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Federal Way Farmers Market Opens
for 2025 Season
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The Market is back! The Federal Way Farmers Market opened for the 2025 season on Saturday with fresh produce, beautiful flowers, handmade crafts, and more!
The Market hosted a Grand Opening Ceremony that included remarks from Mayor Jim Ferrell; performances by Mary Roberts, winner of last year’s Federal Way’s Got Talent competition, and City Council Member Jack Walsh; and a Mother's Day poem by Bob Darrigan.
The Farmers Market will be open every Saturday through Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Commons back parking lot.
| | Camp Kilworth Hosts Grand Reopening | | |
Camp Kilworth hosted its Grand Reopening Ceremony last week. Mayor Jim Ferrell joined members of the City Council, other local officials, and YMCA leadership to celebrate the reopening of this Federal Way landmark.
Camp Kilworth originally opened in 1934 as a camp for the Tacoma Area Council of Boy Scouts. Its rustic-style rotary lodge and outdoor amphitheater are historic fixtures of the area. After the camp closed in 2016, a nonprofit called Kilworth Environmental Education Preserve formed to ensure these historic structures could be restored and continue to be used.
The 25-acre shoreline property will be used as a camp facility by the Greater Seattle YMCA beginning this summer.
| | Federal Way and South King Tool Library Partner for Clothing Swap | | |
It was “Swap ‘Til You Drop” today at the South King Tool Library! Residents “shopped” sustainably at our free community clothing swap, giving pre-loved fashion a second life while helping reduce textile waste in Federal Way.
Over the past month, generous community members donated gently used adult clothing, accessories, and shoes, filling racks and tables with stylish, wearable treasures. On Saturday, those items found new homes. No money exchanged, just a shared commitment to keeping clothes out of landfills.
In total, 181 shoppers took home more than 1,900 pounds of clothes, shoes, and accessories. All unclaimed items are being donated to local nonprofits for reuse and recycling, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
| | Council Confirms Two New City Staff | | |
At the May 6 Federal Way City Council Meeting, the Council confirmed the employment of two new city staff, City Clerk Heather Dumlao (pictured left) and Economic Development Director Meredith Neal (pictured right).
Prior to joining the City of Federal Way, Dumlao worked as the City Clerk and Deputy City Clerk for the City of Burien and as a Legal Administrative Assistant and Public Works Administrative Secretary for the City of Renton.
Neal joins Federal Way from the City of Puyallup. She gained valuable experience in her past roles as Puyallup’s Economic Development Manager, Director of the Manufacturing Industrial Council, member of the City of Tacoma Planning Commission, as a construction project manager, and planner for regional transportation projects.
| | Art Installed on City Hall Trash Bin | | |
There is some new art in town! Our Environmental Services Department put out a call for art in January to help refresh a garbage can at City Hall. More than 40 artists submitted work, with their interpretation of the theme “Keep Federal Way Clean.” With help from the Arts Commission, the winning design was selected and installed recently.
The winner is Grace, a ninth grader from Tacoma, whose parents say she’s been doing art since she could pick up a pencil. She created this art piece titled “Community Through Helping the Environment" and was inspired by Federal Way waterways and the idea of building community through small acts of service.
“The piece I made is meant to show no matter your age, race, gender, or background you can help your community,” she said.
| | Mayor Ferrell Plays Kickball at Twin Lakes Elementary School | | |
Mayor Jim Ferrell took the mound last week at Twin Lakes Elementary School for a few games of kickball against students in Anna Barrett’s P.E. class. He had fun brushing off his kickball skills and celebrating National Physical Education and Sport Week.
P.E. plays a vital role in helping young people build teamwork and leadership skills while establishing a lifelong commitment to fitness and activity.
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Seattle Pacific University Students
Visit City Hall
| | Last week, Mayor Jim Ferrell hosted students from Seattle Pacific University’s Law and Politics class at City Hall. He shared insights from his journey as both a prosecutor and the Mayor of Federal Way and was impressed by their thoughtful questions and genuine curiosity. Engaging with future leaders like these is critical and a reminder of the importance of fostering civic learning and public service. | | Pacific Bonsai Museum Hosts BonsaiFEST | | The Pacific Bonsai Museum hosted BonsaiFEST over the weekend, a vibrant, free event celebrating the art of bonsai. The festival featured hundreds of stunning living sculptures, live demonstrations, guided tours, interactive games, food trucks, shopping, and more. | | Mayor Ferrell Attends Chamber of Commerce Luncheon | | Mayor Jim Ferrell attended the monthly Chamber of Commerce luncheon last week at the Performing Arts and Events Center. It featured a conversation with Tracey Warren of IgniteYourChampions.com. She talked about the importance of creating connection and community and how businesses can stand out in a digital world. | | |
Mayor Ferrell Attends Marine View
Men's Breakfast
| | Mayor Jim Ferrell attended the Marine View Men's Breakfast on Saturday, May 3. The presentation was focused on the group's recent mission trip to Guatamala. The Marine View group has been serving indigenous Mayan villages for nearly 30 years. | | Touch-A-Truck Event May 17 | | |
Get ready for a day of big wheels and bigger smiles! The highly anticipated Touch-A-Truck family event is back and better than ever — inviting kids of all ages to climb, explore, and discover the fascinating world of trucks and the heroes who drive them.
