MATT DRISCOLL: SPACKLE FOR SPRINKER >>>

Sprinker Recreation Center in Spanaway is in a state of disrepair, at least according to Pierce County Councilmember Barbara Gelman. That’s why during next week’s County Council meeting she will introduce plans to renovate the 32-year-old facility which sits inside District 5 â€" conveniently enough the district Gelman represents. In fact, next week’s County Council meeting will happen at Sprinker Recreation Center, so other council members as well as the community can get a firsthand look at just what work needs to be done.

According to a press release which surfaced this morning, Sprinker is in need of between “$21 and $28 million in structural, seismic and Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades and its ice rink needs major repairs.” Gelman has sponsored a resolution asking the Pierce County Executive to develop a financing plan for these renovations within a year, and also ask the parks department to study the possibility of adding an aquatics center at Sprinker.

“Sprinker is such an asset to this community, but it hasn't been treated like one," says Gelman in the press release. "This is a regional recreation center that belongs to the entire county â€" not just to Spanaway â€" and keeping it safe and usable is everyone's responsibility."

Annually, the Piece County Council holds seven in-district meetings â€" one for every district. The council get together at Sprinker will be the second such in-district meeting of the year.