmental Services Department. Participants learned how to make safer choices when purchasing cleaners and made their own safe cleaner kit to take home. This class was taught at the Dumas Bay Centre and is part of a series of workshops put on throughout the year.

More information can be found on the Environmental Services website.

Arts Foundation Federal Way's

2024 Holiday Festival

Arts Foundation Federal Way hosted its 2024 Holiday Festival at the Performing Arts & Event Center on Nov. 30. The holiday tradition included family-friendly entertainment, festive crafts, a screening of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," and a visit with Santa.

This year, the festival also included a toy drive. All donations went to Federal Way Cares for Kids to benefit local children in need.

REMINDER: Additional Yard Waste & Debris Collection through Dec. 6

Attention Federal Way residential customers who subscribe to yard and food waste collection: You may include up to 96 gallons of additional yard waste with your regular collection at no extra charge through Friday, Dec. 6.

This 96 gallons of yard and food waste is equivalent to three 32-gallon Kraft paper yard waste bags.

Find more information on the Waste Management website.

City Council Meeting on Dec. 3

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, for a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.

How to Attend: Attend in person at Federal Way City Hall, 33325 8th Ave. S. or watch live on Zoom, the city's YouTube channel or FW Channel 21.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Jingle Bell Brunch Dec. 7

Join us for a magical morning with the guy in the red suit at our Jingle Bell Brunch on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Federal Way Community Center. The brunch is $17 per person.

Dance in the snow and create crafts and memories you won't soon forget with your family at this, one of our most beloved events! Cocoa and coffee station generously provided by We <3 Our City.

All families can participate in our cutest family pajama contest.

State of the City Scheduled for Feb. 13

SAVE THE DATE. Mayor Jim Ferrell's annual State of the City Address will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, at the Performing Arts & Event Center. The event is free and open to the public.

Hear an inspiring address from Mayor Ferrell as we celebrate our community’s accomplishments and share an exciting vision for the future.

This special evening is your chance to be part of the conversation shaping Federal Way’s journey forward. Let’s come together to honor our city and explore what’s ahead.

Cookies with Mrs. Claus Dec. 19

Make special memories with special little ones in your life decorating cookies and leave the mess to us! Attend our Cookies with Mrs. Claus event from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19, at the Federal Way Community Center.

Entry is $5 per person (including both kids and adults). We supply you with everything you need to make some masterpiece cookies PLUS you get to have a special visit with Mrs. Claus.

Each kid in attendance will receive a plate with five sugar cookies to decorate.

View Our Parks & Recreation Winter and Spring Program Guide

The Federal Way Parks & Recreation Department offers a wide variety of fun recreational activities for residents of all ages.

Take a moment and check out our Winter and Spring Program Guide to find an activity, new or old, that will get you up, moving and out of the house!



Download Our New Parks & Recreation Mobile App

Check out the brand-new Federal Way Parks & Recreation mobile app, your handy hub for everything parks and the Federal Way Community Center (FWCC).

The app provides convenient FWCC cordless entry, instant updates and schedules with push notifications, fitness and pool schedules, and easy program registration. 



Scouting for Trees on Jan. 4

The Boy Scouts of America and the City of Federal Way welcome you to our annual Holiday Tree and Light Recycling Event on Saturday, Jan. 4 and 5.

We will be offering pickup services on Jan. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or you can drop off your trees and lights at Celebration Park on Jan. 4 and 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Registration closes Dec. 29. Three trees per person accepted at the drop-off location. Trees with any ornaments, lights, flocking, tinsel, stands, debris, etc., will not be accepted.

Free Mattress Recycling and Document Shredding Event Dec. 14

Join us for our free Drive-Thru Mattress Recycling and Document Shredding event at the South King Tool Library (1700 S. 340th St.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14.

Mattress Recycling

• Residents can drop off up to three mattresses or box springs for recycling.
• All sizes and conditions allowed.

Document Shredding

• Limit five file boxes or paper bags per event.
• No pre-shredded paper.
• Arrive with documents in the back of your vehicle. Stay in the vehicle while they are unloaded.

Free Online Class: Put Your Garden to Bed

Join us on Zoom for a free online gardening class on Monday, Dec. 2, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Participants should register in advance at the link below.

In this class, we will discuss:

• An overview of soil health, benefits of organic matter, and soil testing.
• Using mulch to protect garden soil and plants, encouraging microorganisms, and adding nutrients.
• Choosing the right plants for winter planting and to support beneficial wildlife.
• Planning for the next growing season.

PAEC Upcoming Events

The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC) puts on a wide variety of events year round. Upcoming events include:

• Dec. 7: A Community Christmas
• Dec. 8: Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
• Dec. 13 and 14: The Federal Way Chorale: Yuletide: A Celebration of the Season in Song 2024

Visit the PAEC event calendar page for a full list of upcoming events.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical at the PAEC on Dec. 8

The critically acclaimed live stage show Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical returns this fall to entertain families at theatres across North America.

The national tour featuring the “most famous reindeer of all” and his friends from the longest running and highest rated holiday television special will soar into Federal Way at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center on Dec. 8.

Federal Way Symphony Season

Established in 1983, the Federal Way Symphony has provided our community with high-quality, professional music for more than 40 years.

Performances are held at the Performing Arts & Event Center. The Federal Way Symphony is currently inviting those interested to buy a ticket to attend performances for their current season, titled "Cosmic Melodies."

Visit the Federal Way Symphony website to view their full calendar listing and to purchase tickets.

South King Fire Santa Parades and Canned Food Drive

South King Fire began Santa Parades in 2020 as a way to support and connect with our community throughout a difficult time.

The Santa Parades and Canned Food Drive will be in Federal Way on the following dates from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.:

• Dec. 9
• Dec. 10
• Dec. 17

Volunteers Needed for Federal Way Cares for Kids Holiday Event Dec. 21

Mark your calendars for Saturday, Dec. 21, and be part of the annual FW Cares for Kids Holiday Event.

Federal Way Cares for Kids is a nonprofit which coordinates the talents, resources, and skills of local organizations and individuals to maximize support received by kids and families served by Federal Way schools.

Visit the FW Cares for Kids website for more information about the organization.

Winter Bonsai Solstice Event at Pacific Bonsai Museum on Dec. 14

On Saturday, Dec. 14, join the Pacific Bonsai Museum for a dreamy evening to remember as it illuminates its world-renowned collection with soft holiday lights for its annual Winter Bonsai Solstice event.

Come for an evening stroll to take in beautiful bonsai twinkling in an array of lights, and then stay to shop for the perfect gift from our new, multi-vendor, holiday market. Free hot chocolate will be provided.

This is a family-friendly, community-favorite tradition that warmly embraces the generous spirit of the holidays. Suggested donation: $12 for adults. No reservations or advance tickets are needed.