FWPD Provides Free Gun Safes to Community | | |
The Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) distributed 500 free Vaultek handgun safes on Saturday. The safes were provided via a public safety grant from the Washington State Attorney General’s Office. The safes help reduce the risk of accidents, theft, and unauthorized access.
"Community safety begins at home, and responsible gun storage is a critical part of that," said FWPD Chief Andy Hwang. "By providing these safes, we're helping ensure that firearms are kept secure—reducing the risk of accidents, theft, and unauthorized access. We are proud to support our residents in taking this important step toward safer homes and a safer community."
| | Swimmers Perform at Community Center | | |
Mayor Jim Ferrell attended "Puttin' on the Glitz," a water show hosted by the Pacific Waves Synchronized Swim Club. It was held at the Federal Way Community Center. It was a dazzling showcase of artistic swimming routines by swimmers of all skill levels.
Pacific Waves Synchronized Swim Club is a non-profit club that engages in promoting, teaching, and fostering the sport of artistic (synchronized) swimming.
| | Mayor Ferrell Visits Open Doors at Truman Campus Student Farm | | |
Mayor Jim Ferrell was invited to visit the Open Doors at Truman Campus farm last week. Since January, students have been growing plants and crops that they are now selling and giving away as the school year winds down. The farm includes everything from rhubarb and bok choy to kiwis and strawberries.
"It's tremendous educational value. We'll be out here working, moving our bodies, and learning at the same time," said Open Doors teacher Marshall Mosley. "Then we'll go back into the classroom and look through the microscopes and see everything up close. Everyone is always fully engaged."
Open Doors is a high school re-engagement program that helps students who have faced barriers attending traditional schools earn a diploma.
| | Public Works Hosts Metal, Styrofoam, and Plastic Film Recycling Event | | |
Some heavy metal was on display at the South King Tool Library last Saturday as we hosted our Drive-Thru Metal, Styrofoam, and Plastic Film Recycling event. It was a chance for Federal Way residents to recycle materials in an environmentally-friendly way.
Our Environmental Services team hosts recycling events throughout the year. It’s the best way to be sure you are disposing of various items in a way that keeps Federal Way green. Visit our Community Events page to find out when the next recycling event will be hosted in Federal Way.
| | Mayor Ferrell and Council Members Attend MSC Dinner and Auction | | |
Mayor Jim Ferrell joined members of the City Council and city staff at the 24th Annual Multi-Service Center’s (MSC) Spring into Action dinner and auction on Saturday. The event included a silent and live auction, games, music, and more.
Proceeds from this event directly benefit MSC’s programs and services that provide basic support such as food, housing support, and energy assistance to our neighbors throughout South King County. MSC is an invaluable partner in Federal Way in making our community the strongest it can be.
| | Mayor Ferrell Attends Chamber of Commerce Luncheon | | Mayor Jim Ferrell attended the Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon at the Performing Arts and Event Center last week. The event included a conversation with Tony DeLisi, a senior manager at Ernst & Young, who spoke on how the business of healthcare builds community. | | Recycle Right Online Workshop June 10 | | | | |
The City of Federal Way Environmental Services is hosting a FREE online workshop titled "Recycle Right: Tips for Federal Way Apartment Residents" on Tuesday, June 10, from 6 to 7 p.m.
This event, held on Zoom, is a great way to understand how to best approach recycling as an apartment resident.
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Catching Kids Doing Good –
All Summer Long
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The Positive Tickets Program is back! This youth-focused initiative from the Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) is all about building positive and trusting relationships between our officers and the amazing young people in our community.
First launched in 2016, instead of catching kids doing something wrong, our officers are out looking to catch them doing something right. That could be anything from helping someone out, picking up trash at the park, playing respectfully with friends, or even buckling up during a traffic stop.
When officers spot that kind of behavior, they can hand out a Positive Ticket. This is a fun and meaningful way to recognize and encourage good choices. These tickets come with great perks like free food, fun outings, and awesome prizes, all made possible by our generous community partners.
Huge thanks to Wild Waves, Federal Way Community Center, Chick-fil-A, and Dick’s Drive-In for helping us make a difference!
At its core, the Positive Tickets Program is about building connection and trust. By recognizing kids in the moment, officers offer encouragement, create relationships, and help steer them toward bright, successful futures.
So be on the lookout this summer because FWPD officers are ready to catch kids doing good! Want to get involved? Businesses and community members who’d like to support this program can reach out to the FWPD.
| | Curb Marking Event Held at Saghalie Park | | |
Recently, the City’s water quality team hosted a curb marking event at Saghalie Park, getting residents involved in preventing pollution from getting down the storm drains. The storm drain system prevents flooding by carrying rainwater away from city streets into nearby ponds, wetlands, creeks, and lakes. This water is not treated, which is why it's important that only rain goes down the drain!
Twenty-five storm drains were marked and five pounds of litter was collected at this event thanks to the volunteers that joined. Water Quality also encourages volunteers to get involved through litter pick events, stream team training, and adopt-a-drain. More information on these programs and more can be found on the city's website.
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Puget Sound Energy Hosting
Assessment Blitz on June 24
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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.
| | June 3 City Council Meeting | | |
Other Recent Meetings:
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 | | |
Juneteenth Flag Raising at City Hall
on June 18
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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.
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Red, White, & Blues at Celebration
Park on July 4
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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.
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Repair Café at South King Tool Library
June 28
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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
| | Hanwoori Garden Open to Public on June 10 | | | | |
The Hanwoori Garden will be open to the public for viewing beginning at 1 p.m. following our Grand Opening Ceremony on Tuesday, June 10.
We invite you to come down to be one of the first to walk around one of Federal Way’s newest green spaces!
The grand opening ceremony is full with guests who have RSVP'd. Those who have not RSVP'd are welcome to walk around following the ceremony.
The Hanwoori Garden is located at 550 S.W. Campus Dr. next to the Panther Lake trail head.
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Federal Way Farmers Market Open
through Oct. 25
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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 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.
| | Special Olympics WA: Volunteers Needed | | | | |
The Special Olympics State Spring Games are coming June 20-22 with events happening in Federal Way, Tacoma, and at the University of Puget Sound.
Thousands of athletes will compete, and more than 2,500 volunteers are needed to help make it all happen!
Need help registering? Email us now!
| | 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).
| | 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.
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The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC) puts on a wide variety of events year-round. Upcoming events include:
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June 14: SWNBF Natural Columbia Classic PRO/AM
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June 22: WCE 13th Annual Concert: Beautiful Dreamer
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July 12: PAEC Summer Chalk Art Festival
Visit the PAEC event calendar page for a full list of upcoming events.
| | Something Rotten at Centerstage Theater | | | | |
Centerstage Theatre is putting on Something Rotten! from May 23 through June 15 at the Knutzen Family Theater located at 3200 SW Dash Point Rd.
The musical is set in 1595 where two struggling playwright brothers, Nick and Nigel Bottom, try to outshine Shakespeare by creating the world’s first musical.
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