Local

Discover new splash pads and planned upgrades across Pierce County parks

Stories by Tacoma News Tribune journalists, with AI summarization

This collection of articles focuses on park upgrades and the installation of new splash pads in Pierce County.

One article highlights the $18.7 million makeover of Sprinker Recreation Center in Spanaway, which now includes a splash pad, sports fields, and an outdoor fitness court. Another article details a new splash pad featuring rotating sprinklers opening in Colburn Park in Fife, with new cabanas for rent.

Meanwhile, a plan in Lakewood would transform a defunct grocery store site into a public park, possibly with a splash pad. Another proposal in Orting would add sports courts and a splash pad downtown.

NO. 1: EAST PIERCE COUNTY PARK SET FOR $1.9 MILLION UPGRADE. THERE MIGHT BE A SPLASH PAD

The park is set to get a community center, among other features. | Published October 30, 2021 | Read Full Story by Angelica Relente

NO. 2: THESE PIERCE COUNTY PARKS MIGHT GET A SPLASH PAD, MORE SPORTS COURTS. HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW

The Foothills Trail runs through the parks. One proposal would close the bell tower area to traffic and make it a place for a splash pad, stage or food trucks. | Published February 21, 2023 | Read Full Story by Angelica Relente

Cascade Bagel and Deli is seen among various shuttered shops in Lakewood, Wash., on Monday, Aug. 12, 2019. By Joshua Bessex

NO. 3: URBAN BLIGHT TO VIBRANT PARK? LAKEWOOD HAS PLANS FOR DEFUNCT GROCERY-STORE PROPERTY

“Residents will be well-served by a vibrant, urban park with amenities, including a possible splash pad for residents to enjoy,” the mayor said. | Published April 12, 2024 | Read Full Story by Simone Carter

The new accessible playground at Sprinker Recreation center sits empty on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024 in Spanaway, WA. The new outdoor features at the Sprinker Recreation Center, like the accessible playground, will be open to the public on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. By AMBER RITSON

NO. 4: HAVE A LOOK AT NEW SPRAY PARK, AMENITIES OPENING SATURDAY AT PIERCE COUNTY REGIONAL PARK

The News Tribune got a sneak peak at the $18.7 million project on Friday. | Published August 16, 2024 | Read Full Story by Becca Most

Interactive features for the new splash pad at Colburn Park are visible on Monday, June 23, 2025, as the city prepares for the water play area’s opening July 3 in Fife, Wash. By Liesbeth Powers

NO. 5: NEW SPLASH PAD OPENS NEXT WEEK IN PIERCE COUNTY WITH ROTATING SPRINKLERS, CABANAS

Just in time for the summer heat. | Published June 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becca Most

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.