Things to Do in Fife, WA Events - Town Square Publications

Things to Do in Fife, WA

With a population of just over 10,000 and a thriving business environment, Fife offers a small-town feel with big-city ideas. Fife has grown into an accessible business hub – linking people, cities, jobs and attractions. Located along Interstate 5 with close proximity to Tacoma, Sea-Tac International Airport and the Port of Tacoma, Fife is a center of industry and commerce in the Puget Sound.

Open space, vibrant parks, outdoor public art, close-knit neighborhoods and great schools make Fife an ideal place for families. There is no shortage of family-friendly events in Fife and it is located just minutes from Tacoma’s renowned museum district. And, Mount Rainier really is as close as it looks.

HISTORY + DEMOGRAPHICS

Fife was founded in 1957 and covers roughly 5.85 square miles of land between the Puyallup River and Puget Sound.

There are nine parks to enjoy, with amenities that include an off-leash dog area, ponds, creeks, walking and biking trails, ball fields and sports courts.

INDUSTRIOUS BY NATURE

In Fife, we’re industrious by nature. Fife’s hard-working heritage, close-knit culture and convenient access to great schools, jobs and amenities make Fife ideal for families. Fife families love the city for its award-winning school district, free year-round special events and miles of parks and trails to explore. No B+O tax, I-5 exposure, a responsive city government and chamber of commerce, and its central location make Fife well positioned to do business.

Rental opportunities
There are many rental opportunities in the Fife area. The area has roughly 16 rental complexes and units, rent for one-bedroom units start as low as $600 per month. For more rental options, visit www.PugetSoundAreaRealEstate.com.

QUALITY OF LIFE

Pierce County Library – Fife Branch
6622 20th St. East | (253) 548-3323
Our 6,000-foot library is open six days a week, has conference rooms, computers and over 25,000 books, DVDs and audiobooks. Residents can also enjoy many other programs and options. For more information, visit www.piercecountylibrary.org.

Outlet shopping
20th Street East between 54th & Port of Tacoma
Fife is home to many outlet stores, conveniently located together, including: Sportco, Brown & Haley Confections, Emily’s Gourmet Chocolate & Nuts, Parr Cabinets and Costco Business Center.

Performing arts center
2901 54th Ave. East | (253) 896-8606
As a world-class facility, the Fife PAC hosts musical, dramatic and magical performances year-round. Each December the family classic “Nutcracker” comes to town.

Fife History Museum
2820 54th Ave. East | (253) 896-4710
Our interactive museum includes rotating exhibits, videos and knowledgeable staff. The museum campus also includes a very rare train engine and caboose at the Dacca Barn.

Dacca Barn
2820 54th Ave. East | (253) 896-4710
Dacca Barn is the perfect venue for reunions, birthday parties, weddings, civic events and more. Enjoy the fully restored and upgraded barn that has been part of Fife’s history since 1964. It is Located next to Fife’s historic Engine #684 and an 18-acre park, providing a scenic backdrop.

Playgrounds + parks
Fife boasts nearly 170 acres of public parks, natural areas and open space, eight developed parks and four playgrounds. Our parks offer walking trails, picnic shelters, playgrounds, basketball courts, skate parks, volleyball courts, baseball fields and more, plus ample free parking, direct freeway access and clean restrooms.

Fife Aquatic Center
5410 20th St. East | (253) 922-7665
Immerse yourself in our unique pool with a salt-sanitizing system. The aquatic center includes a six-lane, 25-yard main pool, children’s wading pool and hot tub, and can be rented for parties.

Trails
Over five miles of designated trails await you. Hike, bike, walk or run on our well-maintained and beautiful trails.

Off-leash dog park + pond
Located in Dacca Park, the area includes flat walking trails, picnic areas and two ponds. Your four-legged friends will love it!

Hylebos/Milgard Nature Area
This 15-acre habitat restoration project has hiking trails and animal viewing in a wetland habitat setting.

Fife Community Center
2111 54th Ave. East | (253) 922-0900
Engage the entire family in the many youth, adult, and senior classes and workshops that the center offers. Rent the facility for meetings, weddings, receptions and a plethora of other events.

Women, infant & children services
The FCC & SeaMar Community Health Center have joined forces to provide pregnant women, infants and children with supplemental food and basic health care. The WIC staff evaluates potential candidates to determine if these candidates meet the income guidelines and/or medical/nutritional risks to be eligible for the program. People interested in utilizing the program must make an appointment in order to be interviewed.

Dates: Monday through Thursday and the first, third, fourth Friday of each month
Times: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., by appointment only
Location: Fife Community Center

EDGEWOOD ANNUAL EVENTS

MONTHLY
Free Movie Nights – 6:30pm 2nd Friday of
every month Edgewood City Hall

APRIL
East Pierce Fire and Rescue Easter Egg Hunt – Saturday before Easter Sunday every
year it’s held at Edgemont Park 11001 24th St East

JULY
Edgewood Community Picnic – 3rd Saturday of July held at Edgemont Park
11001 24th St East

AUGUST
National Night Out – August

DECEMBER
Christmas Tree Lighting
Edgewood City Hall

FIFE ANNUAL EVENTS

FEBRUARY
Sweetheart Dance
Fife Community Center
Fife’s annual Daddy-Daughter Dance. A chance for girls to create lifelong memories with their parent or special adult in their life.

