Above: Pierce County Parks and Recreation logo painted in between layers of ice on the Sprinker rink
The Sprinker Ice Rink Renovation Project moves at a brisk pace. For safety, the construction areas are closed to the public, but you can still follow the transformation here.
The most recent images are at the top of the page.
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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 entrance is the original 1970's installation of single pane glass and aluminum mullions (framework). This system has exceeded its useful life and is failing in several respects. There are gaps, as large as 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. This allows inside and outside air to mix - affecting temperature and humidity levels alike.
Because it is single pane glass, there is little or no insulation value to the wall. This makes the existing heating and cooling systems ineffective and wastes operating dollars as much of the heating and cooling goes literally out the window.
The remodeled entry offers several improvements to the original.
There will be a new framework system installed with insulated, double-pane glass.
The system will be weather tight with all new gaskets and seals, creating a true separation between the inside and outdoors. This will tremendously improve the climate control systems for the lobby and save greatly on operating costs due to the creation of a sealed environment.
Construction is expected to begin in late Spring 2012.
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Thermal imaging of current entrance shows heat loss through non-insulated material and door and window gaps |
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Architect's rendering of new the Sprinker entrance |
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 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.
But wait! There's more...
Guests got a sneak peek at the next phase of the Sprinker renovation; a new front entrance and updated event space.
The new Sprinker ice rink is designed to be more functional, more comfortable and more cost efficient to operate. Here are some of the energy efficient upgrades that reduce costs:
- Improved refrigeration and chiller systems
- Variable output, energy efficient lighting
- Heat recovery from mechanical systems
- Low emissivity ceilings
- Improved air barriers and roof insulation
- Energy monitor systems for optimal perfomance adjustments
- Natural gas powered systems
- Improved environmental controls
Watch coverage of Sprinker Re-Opening on PCTV February 3, 2012 (mp4)
Watch coverage of Sprinker Opening on Q13 FOX January 28, 2012
Learn the history of the Sprinker renovation project.
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
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March 2011: Photo shows how condensation rusted ceiling decks and old tube lighting could make the arena look dark |
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New steel ceiling decks and ducts to control temperature and humidity are coated with 'Low E' reflective paint to brighten the arena and improve energy efficiency |
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March 2011: Ice rink leaks degrade dasher boards and concrete. The old concrete and rink were completely removed |
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New concrete was poured and the new rink was installed with an improved technique that minimizes the occurance of leaks |
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March 2011: Photo shows rusted ceiling decks, old lighting and buckets in roof supports to catch condensation drips |
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The new arena has variable output, energy efficient lighting fixtures, a new sound system and environmental controls that eliminate ceiling drips |
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March 2011: Photo shows rink before renovation |
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New skaters and ice veterans enjoy the updated Sprinker rink |
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Sprinker Ice Arena Grand Re-Opening Saturday January 28, 2012
Due to a winter storm, events originally scheduled for January 21 have been rescheduled for January 28. Parks and Recreation is planning special events, discounts, giveaways and skate sessions for families and friends to enjoy the newly renovated facility. Starting on January 28, the public can skate on the new ice, feel and see all of the new upgrades, and take home commemorative 'swag' celebrating the event.
JANUARY 28, 2012 Schedule of Events:
9:00 a.m. Ice Arena and Mezzanine levels open for public viewing
10:30-11:30 a.m. Ribbon cutting ceremony featuring the County Executive, County Councilmembers, inviited guests, and Olympic Silver Medalist Ben Agosto.
11:45 a.m. -1:45 p.m. Public Skate Cheapskate Session, $5.50 per person includes skate rental. Answer Sprinker trivia for a chance to win discounted admisions. Mascots 'Icy' and 'Blade' will be on hand to meet and greet the kids.
Reminder: The Ranier Room is getting a facelift, too. Please be careful in and around the entrance as renovations proceed. For safety, the public is not allowed in the construction area.
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 Making Ice in the New Sprinker Rink
Some artists paint on canvas. Tony paints on ice. The Pierce County Parks and Recreation Logo along with sports markers are applied in special paint between layers of new ice. Remarkably, the veteran painter fills in lightly stenciled paterns 'freehand', with a quick sweep of a large brush.
As the new sheet of ice is built up, crews are putting the finishing touches on the new skate rental area and concession stand. At the other end of the arena, insulation is added to the new chiller and refrigeration equipment.
A reminder: the main entrance and upstairs lobby are getting a facelift during renovations. Please be careful when accessing tennis courts and other recreational areas.
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Making ice in the new Sprinker rink |
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Paint is applied between layers of ice |
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Tony applies paint to ice 'freehand' |
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Colorful new flooring makes walking in skates easier |
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Putting finishing touches on the new concessions area |
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Applying insulation to new chiller and refrigeration equipment |
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Gleaming Aluminum and Tempered Glass Dasher Boards Frame New Ice Rink
New dasher boards aren't the only upgrade. Using an advanced construction technique, the new rink is more leak resistant than the old.
Newly applied wall covering around the arena is being painted and sound system speakers are in place. In the mechanical room, chiller equipment is being connected to the refrigeration system, while at the other end of the building, the concession area and lobby are getting a facelift.
