Ten fun facts about Lakewood

1. Explore L.A. County: San Gabriel River Fwy & Lakewood

The city of Lakewood is situated in the eastern regions of Los Angeles County, and is traversed by the San Gabriel River Freeway. This freeway runs through the city, providing easy access to the many attractions and amenities that Lakewood has to offer. From the beautiful Lakewood Park to the vibrant shopping and dining districts, the San Gabriel River Freeway is the perfect way to explore all that Lakewood has to offer.

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2. Lakewood's Instant City

In the span of just 10 years, Lakewood went from being nothing more than lima bean fields to a bustling city. This rapid transformation earned it the nickname of "an instant city" and is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the people who made it happen. By 1960, Lakewood had become a well-developed city with a population of over 70,000 people, boasting a variety of amenities such as schools, parks, and shopping centers.

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3. A Classic Post-World War II American Suburb

Lakewood, located in the United States, is a classic example of a post-World War II American suburb. Along with Levittown, New York, it is renowned for its sprawling residential neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and abundance of parks and recreational facilities. The city is also known for its excellent schools, low crime rate, and vibrant local economy. Lakewood is a great place to live, work, and raise a family, and is a testament to the success of the post-war suburbanization movement.

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4. Lakewood, California: A City of Services

Lakewood, California is a true pioneer in the provision of services to its citizens. It was one of the first cities in the state to offer a wide range of services, including public safety, parks and recreation, library services, and public works. In addition, Lakewood was the first city in California to offer a city-run ambulance service, and the first to offer a city-run fire department. These services have helped to make Lakewood a great place to live and work, and have set a high standard for other cities in the state to follow.

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5. First to Contract All Municipal Services

In 1954, Lakewood, California made history by becoming the first city in the United States to contract for all of its municipal services, earning it the title of the nation's first “contract city”. This innovative move allowed the city to provide its citizens with essential services such as police and fire protection, street maintenance, and water and sewer services, while also saving money by outsourcing the services to private companies. This pioneering decision has since been adopted by many other cities across the nation, revolutionizing the way municipal services are provided.

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6. Denny's: The Original and Still Going Strong

The city of Lakewood, California is home to the very first Denny's Restaurant, which opened its doors in 1953. This iconic diner has since become a staple of American culture, serving up classic breakfast dishes like Grand Slams and Moons Over My Hammy to hungry customers around the world. The original Lakewood location is still open today, and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

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7. Lakewood, California - Sportstown USA

In 2005, Lakewood, California was awarded the prestigious title of "Sportstown USA" by Sports Illustrated, recognizing it as the best sports city in the entire state. This honor was based on the city's commitment to providing quality sports facilities and programs for its residents, as well as its support for local teams and athletes. Lakewood is home to a variety of sports venues, including a professional baseball stadium, a soccer complex, and a golf course. The city also offers a wide range of recreational activities, from swimming and tennis to basketball and volleyball. With its commitment to sports and recreation, it's no wonder Lakewood was chosen as the best sports city in California.

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8. Lakewood's Sky Knight Helicopter Patrol

Since 1966, the city of Lakewood has been home to the nation's first day and night helicopter patrol program, "Sky Knight". Operated independently of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Aero Bureau, the program has been providing the city with aerial surveillance and support for over 50 years. Sky Knight has been a key part of the Lakewood Police Department's efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens, and has been a major contributor to the city's low crime rate.

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9. Lakewood - A Vibrant City with a Busy Commercial and Retail Sector

Lakewood is a vibrant city with a bustling commercial and retail sector that serves as its economic base. With a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and other businesses, the city is a hub of activity and commerce. The city's economy is further bolstered by its proximity to major highways and its close proximity to the Denver metropolitan area. With its diverse and thriving economy, Lakewood is an attractive destination for businesses and residents alike.

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10. A Vibrant and Busy City with 150 Miles of Streets

The city of Lakewood is a vibrant and bustling place, with over 36,000 streets and 300 miles of sidewalks providing a network of pathways for its citizens. Not only that, but the city also boasts 150 acres of parks and other landscaped open spaces, providing a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. With a total of 150 miles of streets, Lakewood is a great place to explore and enjoy the outdoors.

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