Project Update: Pierce County Council approves funds to renovate Sprinker entrance On February 28, the Pierce County Council approved funds to renovate the front entrance of Sprinker Recreation Center. Energy savings right up front. The current lobby, built in the 70's, has single pane glass and deteriorating window framework and fittings. There are gaps, as large as a ½ inch wide in some places, between the doors and other areas where the weather stripping and gasket material has worn out, is missing, or has otherwise failed. Money spent heating, cooling and dehumidifying Sprinker literally goes right out the window. The project will replace the entrance with an improved structure fitted with high performance, insulated, double-pane glass and better air barriers for energy conservation. The newly approved funds will help ensure a warmer welcome (or a pleasantly cooler one in summer!) when the entrance project is complete, and reduce operational costs for heating and cooling the facility. See dramatic before and after pictures of the ice rink transformation on the construction update page.

A New Era for a Community Treasure

Sprinker Ice Arena Grand Re-Opening Saturday January 28, 2012 Some took their first tentative steps, others glided with a familiar grace. For everyone who took to the ice for the grand re-opening, it was a day to remember. Come make some memories of your own! Sprinker Ice Arena Public Skate Schedule. Watch coverage of Sprinker Re-Opening on PCTV February 3, 2012 (mp4) Watch coverage of Sprinker Opening on Q13 FOX January 28, 2012

Sprinker Ice Rink Renovation Project

Project overview May 6th, 2011 34 years of fun can put wear and tear on any facility. Despite maintenance and care, some building systems and components need to be replaced from time to time. That's why Pierce County Parks and Recreation teamed with Facilities Management to upgrade the beloved Sprinker Recreation Center Ice Rink. Our goal is to provide an arena that continues to delight families and friends for many years to come.

Project Overview

Addressing recreation - and safety - priorities In July, 2010 the Pierce County Council approved a resolution allocating $6.1 million for needed renovation. A thorough building assessment conducted in conjuction with local design and building science firm BCRA, determined that replacement or upgrades to the Sprinker roof, ice arena ceiling, rink refrigeration and support areas were priorities to be addressed in keeping the facility open.

Project Details

The project focused on structural and ice rink repair: Replace roofing and structural deck over Ice Arena Replace Ice Rink and refrigeration equipment Install new heating system Install new dehumidifying system Install new lighting system

Amenities upgrades include: Restroom remodel & lighting Power upgrade for events Aluminum dasherboards Sound system Improved way-finding signage

Project History

As the thirty-four year old Sprinker Recreation Center began to show its age, and with numerous building systems in need of replacement, staff began to envision the future for the facility. The result was a proposed re-programmed and re-built recreation center with added space to meet projected needs. However, the cost of the improvements and system replacements totaled $34 million dollars. Initially, it was feared that the Center would have to close until the full cost of upgrades could be allocated in the County budget. But Facilities Management, working with local engineers, conducted further in-depth inspections and analysis, resulting in a repair solution to keep the facility open. 'The Sprinker building has served thousands of people for more than three decades, but it needs structural improvements to keep it open,' County Executive Pat McCarthy said. 'After evaluating a number of possible options, we found a cost-effective, common sense path forward that uses existing financial resources to deal with the building's most critical needs. Once we get that done, I believe we can make steady progress over the years to address the aesthetics and comfort issues.'

Learn more

You can learn more about the Sprinker Ice Rink renovation project through our partner websites: Pierce County Parks and Recreation manages Sprinker Recreation Center and Ice Rink Pierce County Facilities Management coordinates and oversees construction of major building systems for County owned properties. A construction update page has been created for fans to follow the Sprinker transformation. BCRA Design provides building analysis and design for the renovation project

We welcome your comments, suggestions and questions regarding the Sprinker Ice Rink renovation. Contact us.

In the News: It's Open! Sprinker Ice Rink Back From the Brink, Tacoma News Tribune, January 29, 2012 Big Crowd Enjoys Sprinker Ice Rink Opening Day, Pierce County News, January 30 Go behind the scenes of grand re-opening preparations on PCTV, January 13, 2012 Sprinker renovation coverage (video) on PCTV, September 15, 2011 Sprinker Almost Ready for Skating Again Tacoma News Tribune December 27, 2011 Sprinker Grand Re-Opening Scheduled Bellingham Herald December 28, 2011 Sprinker On Track For January 2nd Opening Tacoma News Tribune September 27, 2011 Rebuild of Sprinker Ice Arena Receives Praise from Professional Skaters Mountain News May 4, 2011 Sprinker Ice Arena Closes May 17th for Renovation, Pierce County News, April 20, 2011 Sprinker Ice Arena to Close for Repairs, Tacoma News Tribune April 4, 2011 Sprinker Remodel on the Way, Tacoma News Tribune January 23, 2011

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