After nearly 24 years of dedicated service to the City of Lakewood, Parks, Recreation & Community Services Director Mary Dodsworth announced she will retire effective June 13, 2025.

Dodsworth leaves behind a legacy of leadership, collaboration and community-building that has shaped Lakewood into the vibrant city it is today. Dodsworth joined the City of Lakewood in July 2001, following 15 years of service with the Town of Steilacoom. While in Lakewood, she led a transformation of the city's park system, expanded recreation and human services programs, and cultivated community partnerships that brought people together across generations.

“It is with both gratitude and satisfaction that I formally announce my retirement,” Dodsworth shared in a letter to City Manager John J. Caulfield. “The City of Lakewood is more than just a workplace – it is a community built on teamwork, professionalism, and shared dedication to service. I am proud of the partnerships we’ve built, the grants we’ve secured, and the incredible work done to ensure that everyone in Lakewood has access to safe, welcoming parks and programs.”

Caulfield praised Dodsworth’s leadership and community impact.

“Mary’s tremendous leadership and unwavering dedication to building an incredible and vibrant parks and recreation system will have lasting impact on the Lakewood community,” Caulfield said. “From enhancing our parks, trails and open spaces, to establishing and growing our community events such as the Farmers Market, SummerFEST, summer concert series and Truck and Tractor Day, Mary has helped shape Lakewood into a welcoming, livable city we are proud to call home.”

Mary’s passion for public service, commitment to excellence and her ability to bring people together made her an invaluable member of the city’s leadership team.

Dodsworth has long been recognized at the regional and national levels for her professional contributions. She received the National Recreation and Park Association’s Young Professional Award in the early 1990s and is an active member of the Washington Recreation and Parks Association (WRPA), an organization she joined in the early 1980s. In WRPA, she has served in numerous leadership roles, including as President in 2008-09, and has been honored with multiple awards over the years, culminating in her induction as an Honor Fellow in 2014, the organization’s highest honor.

She also received a Commander’s Award for Public Service from the Department of the Army at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, a reflection of her outstanding partnership and support of the military community.

Throughout her tenure, Dodsworth’s work resulted in the development and revitalization of numerous parks and trails, increased access to recreation, and inclusive community events that reflect Lakewood’s diverse and dynamic spirit. Her focus on finding and securing grants brought in vital resources to enhance public spaces and programs for residents of all ages.

The City of Lakewood will recognize Dodsworth’s contributions at an upcoming event. Details will be released soon. A recruitment process for her successor is underway.

“On behalf of the City of Lakewood, I thank Mary for her incredible service and lasting legacy,” Caulfield said. “We wish her all the best in this next chapter of life.”

Brynn Grimley, Communications Manager