TACOMA — Lakewood residents who once shopped at a now-defunct grocery store might soon see an adjacent property transformed into a public park.
The city of Lakewood announced Thursday that it intends to buy part of the former QFC-anchored strip mall, namely the spot where Cascade Bagel & Deli once stood. Officials say they aim to ensure that downtown is an inviting, pedestrian-friendly space.
“The City Council looks forward to completing the acquisition of this long vacant and neglected parcel within our Central Business District,” Lakewood Mayor Jason Whalen said in a Thursday news release. “Residents will be well-served by a vibrant, urban park with amenities, including a possible splash pad.”
The property is positioned between Motor Avenue, Gravelly Lake Drive and Bridgeport Way, according to the news release. The city offered to pay the full appraisal amount of $1.35 million in a letter to Emmert Lakewood Center LLC, the property’s owner.
The potential park would sit on a 1.58-acre parcel of land. A city spokesperson said its design and funding would likely be hammered out after the property has been acquired.
