June 16, 2025

Hanwoori Garden Hosts Grand Opening

The City of Federal Way and the Federal Way Korean American Association (FWKAA) partnered to co-host the grand opening of the Hanwoori Garden last week. The event was highlighted by singing and dance performances, remarks from local officials, and the opportunity for attendees to take in the sights of the garden’s grounds.

The Hanwoori Garden project was spearheaded by former Federal Way Mayor and City Council Member Michael Park. The beautiful structures and landscaping were generously provided by the FWKAA and Donghae, South Korea, as part of a cultural exchange.

The Garden is a space for quiet contemplation and representative of the strong 25-year partnership between Federal Way and Donghae as sister cities.

Hanwoori Garden is located off SW Campus Drive near the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center and will be open to the public soon.

Conna Park Sign Unveiling and Groundbreaking on June 18

The City of Federal Way is hosting a sign unveiling and groundbreaking at the newly-named Conna Park on Wednesday, June 18, at 1 p.m.

Formerly known as Alderbrook Park, Conna Park was renamed in honor of John and Mary Conna, two early African American settlers of Federal Way.

Conna Park is located within the boundaries of the former Conna homestead. We are excited to make the park a place to commemorate and display Federal Way's rich history.

Korean Quarterly Meeting Held at City Hall

The City of Federal Way has been hosting a Korean Quarterly Meeting at City Hall for the last 25 years. It’s a great opportunity to connect with and inform the city’s Korean community. Mayor Jim Ferrell spoke at the meeting last week to recognize the success of the Hanwoori Garden and presented certificates to youth ecology volunteers.

The meetings are also an opportunity for the city’s departments to present on issues that affect the Korean community. Staying connected with our residents is an essential part of the work we do!

Graduating Seniors Celebrated

at Steel Lake Park

Graduating seniors from Federal Way high schools gathered at Steel Lake Park recently for a special send-off hosted by the Federal Way Youth Commission. Each senior wrote messages, memories, and dreams on lanterns that were then floated on the water.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025!

Mayor Ferrell Attends Good Eggs Breakfast

Last week, Mayor Jim Ferrell attended the Good Eggs Breakfast, hosted by King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. The speaker was Anthony Anton, President and CEO of the Washington Hospitality Association. Anton talked about the state of the hospitality economy as it continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and initiatives that support it.

Featured Upcoming Event

Juneteenth Flag Raising at City Hall

on June 18

The City of Federal Way is hosting a Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony at City Hall on Thursday, June 18, at 12 p.m.

Join us as we honor and commemorate Juneteenth — the day that marks the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans in the United States.

This special event will include guest speakers, community reflections, and the ceremonial raising of the Juneteenth flag.

Dayna Larson Awarded Medal of Meritorious Service by FWPD

Officer Dayna Larson was recently awarded the Medal of Meritorious Service by the Federal Way Police Department (FWPD). She is one of two Animal Services Officers in the department and approaches every shift with a positive attitude, a strong team-first mentality, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of animals and the community.

One of the most significant examples of Officer Larson's exemplary service occurred on Oct. 2, 2024, when she was called to assist with a severe animal hoarding situation at the Mariposa Apartments. The property manager requested her help to remove approximately 30 cats from the apartment. Upon entering, Officer Larson discovered unsanitary conditions, including a lack of food or water, a strong odor of ammonia and feces, and a general atmosphere of neglect. She did not hesitate to act.

Over the next two weeks, Officer Larson worked tirelessly to rescue and care for a total of 133 cats, many of whom were malnourished, dehydrated, and suffering from illness. Officer Larson coordinated closely with our local humane society and building management, ensuring the safe transport of each animal and providing them with the necessary medical care. Her attention to detail and unwavering compassion for the animals were evident at every stage of the rescue process.

Beyond the specific hoarding case, Officer Larson’s impact on the community is felt in her day-to-day work. She consistently engages with the citizens of Federal Way, handling each situation with professionalism and compassion. Her tireless efforts and genuine dedication to animal welfare make her an invaluable member of our team.

CERT Basic Course in Federal Way

Twice a year, the Greater Federal Way Community Emergency Response Team hosts an eight-to-nine-week basic course to train residents on what to do in the event of a disaster.

This CERT training is free for interested residents and teaches skills, such as search and rescue, fire containment, first aid, and more. Watch out for the next time the CERT basic course is available and sign up to help your community!

Watch our short video to learn more.

Composting at Federal Way Farmers Market

Environmental Services staff are at the Federal Way Farmers Market every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. offering education and assistance on how to compost. We will be adding compost bins on site and our educators will be there to help residents properly sort and dispose of compostables they consume (like food truck lunch or an apple core) at the market.

Keeping compostable items like food, paper towels and compostable to-go containers out of the landfill is a goal for us at the Farmers Market. Thank you for doing your part to help!