Touch-A-Truck will be held on Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Wild Waves Parking Lot. This hands-on event gives children the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with the vehicles they usually only see from afar — from fire trucks and construction vehicles to transit buses and delivery trucks.
| | Mayor Ferrell and City Council Present Proclamation for National Police Week | | |
At the May 6 Federal Way City Council Meeting, Mayor Jim Ferrell and the Council presented a proclamation recognizing May 11-17 as National Police Week. Council Member Jack Dovey presented the proclamation to Federal Way Police Department Chief Andy Hwang and staff representatives.
"This recognition carries deep meaning for the dedicated men and woman of our department, who serve with unwavering commitment each and every day," Hwang said. "It is both humbling and encouraging to know that our work is seen, valued, and supported by our city’s leadership."
You can view the full National Police Week proclamation on our website.
| | Storming the Sound with Salmon | | |
Our Environmental Services team worked for six months to plan the annual Storming the Sound with Salmon events that were held last month at the West Hylebos Blueberry Farm.
This immersive educational experience is a strong partnership between the City of Federal Way and Federal Way Public Schools. It began when fourth graders across the district started raising young Coho salmon in their classrooms in November and concluded when they released them into the Puget Sound via West Hylebos Creek.
Watch our short video to learn more.
| | Road Construction Updates | | |
Construction continues in various locations throughout the city. Please use extra caution and slow down when driving through construction work zones! Click the links below for more information on current projects:
Current Work:
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Citywide Pedestrian Safety Project: The City’s contractor is working on the midblock crossing on S. 320th Street, west of Pacific Hwy. Daytime lane closures are required.
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2025 Asphalt Overlay: Continuing through the summer, the city’s contractor, ICON Materials, will be completing pavement overlays in several locations throughout the city.
Upcoming Work: Please see our Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Web Page for upcoming projects.
| | May 6 City Council Meeting | | |
Other Recent Meetings:
What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, May 20, 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 | | Hanwoori Garden Grand Opening June 10 | | |
The Federal Way Korean American Association and the City of Federal Way cordially invite you to attend the Grand Opening Ceremony of Hanwoori Garden. Please join us for awelcome reception prior to the ceremony. Reception begins at 10:30 a.m. followed by the program commencement at 11 a.m.
When: Tuesday, June 10, at 10:30 a.m.
Where: 550 S.W. Campus Dr., Federal Way, WA 98023
General parking is available at the Federal Way National Little League Complex immediately south of the Hanwoori Garden. Reserved and accessible parking is available at the Hanwoori Garden.
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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.
| | Arts Explosion at the PAEC May 30-June 1 | | | | |
The Federal Way Arts Commission is excited to announce the third-annual “Arts Explosion” Juried Art Show Festival, taking place from May 30th to June 1st, at the Performing Arts & Events Center.
This vibrant festival will celebrate the diversity of Federal Way, showcasing the talents of both adult and youth artists, while promoting artistic growth and community engagement.
The third-annual Federal Way Arts Explosion Festival brings a juried art competition to both adult and youth artists from around the region.
| | Senior Health and Resource Fair on May 15 | | | | |
The Senior Advisory Commission is hosting a free Senior Health and Resource Fair on Thursday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Performing Arts and Event Center.
The event will feature more than 50 vendors from local organizations with special ties to the senior community. All ages – especially seniors – are welcome.
Watch the video recap of last year's event for more information.
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Blue Poppy Day at Rhododendron
Garden on May 17
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The mystical Himalayan blue poppy, Meconopsis, will grace us with its ethereal beauty once again at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden.
Come celebrate these fabulous flowers Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and enjoy a feast for your eyes.
Walk through a meadow glowing with blooming blue poppies or stroll along the ADA accessible path through the blue poppy glade.
| | 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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May 14: 2025 Full Draw Film Tour presented by ONXHUNT
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May 17: Sounds of the Spring: Sure on this Shining Night
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May 18: Shaan Rahman Music Show
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May 30 & June 1: Arts Explosion Arts Festival
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June 3: Gemini Bash with a Touch of Class with Laughs featuring Temptations Revue
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.
| | 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.
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