Looking at Lakewood-May 2026

Lakewood prepares for drought conditions

As the heat of summer sets in, the watering in Lakewood’s parks and facilities will be in full compliance with watering restrictions because of drought conditions, and it includes having the best water conservation measures already in place for many years.

But Lakewood parks and golf courses will look a little different this year. In one of the first responses to the drought, the city will not conduct annual plantings or fill flower beds to conserve water. Signs will be placed in high-profile beds to let visitors know why nothing has been planted. Some drinking fountains will also be shut off to conserve water. The city will also provide continuing updates at LakewoodCO.gov/Drought, including in-depth information in frequently asked questions.

The city’s parks and other facilities are served by 16 different water districts, and these providers will institute their own drought restrictions with which the city will comply. While restrictions will be challenging, the city has completed advanced planning to best prepare for drought conditions and mandatory water restrictions.

Staff has been closely monitoring weather and other conditions that have resulted in the lowest snowpack on record for several river basins in the state that provide the metro area its water. To prepare, the city has updated its drought response and water restriction plan. While this plan will need to remain fluid based on evolving conditions and restrictions, it provides a solid foundation for decisions during the warmer months for city parks, street medians, Bear Creek Lake Park, arts and recreational facilities, and golf courses.

Even without the drought, the city’s Community Resources Department has put in place several measures to conserve water, and it has led the region in sustainable water use for more than 20 years. This conservation work is also driven by the city’s sustainability goals for water conservation in public spaces. This dedication to water conservation has resulted in significantly lower application rates of water, allowing Lakewood to

use 30-40 percent less water than required even by Denver Water’s current drought recommendations for cities. This work has positioned Lakewood to effectively manage continuing drought restrictions.

See the “Citywide park water usage 2021-2025” graphic on page 7 that compares the city’s water use to Denver Water guidelines.

Even with that historically low use, Lakewood will reduce water use even further to meet requirements for municipalities.

Watering restrictions for municipalities, however, are different from those for residences.

“We have always taken water conservation very seriously because of the climate we live in here in the metro area, and we work to ensure that we can keep parks, ballfields and other facilities as green as possible with as little water as possible,” said Community Resources Director Traci Wieland.

Introducing Team Love Lakewood

Lakewood is powered by people who care. From supporting local events to helping neighbors in need, volunteers play a vital role in keeping our community strong.

In 2025, more than 1,000 residents contributed 38,000 hours — valued at $1.53 million — volunteering for the city in roles ranging from cultural performances and youth sports coaches to the Police Department and victim advocates.

That’s why Mayor Wendi Strom made bolstering the volunteer network the central initiative of her 2026 State of the City address where she announced Team Love Lakewood.

“I am leading this volunteer initiative designed to expand engagement opportunities and bring residents together in support of neighbors. Team Love Lakewood will serve as a centralized, opt-in volunteer network where residents can sign up to receive notifications about upcoming volunteer opportunities, city initiatives

and community events,” Mayor Strom announced in her April 15 speech, which is available at LakewoodCO.gov/SOTC. And it’s not just about volunteering for the city. Team Love Lakewood is designed to encourage volunteering throughout the community whether it’s for events organized by local community groups, schools, nonprofits or other organizations. Building on the success of the annual one-day volunteer event

called Love Lakewood Day, this initiative expands opportunities to serve beyond a single day, creating ways to stay engaged all year long.

Join by signing up for the Team Love Lakewood electronic newsletter delivered to email addresses to receive periodic updates on upcoming and ongoing volunteer opportunities at LakewoodCO.gov/Volunteer It’s a great way to expand a network of residents who want to make a difference.

Council Corner

Lakewood continues to show what is possible when a community stays engaged, shows up for important conversations, and works through challenges together. That spirit was on full display during the recent State of the City address, which focused on my theme of Together We Thrive — a reminder that our strength lies in collaboration, compassion, and shared responsibility for our future. If you missed it, I encourage you to check out this update on key issues in our city at LakewoodCO.gov/SOTC

In my address, I also launched a fun new initiative called Team Love Lakewood, an effort centered on community pride, supporting each other, and connection. It reflects what so many residents already demonstrate daily: caring for those around us, supporting local businesses, and contributing to the character that makes Lakewood a place people are proud to call home. Team Love Lakewood is about celebrating that spirit and inviting even more people to be part of shaping a welcoming and resilient community. I get asked all the time how people can help, and now we have a great one-stop shop to dive into and get involved! Sign up at LakewoodCO.gov/ Volunteer

Another element of civic engagement was evident in our recent special election on zoning. In the April 7 special election, 35,574 Lakewood residents cast ballots, making their voices heard on the updated zoning code adopted by City Council late last year. Just over 22,000 voters, approximately 62 percent of voters who cast their ballot, signaled that the updated code was not the approach they

wanted to see move forward. As a result, Lakewood’s zoning rules from 2012 remain in place.