June 17 City Council Meeting

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 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

Red, White, & Blues at Celebration

Park on July 4

Join us at Celebration Park on Friday, July 4, for the Red, White & Blues Festival. Enjoy live music, food vendors, and family fun all day.

The main stage lights up at 4 p.m. with diverse performers. Don’t miss the fireworks at 10:15 p.m.

Bring lawn chairs and blankets for comfort. Admission and parking are free for all. Let’s celebrate America together!

Miles for Meso 5K Run/Walk on July 4

The Miles for Meso WA Memorial 5K Run/Walk will return for its 11th year on July 4. Please register by June 13 to guarantee your shirt size.

This event is held in memory of Dick Dyhrman, a geologist with Weyerhaeuser Company; Bud Hatley, Federal Way School District Athletic Director; Bob Stewart, Federal Way High School teacher and coach; and other Washington residents who have lost their lives to mesothelioma.

Repair Café at South King Tool Library

June 28

The City of Federal Way Environmental Services is hosting a FREE fix-it event at the South King Tool Library on Saturday, June 28.

Bring your damaged furniture, broken small household items, dull knives, and torn clothing. Expert fixers will do their best to make your items usable again!

Details:

• Plan to stay during the repair

• Bring any manuals/parts that may help

• Limit 3 items for sharpening

Federal Way Farmers Market Open

through Oct. 25

The Federal Way Farmers Market will be held at The Commons each Saturday through Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Come and enjoy fresh produce, beautiful flowers, handmade crafts, delicious food vendors, and live entertainment every Saturday!

Plenty of parking is available. WIC, SFMNP, and SNAP are all accepted.

Summer Chalk Art Festival at the PAEC on July 12

Join the Performing Arts and Event Center (PAEC) for a vibrant day of creativity and community at the Summer Chalk Art Festival on Saturday, July 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the PAEC patio.

Presented by Arts Foundation Federal Way, this colorful celebration will feature a professional chalk artist bringing a large-scale mural to life while attendees of all ages are invited to add their own artistic touch in designated chalk art zones.

The festival will also include live music, local food vendors, and fun activities for the whole family, including face painting and interactive art stations.

Mat Pilates at the PAEC Every Monday

Start your week with strength and movement at the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center’s PAEClates class — a weekly mat Pilates session led by certified instructor Heather Hoffacker.

Held every Monday at 10 a.m., this all-levels class focuses on building core strength, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall wellness through mindful movement. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for registration, check-in and waiver signing. Participants must be 18 or older to attend.

This is a mat-based Pilates class — no machines or reformers — so attendees are encouraged to bring their own mat, water bottle, towel, and comfortable workout attire.

PAEC Upcoming Events

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

• June 20: Evergreen City Ballet's Season Finale Performance
• June 22: WCE 13th Annual Concert: Beautiful Dreamer
• July 12: PAEC Summer Chalk Art Festival
• July 13: Potion the Company Presents "Kaleidoscope"
• Aug. 15: 60s Flashback Show

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



Puget Sound Energy Hosting

Assessment Blitz on June 24

Puget Sound Energy will be in your community offering small businesses free energy-efficiency assessments and easy upgrades to help lower your energy bill.

What you get:

• A no-cost comprehensive assessment and energy-savings report
• Installation of no-cost LED lighting and water-saving measures
• Proposal including additional energy upgrade opportunities, if eligible
• Reduced energy use and savings on your bill
• Improved environment for employees and customers

PSE business customers in Federal Way are eligible to participate.

Summer Solstice Event at Pacific Bonsai Museum June 21

The Pacific Bonsai Museum is hosting a Summer Solstice Wellness Open House on Saturday, June 21, from 4 to 8 p.m.

This is one of only two nights a year when the museum stays open past 4 p.m.

Come take in the light and beauty of our woods and bonsai, have a stroll, meet up with friends, take a gorgeous photo, and smell the fresh air of a summery evening.

SummerFest at the Rhododendron Garden June 21

Stop by the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden for SummerFest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 21.

Celebrate with the community while enjoying family-friendly activities, exploring a vibrant outdoor art market, and indulging in delicious food. Admission is FREE!

The Rhododendron Garden is located at 2525 S. 336th St, in Federal Way.

Kiwanis Salmon Bake July 25

The Federal Way Kiwanis Salmon Bake returns

for its 69th year at beautiful Steel Lake Park. This event raises funds to support youth and

community programs throughout Federal Way.

The event will include: a delicious salmon dinner, a beer and wine garden (over 21 only), classic rock with the Max Rensha Band, ice cream from SubZero, a silent auction and a “gift card wall," booths featuring local nonprofits, and more!

Tickets are available for advanced purchase for $30, which includes the salmon dinner. At the door, entry will be $35 (or $10 for a kids hot dog meal).