LaceyLife – December 2022

Lacey Bids Farewell to City Manager Scott Spence

“I feel honored to have been a part of Lacey for the past 23 years,” said Scott Spence. “This community is truly one-of-a-kind and will forever hold a special place for me and my family.”

In early October, City Manager Scott Spence accepted an offer from the city of Astoria, Oregon, to be its next city manager. Scott has been with the City of Lacey for 23 years. He began his career in Lacey as director of public affairs and later became the assistant city manager before being promoted to city manager in 2011.

During Scott’s time with the City, Lacey has grown from a population of 29,000 to over 58,000. With Scott’s leadership during this time of exponential growth and change, the City remained financially sound. He also successfully managed the City through the pandemic — an unprecedented time — with the support of the City Council and his Executive Team.

Scott cites establishing the Lacey Veterans Services Hub, expansion of the Senior Center, completion of the Lacey Food Pantry (part of the Thurston County Food Bank), formation of the Lacey Commission on Equity, numerous infrastructure improvements, and economic development initiatives, like the MakerSpace, as some of the highlights of his tenure.

The City is grateful for Scott’s leadership and dedication to public service and wishes him well in his new position. A farewell celebration will take place on December 9. Watch for more details coming soon on the City’s website.

Next Steps
In early November, City Council appointed Community and Economic Development Director Rick Walk as the Interim Lacey City Manager. Walk has been with the Lacey for over 20 years. The City Council hired a consulting firm to lead a nationwide recruitment process for the next Lacey City Manager.


New Online Utility Bill Payment System Coming Soon

To better serve our community, we are launching a new, online utility payment portal in mid-December.

A letter with more information on this transition is included with your utility bill. You can also get details on our website and social media platforms.

Questions? Contact our Utility Billing Department at (360) 491-5616 or UtilityBilling@ci.lacey.wa.us.


Make your Season Bright: Join us for the Lighted Parade & Huntamer Park Tree Lighting – Monday, December 5

Lacey’s Lighted Parade is a great way to start the holiday season! We hope to see you there!

Kick off the holiday season in a very bright way! Join us Monday, December 5 at 6:30 p.m. for our Lighted Parade, presented by Interstate Batteries. You’ll see a variety of vehicles lit up with festive lights, including the Lacey Fire District 3’s Santa Mobile — featuring Santa himself! Following the parade, join us for the annual lighting of Huntamer Park and Christmas trees — a beautiful sight you don’t want to miss!

If you are unable to make it to the event, you can visit the park to enjoy the spectacular holiday lights throughout December. And, while you’re there, listen to holiday music and even hear Santa tell a story (instructions will be posted at the park)!


City Honors Ruth Weigelt with Spirit of Lacey Award

Thank you, Ruth, for helping shape our community over the years and definitely making it a better place to live, work, and play. You truly exemplify the “Spirit of Lacey!”

In 2011, the City Council created the Spirit of Lacey Award to recognize exceptional contributions to the community. Since its inception, the award has only been given to four people.

During their November 3 meeting, the City Council awarded the Spirit of Lacey Award to Ruth Weigelt for her significant contributions to the betterment of the greater Lacey community. Ruth has been an active volunteer in a number of community organizations in our area for over 50 years. Ruth served as one of the founding members of the Lacey Spring Fun Fair committee and has been chair for most of the festival’s 35 years! But, her involvement in community activities doesn’t stop there. She attends nearly all City events, has been the North Thurston Citizens for Schools committee co-chair since 2009, leading many levy and bond ballot-measure efforts, and has been involved in the South Sound YMCA for over 45 years, including being a current member of the Board of Trustees. The list of civic organizations, Ruth’s been involved with, past and present, goes on and on!


Parksploration: Depot Park

Lacey’s Park System is one of the best in the State. It includes just under 1,200 acres of park land and open spaces, miles of ADA-accessible trails, hiking trails, several community buildings, and a premier regional athletic complex. And, it’s right in our backyard!

Lacey Depot Park, the City’s newest park, is located along the Karen Fraser Woodland Trail near St. Martin’s University and serves as a focal point of the Depot District. The Depot building, the City’s 50th Anniversary Landmark Project, is a near replica of the original depot that opened in 1891 in the same area. The building is open April – October* for the community to use its indoor picnic tables (during park hours) and for private rentals on Saturdays and Sundays. The City also hosts a variety of community events at the park.

Park visitors and trail users can enjoy other amenities year round (during park hours), including:
• A train-themed play structure — the Lacey Rotary Club donated $50,000 to the project in celebration of their 50th Anniversary
• Two restrooms (accessible from the outside of the building)
• Drinking Fountain
• Three Historic Markers — original Lacey Depot, Lacey Plywood Plant (both formerly located on this site), and a timeline of key events in Lacey/Lacey Rotary Club’s history.

Lacey Food Truck Depot

In addition to the features listed above, the park is home to the Lacey Food Truck Depot. A variety of food options are available and vary, based on the vendors’ schedules. (Each food truck is an independent, small business and operates on their own schedule.)

To learn more about the Lacey Food Truck Depot, visit their Facebook page.


View the LaceyLife December 2022 pdf.