Upgrades likely coming to boat launch on this popular Pierce County lake
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- City council to approve $100,000 contract for Camp Murray boat launch master plan.
- SCJ Alliance will present two design renderings; outreach will occur before final plan.
- Master plan expected for council discussion by end of 2026.
The Lakewood City Council is expected to approve a $100,000 contract Monday night to develop a master plan for the Camp Murray Boat Launch, improving public access to American Lake.
As previously reported by The News Tribune, in January the city reopened another public boat launch on the 1.7-mile lake, which is a popular place for fishing, swimming, boating, water-skiing and wakeboarding.
The Camp Murray Boat Launch project will take place on Camp Murray, a U.S. military installation adjacent to Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The boat launch is state-owned, publicly accessible and open year-round near 41st Division Way and NCO Beach Road.
Per council records, the master plan for the Camp Murray Boat Launch includes the development of a shoreline boat launch and day-use recreation facility that will be completed in four phases. In contracting with the city, consulting firm SCJ Alliance will present two feasible design renderings to city staff. Community outreach will happen prior to the finalization of the master plan, according to council documents.
Development of the boat launch ties into Lakewood’s 2025-2026 goals to increase access to lakes and parks, “particularly for the residents of the Tillicum and Woodbrook neighborhoods, who have limited public access to lakes in the City due to geographic and economic conditions,” per the council goals.
Improvements might include ADA-accessible walkways and site amenities, security lighting, parking lot improvements, boat launch improvements, fencing and signage, according to the city’s goals. The master plan will also “address city, Lakewood Police Department, West Pierce Fire and Rescue and Camp Murray operational needs, security and mission readiness.”
A master plan is expected to be presented to the council for discussion by the end of 2026, according to the city. Design work is expected to be done by Sept. 1, and the final plan would be presented by the end of November.
Funding for the project might include investments from the Washington Recreation and Wildlife Program, Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account and the Land and Water Conservation Fund, according to the city’s goals. American Rescue Plan Act funding was authorized for the project as well.
This story was originally published March 17, 2026 at 5:30 AM.