The election outcome clearly reflected the strong feelings many community members hold on housing, neighborhood character, and growth. For some, the issue was about concerns around affordability and housing availability. For others, it raised concerns about preserving the character of the neighborhoods they’ve worked hard to build their lives in.

The decision made by voters does not change the City Council’s commitment to address housing affordability. Helping ensure that frontline workers, service employees, and young families can afford to live in Lakewood remains essential to the city’s long -term health. Without attainable housing options, Lakewood risks challenges that affect everyone — from workforce shortages and business attraction to school enrollment and community stability.

At the same time, protecting residents who already have homes they can afford — and preserving the neighborhoods they love — is equally important. A thriving

Lakewood depends on balancing these priorities rather than choosing one over the other.

Conversations are now beginning to determine how we thoughtfully reengage on these zoning and housing issues. While the details of the process that we’ll use has not yet been shaped, I would like to share that there is no plan to simply reintroduce the full code that was recently voted down. Instead, it has begun by taking a step back, identifying areas of common ground, and considering changes in smaller, more targeted pieces, guided by input from residents, City Council, and staff.

Like zoning, the path forward will not be simple, but Lakewood has shown time and again that it can face tough issues with care and community spirit, and I know that’s possible here too. By staying engaged, listening to one another, and working together, we can continue to grow into a vibrant, economically strong, and inclusive community — one where together, we truly thrive.

Wendi Strom 303-987-7040

Wendi.Strom@LakewoodCO.gov

Our winter was mild, and we’re experiencing a drought; nevertheless we are looking forward to opportunities that summer brings. As the fifthlargest city in the state, Lakewood has numerous activities for the summer available to everyone to enjoy. We hope this article helps you take advantage of one or many of these programs.

What opportunities await your children this summer? Did you know that the 40 West Arts District offers a free, one-week summer camp in July for children ages 6-10? Priority is given to Lakewood residents, especially those living or attending school in the areas around the 40 West Arts District. This unique program is funded through grants and private partnerships. A registration form is live at 40WestArts.org/ summer-camp

Lakewood’s Community Resources Department has an abundance of camps. Aquatics, climbing, culinary, history, magic, music, sports, visual arts — it is all detailed in the online catalog at LakewoodCO.gov/Register. If you haven’t already, create an account to access the opportunities our city provides for all ages.

An abundance of activities for older adults is also covered in the catalog as well as at LakewoodCO.gov/ OlderAdultHealth

For those who love working in the garden and yard, our city has resources to help you manage the water needs of your lawn and gardens. Lakewood has contracted with Resource Central, a nonprofit that performs a free sprinkler evaluation. It could save thousands of gallons of water in what is expected to be an unusually dry summer.

Another water-related program that’s available is the Lawn Replacement Program. Apply online, chat with a xeriscape adviser, and save water by removing some turfgrass. All city Outdoor Water Conservation Programs are available at LakewoodCO.gov/ OutdoorWater

A proven way to help your veggies and flowers is to add compost. In partnership with Compost Colorado, you can pay $5 a month to access Lakewood’s Food Scrap Drop-off Program. There are currently nine community drop-off sites in Lakewood. To learn more and join the program, visit LakewoodCO.gov/Compost Summer is a time for more frequent connections with our neighbors, and our city can help with that too. From subsidizing the cost of food for a neighborhood block party and helping with a neighborhood beautification project to even assisting with a memorial event, the city has $100

or $200 grants if you apply before the funds are expended. There are a limited number of $300 grants, which are awarded based on the quality of the application, neighborhood matching funds, and the project's reach and impact. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Projects will be reimbursed after the final evaluation, receipts, and photos have been submitted. More details about this neighborhood support are at LakewoodCO.gov/GTgrant . We certainly can’t forget activities such as picnicking, hiking, biking, and recreating in our 114 beautiful parks. With over 7,400 acres of parks, open space, and trails in Lakewood, you can easily access these outdoor resources to add to your summer enjoyment. Our hope is that you will explore the city’s website for these resources and discover other opportunities that weren’t covered here. Sign up, apply, or just go outdoors to enjoy the high-quality and varied resources provided that make Lakewood “Full of Possibilities”!

