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!

Federal Way Farmers Market

South 324th St. and Pacific Highway South, Federal Way
http://www.federalwayfarmersmarket.com  

Official Poster by Jo Ann Hawkins

Is there anything not to love about a farmers market? They bring people in the community together to shop, eat, and, in the case of the FW market, occasionally watch fire fighters and cops duel over chili. Similar to the mall (and in its parking lot, no less) but with fewer teenagers on cell phones and more organic produce and handmade bird houses, the Farmers Market is downtown Federal Way. Every Saturday from May through October, it brings the town together, which can be a rare thing in a strip mall community. They have a great collection of vendors - you can often buy free range eggs and bacon, scads of seasonal produce, flowers, honey, arts and crafts, plus visit food carts that span barbecue to lumpia to cinnamon rolls. There is sometimes a bounce house and giant inflatable slide and always a master gardener on site in case you're a gardening bonehead, like I am. The other great thing about the Federal Way Farmers Market is the variety of events they have throughout the season. This year, we can look forward to Hawaiian day, several swap meet/garage sale days, a classic car show, a pie contest and of course, the always popular FWFD vs. FWPD Chili Cook-Off. This opening weekend coincides, as it does every year, with the Mother's Day Buds and Blooms Tour. In addition there is a fun run slated for later in the season and rumors of a new weekday evening time slot, as well as the normal Saturday time. Be sure to stop by to check it out this summer during open hours, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and support this great part of our community.