Please be careful in the Sprinker lobby as renovations proceed.
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New aluminum and tempered glass dasher boards are installed |
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Advanced construction technique makes new rink more leak resistant |
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Connecting chiller equipment to refrigeration system |
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New wall coverings are being painted |
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A tantilizing illusion in Sprinker Arena
At a casual glance, protective plastic sheets look like ice on the surface of the new rink.
In fact, the plastic layer helps the new concrete cure evenly and shields the rink as ceiling coating is applied.
Periodic tests ensure the concrete is curing as expected while the construction team completes electrical work and installs the new chiller and HVAC units.
State-of-the-art monitors are being installed to track energy efficiency and system performance in the new arena.
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A protective plastic coating helps new concrete cure evenly |
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Periodic tests show the concrete is curing as expected |
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New refrigeration equipment is being installed in mechanical room |
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The skate rental area and rink entrance are getting an update, too! |
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A milestone in Sprinker Arena!
Crews poured 310 cubic yards of concrete in just four hours to complete a major phase of the Sprinker Ice Rink.
Cement trucks arrived about every seven minutes as crews pumped, stirred and smoothed the material into place around coolant pipes and 24,000 lbs. of rebar.
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24,000 lbs of rebar and wire mesh help reinforce the concrete layer |
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310 cubic yards of cement is poured at 75 cubic yards per hour |
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View of rink before and after pour |
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Trucks arrived to unload cement about every seven minutes |
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Bladed machines texture the newly poured surface, as the crew pours cement at the other end of the rink |
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A full crew works quickly to pump cement, work it through the mesh, stir to eliminate air pockets, and smooth the surface |
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Dual view of before and after pour |
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Pouring 'the last foot' of cement |
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Underneath the new Sprinker Ice Rink
Over ten miles of pipe weave back and forth beneath the new rink. Special heat fusion equipment precision cuts, then fuses the pipe into a continuous line with no mechanical joints to fail or leak.
The first layer of pipe carries warm fluid to keep the ground under the new ice from freezing. The warm pipe is covered with gravel, then over 17,000 square feet of insulation, four inches thick.
Next, spacers for cooling pipe and rebar for concrete are placed atop the insulation.
| Completed work |
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Upcoming work |
| Hang light fixtures over rink |
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Install main ice rink cooling pipes |
| Pour concrete slab to rink edge |
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Pour concrete for rink |
| Install new roof on deck |
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Install environmental control units |
| Install main ice rink header pipe |
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Drywall restrooms |
| New mechanical room rough-in |
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Drywall viewing area |
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Click on image for larger view |
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First layer of pipe carries warm fluid to keep ground under the ice from freezing |
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The material is precision cut and fused to create a continuous pipe that weaves through the rink |
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First layer of pipe being covered in gravel |
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Over 17,000 sq ft of insulation, 4 inches thick covers the gravel layer |
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Spacers to hold cooling pipe and rebar to strengthen concrete is added over the insulation layer |
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Multiple views of rink installation |
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Improved environmental control from the top down
Crews are applying the finishing touches to the new Sprinker arena roof. Under the topcoat lies several inches of rigid foam insulation and air barrier - a significant upgrade over materials used on the old roof.
This week, new lights were installed on the trusses above the ice rink as crews coated roof supports and ducts with rust resistant paint.
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It looks like a cheese snack! But this squiggly orange foam creates an effective air barrier for more precise environmental control |
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Two layers of rigid foam sheets 2.5 inches thick provide superior insulation to material previously used |
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Lights installed on trusses as supports and ducts get protective coating |
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Roof topcoat and insulation covers over 25,000 square feet of steel decking |
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Supply and return for new rink chiller system |
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New steel beams reinforce roof to support upgraded HVAC units |
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Making connections at Sprinker Arena
New environmental control system ducts are being fitted into exterior walls, and the Rainier Room facelift continues. Here's what's happening in the next few weeks:
| Continuing work |
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Upcoming work |
| HVAC installation |
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Install main ice rink header pipe |
| Electrical rough-in |
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Pour Concrete slab to rink edge |
| Install new roof on deck |
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Hang light fixtures over rink |
| Painting HVAC ducts, deck, trusses |
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Drywall restrooms |
| New mechanical room rough-in |
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Install corridor & mezzanine air barrier |
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HVAC ducts being fitted into exterior walls |
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Preparing Rainier Room for new HVAC system |
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Climate control from the inside out
Insulation and roofing material begin to cover the steel deck, while ductwork is tucked neatly into roof supports.
The improved environmental control system is designed to control the humidty that caused rust on the old ceiling. Before the renovation, makeshift bucket and hose drainage in the rafters and around the rink was used to collect some of the condensation, but water still occasionally dripped on those below.
Engineers developed the new system for better humidity control, user comfort and energy efficiency.
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Insulation and roofing application begins |
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HVAC ducts tucked into roof supports |
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New environmental system will help control humidity |
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System is designed to increase user comfort and energy efficiency |
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An exciting new project phase begins as the outline for the new ice rink takes shape. Steel decking is in place above the arena and roofing material is on site, ready for installation.