Glenda Sinks

303-987-7729

Glenda.Sinks@LakewoodCO.gov

Jeslin Shahrezaei

303-987-7728

Jeslin.Shahrezaei@LakewoodCO.gov

Economic Development

First Friday in Lakewood: Where art, community, and local businesses come alive

On the first Friday of every month, a stretch of West Colfax Avenue in Lakewood transforms into a must-visit destination. The 40 West Arts District, a state-certified creative district, draws thousands of visitors to its First Friday events each year with its blend of galleries, studios, and creative businesses, all connected through a walkable arts experience.

Visitors can start their evening strolling along West Colfax, where each stop at a local business offers everything from contemporary exhibitions to hands-on art experiences.

Next Gallery

This is a vibrant gallery showcasing contemporary work from both emerging and established creatives. Owned and operated by a collective of 28 working artists, the gallery emphasizes collaboration, artistic growth, and community engagement through rotating exhibitions and events. Visitors can explore a diverse range of mediums from painting to sculpture while connecting with the local arts scene.

Memento Mori Gallery & Tattoo

This distinctive contemporary art gallery and private tattoo studio was founded by local artist Jesse Neumann. The space showcases work from both local and national artists, often

City Manager

Kathy Hodgson

Looking@Lakewood is a newsletter published by the City of Lakewood, 480 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood, CO 80226. It is distributed to all households and businesses in the city. Alternative formats of this publication are available upon request.

Editor Stacie Oulton, 303-987-7050

Designer Kim Ward LakewoodCO.gov

highlighting lowbrow art and macabre themes. The gallery hosts rotating solo and group exhibitions, along with community events like Sunday figure drawing sessions.

Glazed Ceramics Studio

This welcoming, community-focused pottery studio offers hands-on classes, workshops, and open-studio time for all skill levels. Founded with a mission to make ceramics accessible and inclusive, the studio provides a creative space where beginners and experienced artists alike can explore wheel throwing, handbuilding, and more. With a strong emphasis on connection and creativity, Glazed fosters a supportive environment through classes, memberships, and community events.

CHAC @ 40 West

This long-standing nonprofit arts organization is dedicated to preserving and celebrating Chicana/o, Latinx, and multicultural artistic expression. Founded in 1978, and later expanded to Lakewood, CHAC @ 40 West showcases work from talented artists while offering exhibitions, educational programs, and community events. As part of Lakewood’s 40 West Arts District, it continues to serve as an inclusive creative hub that reflects diverse cultural stories and experiences.

Wolf Luv Studios

This dynamic creative space is dedicated to film, photography, and multimedia production. The studio offers a range of services including post-production, stage and equipment rentals, and event space for screenings and gatherings. With a focus on supporting local creatives, it also hosts unique community events like open screen nights and film showcases.

WestFax Brewing Co

This locally owned craft brewery on West Colfax is known for its creative craft beers and welcoming taproom atmosphere. Founded in 2016, the brewery focuses on a wide range of styles from hop-forward IPAs to traditional lagers, often experimenting with unique flavors and seasonal releases. The modern space features indoor seating, a dog-friendly outdoor patio, and rotating food trucks, making it a popular gathering spot for the community year-round, and especially during the Buffalo Bills’ season.

Pirate: Contemporary Art

This long-running, artist-operated cooperative gallery is dedicated to showcasing bold and cutting-edge contemporary work. Founded in 1980, it is one of the Denver metro area’s oldest alternative art spaces, known for supporting emerging and local artists. The nonprofit gallery features frequently rotating exhibitions that highlight new ideas, experimentation, and current trends in the art world.

Painted Pixel

This is a locally owned fine art print studio that specializes in high-quality photo printing and art reproduction for artists and creatives. Known for its attention to detail, the studio offers services like digital artwork capture, expert color matching, and archival printing on paper and canvas. By working closely with clients, the team helps transform original pieces into museumquality prints ready for display or sale.

