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Spanaway, WA

Spanaway is an unincorporated community in Pierce County, Washington, known as the historic "Gateway to Mount Rainier" and for its recreational centerpiece, Spanaway Lake.

About Spanaway

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

Spanaway is a census-designated place (CDP) in Pierce County, Washington, United States . This means it is a distinct, unincorporated community that is statistically defined for the census but does not have its own municipal government. It operates under the jurisdiction of Pierce County . The community is often considered together with the neighboring CDP of Parkland . Pierce County is located in the South Puget Sound region of Washington state .

Historical Names and Nicknames

The area has had several names throughout its history, with its identity closely tied to the indigenous people and its role as a tourist destination.

Date of Foundation and Age

The area was first settled by European-Americans in 1853 . The name "Lake Park" was adopted in 1890 during a period of planned development, and the name officially reverted to Spanaway in 1970 . The community's growth accelerated significantly in the early 1900s with the construction of Fort Lewis, now known as Joint Base Lewis-McChord .

Geographical Position and Coordinates

Spanaway is located in the Puget Sound Lowlands at the coordinates 47.0979, -122.4233 . The community is situated southwest of Tacoma and is characterized by rolling hills and numerous lakes and waterways . It is bordered to the west by Spanaway Lake . The center of Spanaway is at an elevation of 116 meters (381 feet) above sea level . The CDP has a total area of 22.5 km², a small portion of which is water .

City Type and Economic Specialization

Spanaway is primarily a residential suburb and a bedroom community for the nearby cities of Tacoma and Lakewood, as well as for personnel from Joint Base Lewis-McChord . Its economy is supported by local services, retail, and healthcare, with major employers including the Joint Base, Tacoma Community College, and Franciscan Health .

Population and Demographics

Spanaway is one of the fastest-growing communities in Pierce County. Its population has more than quadrupled since 1980.

"Visiting Card" of Spanaway

Spanaway is best known as the historic "Gateway to Mount Rainier," a role it played in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when tourists would arrive by train and begin their two-day journey to the national park . Today, its heart is Spanaway Lake, a 135-acre lake within a 183-acre park that offers boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking, making it a prime local recreational hub .

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Spanaway features a warm-summer Mediterranean climate (Csb) under the Köppen–Geiger classification, typical of the Puget Sound lowlands . This results in mild, wet winters and warm, relatively dry summers.

Average Temperatures Throughout the Year

Temperatures in Spanaway are generally moderate throughout the year.

Precipitation and Humidity

Sunshine and UV Index

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

Landmarks and Points of Interest

Spanaway Park and Spanaway Lake

The crown jewel of the community is Spanaway Park, a 183-acre park established in 1947 . The park is centered around the beautiful Spanaway Lake, which spans over 135 acres . It offers a wide array of recreational opportunities:

Historic Gateway to Mount Rainier

Spanaway holds a significant place in Pacific Northwest history as the original "Gateway to Mount Rainier" . After Mount Rainier National Park was established in 1899, tourists would take a train to the then-named "Lake Park" and begin a two-day stagecoach journey to the mountain, with an overnight stop in Eatonville. This legacy is a point of local pride and a unique aspect of Spanaway's identity .

Nearby Attractions

While not within Spanaway's immediate boundaries, several notable attractions are located nearby, often associated with the broader Spanaway area :

Prairie House Museum

Operated by the Spanaway Historical Society, the Prairie House Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the local history of Spanaway and the surrounding area, from its Native American roots to its development as a modern community .

Transport

Major Highways and Roads

Spanaway's primary transportation artery is Pacific Avenue South, which runs north-south through the community and is also designated as State Route 7 . The area is also conveniently located near Interstate 5, the main interstate on the West Coast, providing direct access to Tacoma, Seattle, and Olympia .

Public Transportation

The community is served by Sound Transit Express bus services, offering connections to the greater Puget Sound region . These services provide an essential link for commuters traveling to Tacoma, Seattle, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Airports

Rail History

Spanaway was once connected by a rail line built in 1890 by the Lake Park Land, Railway and Improvement Company. The line ended near what is now 162nd and Park Avenue, and played a crucial role in bringing tourists to the area for their journeys to Mount Rainier . This rail line is no longer in service for passengers.

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Kinza Teriyaki

The most celebrated culinary destination in Spanaway is Kinza Teriyaki, a beloved family-owned restaurant that has been serving the community since 2002 . This eatery specializes in a fusion of Japanese and Korean cuisines, becoming a local staple for its consistent quality and welcoming atmosphere .

The restaurant's signature dish is the short rib teriyaki, widely praised by patrons for its generous portions and savory richness. Regulars describe the meat as expertly cooked to a melt-in-your-mouth texture with robust flavor . The restaurant is also noted for not being "stingy with the meat," offering substantial servings that often provide diners with leftovers for another meal .

Beyond teriyaki, the menu offers a diverse range of Korean dishes, including bulgogi, bibimbap, and spicy fried chicken . While the spicy fried chicken has a notably sweet profile, the bulgogi and bibimbap are frequently enjoyed by customers . Other popular choices include the spicy chicken teriyaki, which comes with rice, a salad, and extra sauce, offering a balanced level of heat .

The restaurant is considered family-friendly and ideal for groups, with options for takeout and outdoor seating . The owners and staff are consistently highlighted in reviews for their friendly and accommodating service, adding a personal touch that turns a meal into a satisfying experience .

