Introduction to Federal Way, Washington
Federal Way is situated between Seattle and Tacoma in King County and is known as a bedroom community. The city is bordered on the west by Puget Sound. Retail and services companies are major employers.
Weyerhaeuser, a timber based corporation, and World Vision are two of the city's prominent companies. The region's technology corridor is about thirty minutes away. The city has a large Korean-American community.
History
The area was established during the late 1800's as a logging settlement. Near the end of the 1950s the city included numerous neighborhoods and a notable commercial district. The name Federal Way was first used by a local school district and in the 1950s was taken as the name for the city by the Chamber of Commerce. During the 1960s residential districts expanded and included the residences of Boeing employees and executives from Weyerhaeuser. During the 1970s and the 1980s the population and the retail industry experienced rapid growth.
Activities
Federal Way features numerous parks and trails. Celebration Park is one of the top soccer and softball venues located on the West Coast. Steel Lake Park is situated along a lakefront and includes a boat launch. Dumas Bay Center is a beautiful acreage located on the Puget Sound. The West Hylebos Wetlands Park provides scenic hiking trails.
The Weyerhaeuser/King County Aquatic Center hosts numerous national and international swimming and diving competitions. A vast trail system traverses through the city which is utilized for activities and enjoying the natural environment. Residents and visitors enjoy taking walks along waterfront parks. Redondo Beach is a popular location along the Puget Sound.
Attractions
- Knutzen Family Theatre features a variety of performances
- Festival Days
- Rhododendron Species Foundation and Botanical Garden features more than 10,000 rhododendrons and is located in a scenic wooded area
- Wild Waves Theme Park is the biggest amusement park in the area
- The Commons at Federal Way is a popular shopping mall
- The Hanwoori Korean festival is a notable event which includes numerous activities for families
- Numerous Korean Restaurants
Nearby Attractions
There are numerous noteworthy attractions in the region including Vashon Island, Winter Bird Wonderland, Commencement Bay and Maury Island.
Transportation
Federal Way is served by the Sea-Tac Airport.