The Furnace: A Glassworks

A vibrant public-access glassblowing studio and gallery founded by artists Corey and Leanne Silverman, the studio invites visitors to watch live glassblowing demonstrations and explore a wide range of handcrafted glass art. In addition to showcasing work from local and national artists, the Furnace offers hands-on classes and workshops for all skill levels, making this art form accessible to the community.

ALL ITS OWN

This unique plant shop and artisan marketplace offers a thoughtful mix of houseplants, handmade goods, and natural products. Founded in 2015, the shop began as a traveling plant stand before growing into a permanent storefront that supports over three dozen local makers. Visitors can browse everything from low-maintenance plants to handcrafted gifts, all inspired by nature and wellness.

Anachronism Art Supply

Founded by artist Ian Greenleaf, the store offers a selection of high-quality materials while fostering a welcoming, community-centered environment for creatives of all levels. In addition to supplies, the shop hosts events, like Saturday morning cartoons, and emphasizes creativity, inclusivity, and connection, proudly operating as a small, queer-owned business. With its whimsical spirit and focus on artistic joy, Anachronism has become a beloved stop for Lakewood’s creative community.

First Friday reflects Lakewood’s growing identity as a hub for arts, culture, and small businesses. Even if you’re a longtime resident, First Friday can offer you a chance to experience Lakewood in a new way.

Economic Development Team

303-987-7730

ED@LakewoodCO.gov

ARTS & HISTORY

Summer concerts

Wednesdays, June 17 – July 29

Sounds Exciting! Summer Concerts Series begins in less than a month! Buy your tickets before they start selling out and enjoy a midweek escape to an outdoor concert at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park with live bands, local brews, food vendor fare and amazing views.

LakewoodCO.gov/SummerConcerts

A new way to INSPIRE Art FREE Year-round

Formerly a concentrated month of programming, the INSPIRE Arts Lakewood initiative will now highlight free and affordable cultural activities throughout the year, showcasing galleries, businesses and community spaces on a rotating basis. In June and July, view a collection of exhibitions in the four Lakewood galleries: Amazar Tales (reclaimed and upcycled sculptures), Complexity (weaving and textile art), Colorado Watercolor Society (juried watercolor show) and Plein Air Buddies (paintings inspired by the outdoors).

LakewoodCO.gov/INSPIRE

Rockin’ Block Party FREE

Saturday, June 6

What’s better than a free, family-friendly, community party at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park? A party with a live Eagles tribute band, outdoor showing of “Night at the Museum,” kids’ activities, food trucks, a beer garden and more! Mark your calendars to join the fun, 5-11 p.m. LakewoodCO.gov/RockinBlock

It’s a party

Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, honoring five decades of preserving the 20th - century history of Colorado’s fifth-largest city. The milestone aligns with Colorado’s 150th year of statehood and America’s 250th anniversary. New bilingual signs and expanded online stories have been installed to mark the moment and highlight the park’s 20 historic structures. Community celebrations run throughout the year, from the Rockin’ Block Party on June 6 to a 50th-birthday event on Colorado Day on Aug. 1, featuring a free exhibition, curator tours, digital features, a scavenger hunt, demonstrations, live music, cider pressing and hayrides. The museum looks ahead with a blend of tradition and technology.

PARKS

Love your trails FREE Saturday, June 13

Celebrate National Trails Day with a volunteer project at William F. Hayden Park on Green Mountain. Ages 10 and up are invited to hike to the site and work on trail maintenance. Lunch and tools are provided.

LakewoodCO.gov/Register

S’more about the park FREE Saturdays, June 20 – July 25

Learn about local animal ecosystems and conservation from park naturalists and special guests on Saturday nights at the Visitor Center’s amphitheater at Bear Creek Lake Park. S’mores and campfires will be hosted when restrictions allow. Learn about events and programs throughout the summer by visiting the park website.

LakewoodCO.gov/BCLPEvents

Treasure hunt

Have you ever selected “Bear Creek Lake Park” as a location and searched our registration site to find the plethora of programs and activities available? Take a guided Full Moon or Sunset Hike, join an archery class or learn to camp or fish. Want to be more spontaneous? Rent a paddleboard or canoe on-site, grab a spot at the swim beach or hike and bike on 15 miles of trails! You can do it all, and it's minutes from home.

LakewoodCO.gov/Register

RECREATION

It’s a splash

All summer

Pick up a Summer Fun Pass at any Lakewood Recreation Center and receive unlimited general admission to outdoor pools, spray parks and recreation centers through Sept. 7

for less than $100 for residents. Lakewood’s three outdoor pools are expected to open by May 29. For details on exact times, dates and locations, as well as weather updates, visit the website.

