Welcome to your weekly guide for Lake Tapps, WA. Short days and crisp mornings make January perfect for cozy indoor meetups and brisk lakeside outings. Here is what is happening this week, plus a few dates to circle later in the month.
Happening This Week
- Sun Jan 11 - Winter Birding Walk, 9:00-10:30 a.m.: Join neighbors for an easy-paced stroll along the shoreline paths to spot waterfowl and raptors. Bring binoculars if you have them and wear waterproof shoes. Families welcome.
- Mon Jan 12 - Open Gym Pickleball, 6:00-8:30 p.m.: Drop-in play at the community gym. All skill levels, paddles to borrow, friendly rotations. Great way to meet fellow players and get moving on a winter weeknight.
- Tue Jan 13 - Lakeside Litter Sweep, 3:30-4:45 p.m.: Quick after-school cleanup along popular access points. Gloves and bags provided. Students can request volunteer hour forms at check-in.
- Wed Jan 14 - Family Game Night, 6:30-8:00 p.m.: Board games, puzzles, and hot cocoa at the community hall. Bring a favorite game or try something new. Quiet corner set aside for homework and reading.
- Thu Jan 15 - Winter Trail Tune-Up, 10:00 a.m.-noon: Help prune light brush and clear minor debris on well-used paths. Hand tools provided, basic safety chat at the start. Ages 14 and up with guardian.
- Fri Jan 16 - Cold-Water Safety Talk, 6:00-7:00 p.m.: Local boaters and first responders share practical tips on life jackets, hypothermia prevention, and safe shoreline practices during the winter drawdown period.
- Sat Jan 17 - Hot Chocolate Run/Walk, 9:00 a.m.: Choose a 1-mile or 5k loop, strollers welcome. Warm-up stretch at 8:45 a.m., complimentary cocoa at the finish. Suggested canned-good donation for the food pantry.
Community Notes
- Lake levels may fluctuate during winter maintenance. Expect exposed shorelines and slick, muddy sections. Keep pets leashed near drop-offs and avoid walking on any ice. It is rarely thick enough to support weight here.
- If you see storm debris at storm drains, clear small items where safe or report larger blockages to the maintenance team during daylight hours.
- Nighttime visibility is limited this time of year. Add reflective gear to evening walks and use bike lights on shared paths.
Later This Month
Mark your calendar for these mid-to-late January highlights:
- Sat Jan 24 - Winter Skills for Kids, 10:00-11:30 a.m.: Hands-on station rotation with knot-tying, map basics, and nature tracking. Best for ages 7-12 with an adult.
- Tue Jan 27 - Cookbook Club Potluck, 6:30-8:00 p.m.: Pick a recipe from this month's theme, soups and stews, and bring a small batch to share. Label ingredients for allergy awareness.
- Thu Jan 29 - Evening Yoga by the Lake, 7:00-8:00 p.m.: Gentle flow and stretching for all levels. Bring a mat and a warm layer; class held indoors with lake views.
- Sat Jan 31 - Community Blood Drive, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.: Advance appointments encouraged, drop-ins taken as space allows. Bring ID, hydrate, and eat a good breakfast.
Weather and Trail Tips
Typical January conditions here include chilly mornings, fog, and occasional drizzle. Layer up, keep a dry pair of socks in your bag, and choose footwear with good traction. After heavy rain, expect puddles on packed-dirt paths and slippery wooden bridges.
How to Get Involved
Volunteers keep many of these activities running. If you can lend a hand with check-in tables, cocoa stations, or trail maintenance, look for the volunteer sign-up sheet at each event. Students can track community service hours at the welcome desk.
Have a safe, neighborly week around Lake Tapps. See you on the trails, the shoreline, and at the cocoa table.