Go up on the roof for a video close-up by clicking on the PCTV link below.
Sprinker renovation coverage on PCTV, September 15, 2011
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Dual view showing old and new ceiling decks |
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Roofing material is delivered on-site |
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Wooden form takes shape in preparation for pouring rink foundation |
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Close up of wooden form for concrete foundation |
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The roof goes on as the floor comes up!
Over 20,000 square feet of gleaming, new steel roof decking has been applied to Sprinker, with about five thousand more to go. Meanwhile, crews have saw cut, broken and removed over 10,124 cubic feet of concrete to make way for the new ice rink.
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A portion of the concrete floor was cut and removed |
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New steel roof decking |
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Over 375 cubic yards of concrete has been removed |
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The soil beneath the old concrete is being leveled and prepared |
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While you're up there...
 While crews and equipment are on site replacing the roof over Sprinker ice arena, it just made sense to replace the old HVAC unit for the Ranier room at the same time... if the funds could be found. Happily, they were!
Left: Old HVAC units to be replaced
Facilities Management ran through the logistics, did the math and presented a money-saving solution.
Then the County Council, along with Parks & Recreation, scrambled to make the cost-effective upgrade happen in time. (See the August 4th update to watch PCTV News coverage).
Replacing the HVAC unit and resurfacing the roof over the event facility saves time and money, and results in energy efficiency savings for years to come.
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Rooftop HVAC unit to be replaced |
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Rooftop HVAC unit to be replaced (note Mt. Ranier in the background) |
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Roof over Ranier room to be replaced |
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Sprinker roof with rusted steel decking over ice arena removed |
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If a hundred thousand people a year used your bathroom for a few decades, you'd remodel, too!
The area under the old restrooms has been excavated, aging pipes have been replaced and the area is being prepared for new concrete footing. Crews will do the same under the mechanical room in preparation for new chiller equipment.
| Completed Tasks |
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Upcoming Tasks |
| Demolition steel roof deck |
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Saw cut concrete rink floor |
| Fascia demolition |
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Demolition of concrete floor |
| Excavate for new restroom footing |
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Structural upgrades |
| Old chiller equipment removed |
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Form & pour restroom floor |
| Electrical demolition |
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Excavate for new mechanical room |
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Dual view of March and August |
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View from roof down into the arena space |
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Old restroom pipes were dug up and removed |
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Area under restrooms excavated and pipes replaced |
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Old steel roof decking is gone |
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A view of the sky through steel supports |
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Dual view of July and August |
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Dual view of roof decking |
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Old and new restroom pipes |
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Old chiller room with pipes removed |
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Sprinker Ice Rink renovation coverage on PCTV, August 4, 2011
See demolition in progress and get updates from Parks and Recreation Director Kathy Kravit-Smith and County Council member Rick Talbert.
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In July, a rare glimpse beneath the ice, as crews remove the old rink, walls and floor. These photos show a small portion of the deconstruction carried out in just the first three weeks of the demolition phase.
Raising the roof at Sprinker ArenaCrews in full protective gear haul cutting tools and pry bars to the roof
The steel roof deck is cut into pieces
Pieces are pried - by hand - from structural supports
The pieces are lowered to the arena floor, bundled and sealed in heavy plastic for transport to disposal
Video may take up to a minute to download
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Hauling cutters and pry bars to roof |
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Prying steel panel from supports |
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Crews remove steel roof panels |
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A view of the sky from inside the arena |
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Removing pipes from chiller room |
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Pipes are cut and removed |
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| Completed Tasks |
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Upcoming Tasks |
| Dasher boards removed |
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Saw cut concrete rink floor |
| Restroom demolition |
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Demolition steel roof deck |
| Roof and roof insulation removed |
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Demolition concrete floor |
| Exploratory soils |
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HVAC and duct demolition |
| Electrical demolition |
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Fascia demolition |
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Old refrigeration unit removed from arena |
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Old electrical panel to be removed from arena |
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View of ice rink April 2011 |
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View of rink area July 2011 |
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View of ice rink April 2011 |
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View of rink area July 2011 |
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The construction bid phase of the Sprinker Ice Rink Renovation Project yielded exciting results.
In addition to base-bid structural and safety renovations, the accepted contract includes alternate-bid amenity upgrades while keeping within the established budget.
Local company Pease Construction, Inc. will be the general contractor.
The construction phase begins July 5, 2011, to be completed in December 2011.
| Base Bid Construction |
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Alternate Bid Amenities |
| Replace roofing and structural deck |
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Restroom remodel & lighting |
| Replace ice rink and refrigeration |
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Power upgrade for events |
| Install new heating system |
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New aluminum dasher boards |
| Install new dehumidifying system |
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Sound system |
| Install new lighting system |
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New floor & wall finishes |
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Restrooms to be remodeled |
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Sound system to be replaced |
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Sprinker Project Team:
T. Chan, K. McLaren, M.Poier, S. Ferrucci, K. Wintermute |
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S. Kathman, Project Superintendant, Pease Construction, Inc. |
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PCTV Update April 28, 2011 |
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PCTV Update February 3, 2011 |
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PCTV Update January 13 |
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