LakewoodCO.gov/Pools

Fitness in the park FREE Saturdays, June 6 – Aug. 1

Join free, outdoor fitness classes on Saturday mornings in a rotation of Lakewood parks from 7:30-8:30 weekly! Select from yoga, hula, Tai Chi and family fitness options, or attend them all! View the website to find the schedule, locations and registration link.

LakewoodCO.gov/SummerFitness

Free swim lesson FREE Thursday, June 25

Learn basic swim fundamentals during the World’s Largest Swim Lesson! Hosted at Carmody, Green Mountain and Morse Park pools on Thursday, June 25, all ages are invited to register and attend one free lesson at multiple times throughout the day.

LakewoodCO.gov/LargestLesson

Annual refresh

June 1 – 7

Whitlock Recreation Center will be closed June 1 – 7 for annual maintenance. Please visit neighboring centers during these days.

Fall registration

July 14 for Residents

July 16 for Nonresidents

Registration opens at noon. Make sure to create an account before registration day. LakewoodCO.gov/Register

Event Begins: 5 p.m. Drone Show: 9:15 p.m.

Join the City of Lakewood and Belmar, Downtown Lakewood to mark the 250th anniversary of America and 150th anniversary of Colorado with a community gathering and a spectacular drone light show! Enjoy live bands, kids’ activities, local vendors, food trucks and more!

The highlight of the night will be a remarkable drone light show, taking place at approximately 9:15 p.m., rain or shine. Be ready in your viewing location by 9 p.m.

Tune into MIX 100.3 FM on your radio or smartphone to listen LIVE to the soundtrack of the show.

New Police Transparency Portal gives vital insights

Did you know that the Lakewood Police Department received about 14,000 calls for service in the 30 days from mid-April to mid-May? You can find this and much more information now through the department’s new Transparency Portal. Launched in April, the digital portal serves as a centralized, accessible way to stay informed and engaged.

This comprehensive online resource functions as a hub for vital department data and operational insights at LakewoodCO.gov/LPDTransparency. This project also underscores the department's enduring commitment to transparency and the belief that an informed partnership between the police and the community creates a safer environment for everyone.

Visitors to the site can find current crime statistics and maps and stay informed about safety trends. It also provides information about the department’s accreditation status, community outreach efforts and detailed recruiting and training processes to show the high standards required of those who serve the public.

City Briefs

“We recognize that public trust is built upon a foundation of honesty and shared information with the people we serve,” said Lakewood Police Chief Philip Smith. “This new transparency portal provides our community with direct access to the data that shapes our operations and ensures that we remain accountable.”

The site also highlights the department’s use of technology to provide the most responsive and effective service to Lakewood residents, including the innovative Real Time Crime Center and the Drone as First Responder programs. These give responding agents critical information before they arrive on scene, improving situational awareness and safety for agents and the public.

The portal's launch was the culmination of more than a year of effort, beginning with applying for and receiving a Colorado Statewide Internet Portal Authority grant in February 2025. The grant provided a unique opportunity for Lakewood to move forward with a

Virtual history tour

Step back in time to celebrate Lakewood’s rich history with the help of the Lakewood Historic Preservation Commission. In case you missed it, May is National Historic Preservation Month, and the commission has created a virtual tour to make it easy to learn about the city’s past. The virtual tour includes the Stone House, the Welch Ditch, the County School and the Howell House, and it’s available at LakewoodCO.gov/ PreservationMonth. Some of these sites are older than the state of Colorado, which has its 150 th anniversary this year.

public-facing portal, modeled in part on those belonging to other departments in the metro area, including Boulder, Denver and Aurora. Visit the portal and look around. The department also wants to know what you think of the portal. Leave feedback via the “Provide Feedback” button at the top right of the page so Lakewood Police can continue to improve the portal.

Envision Lakewood 2040 award

The Envision Lakewood 2040 Comprehensive Plan received national recognition with an Award for Excellence in Sustainability. This award from the American Planning Association’s Sustainable Communities Division honors projects, plans, policies, individuals, and organizations whose work is dedicated to supporting sustainable communities and shows exemplary leadership and inspiration in sustainability planning and implementation. Envision Lakewood 2040 won in the Community Award category, which honors efforts to plan for sustainability and resilience at the scale of a city, town, village, corridor, or neighborhood.

