May 19, 2025

Touch-A-Truck Brings Families for

Trucks, Cars, and Fun

Horns were blaring, lights were flashing, and kids were smiling in Federal Way on Saturday as we hosted our 11th Annual Touch-A-Truck event at Wild Waves.

This free, fun family event allowed attendees to get up close and personal with vehicles and equipment that build, serve, and protect our community with pride. Parked on site were police cars, dump trucks, tractors, and more!

Thank you to our Parks and Recreation team, Wild Waves, and the event sponsors for contributing to such an enriching event for Federal Way residents.

Marine Hills Hosts Annual Pool Parade

Marine Hills hosted its 62nd Annual Pool Day Parade on Saturday. Mayor Jim Ferrell and members of the City Council were among the many participants as the parade of cars, musical performers, and walkers flooded the nearby streets.

The Pool Day parade marks the opening of the Marine Hills pool for the 2025 summer swimming season.

Senior Health and Resource Fair

Held at PAEC

The Federal Way Senior Advisory Commission hosted its annual Senior Health and Resource Fair at the Performing Arts and Event Center last week. The event featured more than 50 vendors from local organizations with special ties to the senior community.

It was an opportunity for families, especially seniors, to be introduced to vendors and resources available to our senior community. Thank you to our sponsors from The Federal Way Mirror, Multi-Service Center, Steel Lake Presbyterian Church, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, and Vickie Chynoweth Realtor.

City Hosts Public Meeting on Brooklake Blueberry Farm

Mayor Jim Ferrell joined passionate community members at the Federal Way Community Center this evening for the final public meeting regarding future concepts of the Brooklake Blueberry Farm. The meeting included a refined draft of the park’s master plan that builds on feedback gathered at previous meetings.

Mayor Ferrell Visits Residents at Shag

Mayor Jim Ferrell visited Shag, the Celebration Senior Living Affordable Apartments located across the street from Celebration Park, yesterday. I spoke to residents about various issues in Federal Way and listened as they shared their concerns and experiences.

The facility is part of Sustainable Housing for Ageless Generations, a Washington non-profit organization, formed to provide a sustainable lifestyle for seniors.

Featured Upcoming Event

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.

Shaw Named 2024 FWPD Officer of the Year

Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) Officer Brian Shaw was recently named the department’s Officer of the Year for 2024. Shaw has played a key role in the department's recruiting and hiring efforts. New hires often share that their positive interactions with Officer Shaw were a major reason they chose to join FWPD over other agencies.

Officer Shaw's character and integrity are evident in everything he does. He approaches his work with care, making sure every applicant and new hire feels valued and supported. His efforts have helped the department grow and maintain a highly skilled and dedicated workforce.

Officer Shaw's positive influence on FWPD is undeniable. His dedication, leadership, and ability to inspire others make him an excellent choice for the Officer of the Year award. He represents the best of the department and is a true example of what it means to serve with honor, commitment, and care.

Opening Day of the Federal Way

Farmers Market

The Federal Way Farmers Market is open for the 2025 season every Saturday at The Commons through Oct. 25.

This is the inaugural year of the Market being run by the City of Federal Way after 21 years as a resident-owned business. Come on down each Saturday and enjoy fresh produce, beautiful flowers, handmade crafts, delicious food vendors, and live entertainment!

Watch our short video to learn more.

May 18-24 is Public Works Week

National Public Works Week is May 18–24. This week, we are showcasing the work and people of Federal Way’s amazing Public Works team. The power of Public Works is in its trifecta of people, purpose, and presence. Say hello to the staff!

Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages to learn more about our fantastic Public Works staff.

May 20 City Council Meeting

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 a welcome 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.

Drive-Thru Recycling Event June 7

Join us for our free Recycling and Document Shredding event at the South King County Tool Library (1700 S. 340th St.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 7.

Bring your metal, styrofoam, and plastic film for recycling and documents for shredding to this FREE drive-thru event.

Questions?: Email recycle@federalwaywa.gov or call 253-835-2771

SCRAP METAL

• Residents can drop off up to five items for free recycling
• Accepted materials include: Metal Appliances, Metal Furniture, Bikes/Scooters
• NO appliances with freon/refrigerants

STYROFOAM/PLASTIC FILM

• Clean, white Styrofoam blocks
• Packing peanuts must be bagged
• Soft plastic film only (grocery bags, bubble wrap, plastic packaging)

PAPER SHREDDING

• Limit five file boxes or paper bags

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. 

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).

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:

• May 30 & June 1: Arts Explosion Arts Festival
• June 3: Gemini Bash with a Touch of Class with Laughs featuring Temptations Revue
• June 7: 2025 Federal Way Youth Symphony Orchestra Annual Concert
• June 14: SWNBF Natural Columbia Classic PRO/AM
• June 22: WCE 13th Annual Concert: Beautiful Dreamer

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.