Nearby Culinary Options

For those willing to travel a short distance, the neighboring city of Tacoma offers a broader culinary scene. One notable spot is Happy Belly, an eatery and juice bar located at 1122 Market St in Tacoma . It specializes in a globally inspired menu that caters to both vegans and meat-eaters. Their offerings include soups, salads, grain bowls, wraps, and smoothies, with a focus on fresh ingredients, as their motto says: "We chop 1000 vegetables a day so you don't have to" .

Museums

The Gallery - Spanaway

Spanaway is home to a dedicated art space, The Gallery - Spanaway, founded in 2010 by curator Sarah Mitchell . Located at 21802 Mountain Hwy E, this eclectic gallery serves as a cultural hub for the local area, committed to fostering regional talent and showcasing both emerging and established artists .

The gallery's collection spans a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, and mixed media. It is known for featuring works by renowned contemporary artists alongside local creators. Notable names whose works have been featured include Julie Mehretu, famous for her dynamic and layered abstract works, and Kehinde Wiley, celebrated for his vibrant, large-scale portraits that blend traditional European painting styles with modern themes and subjects .

The Gallery - Spanaway aims to create meaningful connections between artists and the community through its exhibitions and outreach programs, which include engaging local schools with the visual arts. It also participates in local art fairs and curates seasonal exhibitions that address important cultural conversations .

Tacoma's Museum District

For a more extensive museum experience, Spanaway residents and visitors can easily access the renowned Museum District in nearby Tacoma. This downtown area is home to six major museums, offering world-class collections and unique attractions .

Connecting several of these museums is the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, a 500-foot pedestrian walkway adorned with three incredible installations of glass art by renowned artist Dale Chihuly, serving as a free, open-air "museum" .

Sport and Sporting Legends

Local High School Athletics

The primary hub for community sports in Spanaway is Spanaway Lake High School. The school's athletic programs, particularly its cross-country teams, are active in the local sports scene .

The high school's athletic facilities serve as a home base for various sports. The cross-country teams, led by coaches Melanie Aquino (Men's Head Coach) and Cindy Bickford (Women's Head Coach), hold their home meets not at the school itself, but at Frontier Park in the nearby community of Graham . This park serves as the local venue for cross-country competitions against other schools in the area, such as Todd Beamer, Emerald Ridge, Federal Way, and Curtis High Schools .

Sporting Facilities Nearby

For more comprehensive sports facilities, residents can turn to Tacoma. The Peck Community Sports Park, managed by Parks Tacoma, is a central athletic complex located at 1425 S State St in Tacoma . This facility is dedicated to baseball, softball, and soccer.

The park features four lighted fields for baseball and softball, suitable for both adult and youth leagues. In January 2025, a significant renovation was completed with the opening of a new, state-of-the-art baseball field at the stadium, featuring year-round synthetic turf, new bullpens, batting cages, and upgraded facilities . This new field serves as the home ground for the baseball team of Stadium High School .

Universities and Educational Institutions

Higher Education in Spanaway and Nearby

While Spanaway itself does not host any four-year universities, it is within a short driving distance of numerous higher education institutions. There are 37 colleges within a 50-mile radius of Spanaway, enrolling a total of nearly 190,000 students .

The closest university to Spanaway is Pacific Lutheran University, located just 3.4 miles away in Tacoma . For those seeking a public university education, the University of Washington Tacoma (UW Tacoma) is a key institution in the area. Founded in 1990 as part of the prestigious University of Washington complex, it offers a four-year program with a strong focus on interdisciplinary liberal arts .

UW Tacoma has academic departments in fields such as Education, Technology, Business, Social Work, and Urban Studies. Its Urban Studies program offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master's degree in Community Planning . The university is also known for its MEDEX Northwest program, established in 1969, which trains physician assistants to serve rural and underserved areas, reflecting a commitment to community healthcare .

For students seeking more affordable options or vocational training, the closest community college is Clover Park Technical College, located 6.3 miles from Spanaway . It offers an open admission policy and focuses on career-oriented technical education .

Top-Ranked University

The highest-ranked institution in the region is the University of Washington Seattle Campus, ranked #85 in the nation by CollegeSimply. It is also the largest, with an enrollment of over 55,000 students .

Healthcare Institutions

Community Health Center in Spanaway

Spanaway is served by the Sea Mar Community Health Center Spanaway, located at 225 176th Street South . This facility is part of a larger network of health centers in Washington state that specialize in serving low-income, uninsured, and underinsured patients, with a particular focus on the Latino community .

The center provides comprehensive primary care services for patients of all ages, from adolescents to geriatrics. Their services include:

Sea Mar accepts a wide range of insurance plans, including Apple Health (Medicaid), Medicare, and private insurance. For uninsured patients, the center operates on a sliding fee scale based on income, ensuring healthcare remains accessible to all members of the community . They also offer a 24-hour Nurse Advice Line for round-the-clock medical guidance .

Major Hospital in Nearby Tacoma

For more specialized and acute medical needs, the primary healthcare facility in the vicinity is MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital, located at 315 Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Tacoma . As a non-profit hospital, it is a cornerstone of healthcare for the entire region.

Tacoma General Hospital is recognized for its clinical excellence and has received numerous accolades:

The hospital provides a full range of services, including a 24-hour emergency room and a maternity center. It is also currently undergoing expansion with the construction of the new Mary Bridge Children's Hospital on its campus .

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