APRIL
Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt
Dacca Park
Bring a flashlight, basket, and friends for a night of egg hunting in the dark.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Dacca Park
Children of all ages will enjoy face art, balloon making, crafts, and games, plus pictures with the Easter Bunny.

Parks Appreciation and Arbor Day
Location varies
City of Fife staff and community volunteers will be out working together to care for one of our community’s parks.

JUNE-AUGUST
Music in the Park
Dacca Park
Bring a lawn chair, a blanket, or just you and your dancin’ shoes for some great, familyfriendly tunes!

National Night Out
Dacca Park
Join the Fife Police Department for a funfilled evening full of food, games, music,
prizes, and activities for all ages!

Touch a Truck
A fun family event to get up close and personal with the vehicles and equipment that build, serve and protect our community with pride.

Movie in the Park
Dacca Park
Pack your snacks, blankets and lawn chairs and head to the park for a free outdoor movie for the whole family!

OCTOBER
Harvest Festival
Dacca Park
The Harvest Festival hosts all kinds of arts, crafts, foods, performances, and vendors,
and is fun for all ages.

Halloween Carnival
Columbia Junior High
Tricks, treats and treasures await your whole family at the annual Fife Police Department Halloween Carnival.

DECEMBER
City Hall Tree Lighting
City Hall
Come celebrate the season with the Mayor and Santa as they use some holiday magic
to light up the trees outside of City hall.

Breakfast with Santa
Fife Community Center
Santa and Mrs. Claus invite you to breakfast. Kids will create a holiday craft and share their Christmas wish list with Santa.

Santa Run
Location varies
The Fife Police Department and Fire Department, along with Santa Clause, will be running through Fife handing out holiday cheer.

MILTON ANNUAL EVENTS

AUGUST
National Night Out
Faith Family Church (1702 Milton Way)
Bring the whole family to celebrate National

Night out with the Milton
Police Department.

Milton Days
Triangle Park
Start the day with a parade, then enjoy a full day of music, kids entertainment, vendors,
food and much more!

OCTOBER
Annual Craft Bazaar Milton Activity Center
(1000 Laurel Street)
Shop from over 40 local crafters and Vendors!

DECEMBER
Tree Lighting
Milton Activity Center
(1000 Laurel Street)
Enjoy a festive evening of holiday fun! Santa Parade, crafts for kids, pictures with Santa,
toys for kids and live music.

Fife contact information

City Hall | 5411 23rd St. East
Front Desk (253) 922-2489
City Manager (253) 896-8603
City Clerk (253) 922-2489
Finance (253) 896-8616
Communications (253) 896-8606

Criminal Justice Center
3737 Pacific Hwy. East
Emergency 911
Police (253) 922-6633
Court (253) 922-6635

Community Center | 2111 54th Ave. East
Fife Parks & Recreation (253) 922-0900

Fife Aquatic Center | 5410 20th St. East
Pool (253) 922-7665

Fire Department | 2015 54th Ave. East
Tacoma Fire Station 12 (253) 591-5737

Public Works | 3725 Pacific Hwy. East
Front Desk (253) 922-9315
Public Works Shop (253) 922-9608

FIFE QUICK FACTS

School Districts

Fife School District
Puyallup School District

Schools in Fife School District

Discovery Primary School
Endeavour Intermediate
Hedden Elementary
Surprise Lake Middle School
Columbia Junior High
Fife High School

Private School in Fife

All Saints School

Top Employers

City of Fife
Comcast Cable Services
Emerald Queen Casino
Gensco, Inc.
Milgard Corporate
Mission Foods
Norwesco/Noll Inc.
Prologix Distribution Services
United Parcel Services
US Foodservice

FAQ’S LIVING IN FIFE

Who maintains the levee?

The maintenance division of Pierce County Water Programs maintains the Levee; the City of Fife maintains the asphalt portion only.

Why do we pay separate drainage district and city drainage utility fees?

Drainage District 23 remains responsible for the ownership and maintenance of main drainage ditches in the north portion the City of Fife. The city’s utility is responsible for water quality issues and ownership, maintenance and improvement of branch drainage lines.

Where does the drinking water come from?

The City of Fife buys all drinking water from Tacoma Water. The purchased water is mainly from the Green River.

Does my water have fluoride in it?

Tacoma Water adds fluoride to the water, at approximately 1 milligram per liter dosage. Because the water we supply our customers is purchased from Tacoma Water, the water Fife customers receive contains fluoride.

How can I tell if I have a water leak?

If you suspect you may have a leak, you can contact the City of Fife Water Division at (253) 922-9315 and the city will be happy to send a specialist to assist you in determining if you do have a leak, at no cost. You may also check yourself by looking at your water meter. All the water meters have a built-in leak detection indicator on the face of the meter register. Simply make sure that no water is being used at the time in your home or business, and then look at the meter register. If the leak detector – usually a small black triangle or a small red dial – is moving, then water is running somewhere and there is probably a leak.

Where does Fife’s sewage go and how does it get there?

The sewage goes to City of Tacoma’s treatment plant through a sewer pipeline.

What is the Safety Camera Program and does the program work?

In a city like Fife, it’s more likely that a driver will be injured in a crash while running a red light than in any other type of accident. Fife’s Safety Camera Program has resulted in a 30 percent decrease in collisions at key intersections. All proceeds from fines go to the Public Safety Fund to be used specifically on safety enhancement projects. Simply make a full stop behind the marked white line before entering the intersection and you will not receive a ticket.