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!

Christmas Lights at Viewpointe at Redondo

South 300th Place and 1st Avenue South, Federal Way

As an out and proud Christmas junkie, one of my favorite things about Federal Way sadly only lasts for a month. Every December, the residents of the Viewpointe at Redondo go above and beyond to show their holiday spirit. Nearly every household in this neighborhood puts up holiday decorations that would put Clark W. Griswold to shame. Conveniently laid out in a loop, the streets of this 'hood are full of cars rolling through at two miles per hour with their lights off, every night of the week. 11 months out of the year, the place is just a collection of neutral-colored McMansions with perfect lawns but this time of year, it's like an attraction at Disneyland. The houses sparkle with thousands of twinkle lights, trees and shrubs shine in glorious technicolor and the lawns are filled with amazing displays.  At one you might see a fully lighted train carrying drumming nutcrackers while down the street Santa tries to free himself from a giant illuminated igloo. Another yard features a larger than life, glowing nativity scene. Fairy light candy canes dangle from the trees and the sidewalks and driveways are lit up like runways.

The whole place is at once beautiful and gaudy and dazzling. I suspect that you can see it from space and that no one who lives here gets enough rest during the holiday season. It's as though they are doing the town a free public service and the drain on their sleep and electric bills is their gift to Federal Way.  However, the real gift is in the bins they place on the sidewalk for visitors to drop off non-perishable food donations for the FW Food Bank. If you're looking for some holiday cheer and want to avoid the mall as much as I do, cruise out to Redondo with your holiday tunes on and some canned food donations - I dare you not to love it.