Adopted in 2025, Envision Lakewood 2040 is an integrated Comprehensive, Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, combining two previously separate plans into a single unified vision to guide the city's decision-making over the next 15 years. Thousands of community members participated in the multiyear planning process. By weaving climate and sustainability commitments across the entire city organization, Envision Lakewood 2040 reinforces the communitywide commitment to advancing climate action in a more coordinated and actionable way.

Your perfect day begins in Lakewood

Let Lakewood be the setting for your wedding or special event. Our diverse collection of venues offers sweeping mountain views, serene park landscapes and beautifully preserved historic spaces — each designed to create an unforgettable celebration.

Explore our digital venue guide at WeddingsAtLakewood.com to discover six indoor and outdoor venues, plus a variety of unique park locations accommodating gatherings of up to 500 guests.

Ready to begin planning? Contact us at Weddings@LakewoodCO.gov to book your perfect day.

DROUGHT (Continued from page 1)

Citywide Park Gal/Sq Ft Usage Denver Water Recommendation for Municipalities

Water conservation is accomplished through a centrally controlled irrigation system that operates based on “evapotranspiration rates,” which measures both evaporation of water from the soil into the air and transpiration of water from plants into the air. Weather stations are also used to measure precipitation throughout the city, and this information is combined with the “evapotranspiration rates” to adjust the amount of water applied to grass and plants accordingly. The centralized system also automatically shuts down when there is break in the system to prevent wasting water.

Parks will concentrate and prioritize irrigation application on athletic fields and high-use areas to maintain safety standards for locations with ongoing programs. The city also has significant data collected that helps determine how much water is needed to avoid renovation or removal of park vegetation or turfgrass, which becomes costly and detrimental to the public’s use of the park and ballfields in the long run.

The city’s two golf courses have also instituted several water reduction practices such as forgoing annual plantings and flowers and reducing irrigation water use this year. To protect the courses during the drought, golfers are required to keep golf carts on paved paths, a requirement that has been in place since early January to minimize traffic that leads to turfgrass damage.

Additional measures include construction of a new irrigation system at Fox Hollow Golf Course completed in 2022 that has resulted in a 10-15 percent reduction in water use for the course. Staff is also evaluating low-water grasses in select areas on the courses and implementing a five-year plan to convert 10 percent of irrigated turf to native plantings that need less water.

Outdoor watering for residents

Water is always a limited, precious resource in semi-arid Colorado. Conserving water not only saves you money, it's also the right thing to do, particularly during the current drought.

Denver Water sells water to nearly 20 water providers in Lakewood that serve more than 143,000 Lakewood residents. These providers generally follow Denver Water's rules. But your water provider might impose more restrictive rules than Denver Water and may levy fines for violations.

If you have questions about the rules and possible fines that apply to your outdoor water use, contact your water provider. To find your provider, enter your address at LakewoodCO.gov/ MyNeighborhood

A Stage 1 drought has been declared restricting outdoor watering of lawns and plants.

2 Denver Water restrictions limit outdoor watering to two days a week as determined by your address. Odd-numbered addresses water on Wednesday and Saturday. Even-numbered addresses water on Sunday and Thursday.

Watering on those days must occur from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m.

Let your grass grow longer to 3-3.5 inches by raising your mower blades. This helps protect your lawn from heat by providing shade to roots and retaining soil moisture.

Participate in Lakewood’s Outdoor Water Conservation Programs. Learn about them and sign up at LakewoodCO.gov/OutdoorWater

For more than a decade, INSPIRE Arts Lakewood has championed the city’s vibrant creative scene — even earning a Governor’s Award in 2016 — for featuring a burst of free and low-cost cultural experiences in the summer at more than 20 galleries, shops and venues. After nearly 12 years in this format, the program is now evolving to reflect a new belief: Lakewood’s culture shouldn’t be limited to a single season.

INSPIRE Arts Lakewood will now highlight the work of its partners year-round through social media and web promotions. This shift creates a deeper connection between the community and the cultural organizations and practitioners who make Lakewood a colorful place to live and visit.

To kick off this year-round initiative, Lakewood’s Heritage, Culture & the Arts facilities will host free exhibitions and activities throughout the summer. Visit LakewoodCO.gov/Inspire and follow our social media at LakewoodCO.gov/SocialMedia