Pierce County Parks - Saving Sprinker, Staying Open

Last month, we reported that Sprinker Recreation Center (located at 14824 C Street S.) was set to close this fall as a result of deteriorating building conditions. Now, thanks to a $6.1 million repair and maintenance plan approved by the Pierce County Council on Tuesday, the facility has been saved from an uncertain future.

A new engineering study of Sprinker, completed last week, has determined that the building is essentially sound. Officials will evaluate this study to guarantee safety for the public. A full-scale rennovation plan has been set aside for the time being in favor of a program of on-going repairs.

The potential closure of the facility certainly generated a lot of public engagement — even a rally in support of its value to the County.

In addition to saving Sprinker, Pierce County Council action seemed to focus heavily on parks this week, as they announced funding to support increased open hours and maintenance for several parks. Council Chair Roger Bush (District 3) said of the decisions,

Our parks provide a welcome break, especially in a summer when tough economic times mean people aren’t traveling as far. We thought it was worth going into reserves to keep these parks open, maintained and usable for the rest of the season.

A recent Tacoma News Tribune editorial focused on the condition of the County’s park system. Given the Council’s proactive measures this week, we are curious to see what changes lie ahead.