I live 20 miles south of Seattle and a world away...

With more than 89,000 people, Federal Way is the 10th largest city in the state of Washington. The 10th largest city doesn't have a used bookstore, a gay bar or an art museum but we have two, count 'em, two Walmarts. Now, before you think I'm a total snob, you should know that I do have an affinity for some big chains - I do a lot of shopping at Target and Trader Joe's and I never leave home without my Taco Del Mar punch-card. This blog isn't here to put down the friendly suburb of Federal Way but to celebrate the things that are unique about it. These one-of-a-kind gems in a sea of strip malls are the things that make a city special and worth calling home.

December 4, 2014

Town Square Park

31620 20th Ave S, Federal Way
http://www.cityoffederalway.com/facilities.aspx?page=detail&rid=37

I have to say that I kind of love Mayor Jim Farrell. Not in a creepy, restraining order sort of way. In a civic pride, nerdy sort of way. I frequently say to my husband, “You know what this town needs?” and then I go off about something that would clearly make the community better. Ever since Mayor Farrell has taken office, I regularly read about my ideas magically happening.

A great example of this is the new Town Square Park, which opened this summer. It’s right in the middle of downtown Federal Way and helps answer the inevitable questions, “where is downtown Federal Way?” or even, “does Federal Way actually have a downtown?” The park features a huge lawn suitable for outdoor movies, yoga, and doing cartwheels (my daughter’s preference); picnic tables and grills; multiple basketball courts; a pea patch; a spectacular view of Mt. Rainier; and a paved area with a Christmas tree and area for a farmer’s market and food trucks.

Just since July, we've attended a handful of events at Town Square Park, from the park’s grand opening celebration which featured live music, food trucks, face painting, and two bounce houses; to a movie night at which the mayor himself served free popcorn before the town enjoyed the Lego Movie while lying under the stars. This weekend, we will be attending a tree lighting ceremony with local choirs, hot chocolate, and Santa Claus arriving via fire truck.

This area is quickly becoming a fun hub for the community of Federal Way and I’m so glad to see this particular dream of mine come true – especially since I didn’t actually have to do anything to make it happen!

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