Although settled in the mid-1860s, Lakewood waited to incorporate until
1969, when its population was 90,000. It was instantly the third largest
city in Colorado and had it all. Lakewood even had progressive ideas for
government from a nonmilitarized police department to incorporation of
the patchwork of existing sewer, water, fire protection, and park
districts. And if it did not exist, Lakewood's community-minded citizens
created organizations, committees, and associations, like the historical
society and Lakewood on Parade, to fill the need. This can-do
entrepreneurial spirit makes Lakewood a livable, small-town, All-America
city.