Ashford County Park Phase 2 Dedication

On Saturday, June 6, at 12:15 p.m., Pierce County Parks will dedicate Phase 2 of Ashford County Park, a park that serves as the city’s first park with an amphitheater. This nature-inspired park is located on SR 706 E in Ashford.

Join us for a fun-filled day which will include honoring those who brought Ashford County Park to fruition as well as the “Rods to Rainier – Jazzin’ It Up” car show, Cascade Jazz Quartet, food and activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

25th annual Tour de Pierce

Don’t miss this year’s 25th annual Tour de Pierce with a special giveaway, food by Taco Time and commemoration of this milestone year!

On June 28, the bicycle ride will include 30- and 50-mile marked routes. The 12-mile route is designed for families or for those new to biking. Start the ride between 7:30 and 11:30 a.m. All routes include maps and cue sheets, Map My Ride QR codes, a rest stop with refreshments, and restrooms.

The ride starts and finishes at the Washington State Fairgrounds gold parking lot at S. Meridian and 9th Ave. SE in Puyallup. The pre-registration fee by June 12 is $14 per person or $42 for a family of 4 from the same household. Pre-ordered competitor shirts are $20. Register today!

Partner Profile: Bike Tech

Bike Tech has been part of the Tour de Pierce ride since its inception. Bike Tech makes sure that Tour de Pierce riders have a safe and fun experience by providing tire inflation, safety checks, minor repairs, and adjustments before they start.

This support continues at the mid-point rest stop, which usually includes fixing a few flat tires. The Bike Tech staff love being heroes, when they can help a rider continue riding after having trouble with their bike.

Bike Tech is proud to be involved with the Pierce County biking community in various events and bicycle trail enhancements. They offer bike demo events, ride clinics, and safe handling and trail riding techniques. Bike Tech regularly donates to Bikes for Kids, a group that provides bicycles for low income children.

Dale Carlson, the owner of Bike Tech, has been in the bicycle industry since 1967. While attending college in Seattle he managed bike stores. In Olympia in 1984 Dale had the opportunity to buy the bike store he visited as a youngster and ever since, his passion for cycling led to his community support and cycling advocacy.

The Tour de Pierce attracts many levels of riders: those training to do the Seattle to Portland and those who have never ridden in an organized ride.

“Over the years I have witnessed the Bike Tech staff give a new rider help with a non-ride ready bike. New riders don’t realize the importance of maintaining their bikes, from adjusting brakes, proper tire inflation, and lubricating chains,” says event organizer Cara Cross.

The Bike Tech staff gives easy and safe advice about bicycles.

Success soccer camp

For the past 23 years, Pierce County Parks and Recreation has collaborated with Dr. Colleen Hacker (read about her in the May e-newsletter) to offer a one week soccer camp held at Sprinker Recreation Center, 14824 S C St in Parkland. This year’s camp will be offered June 22-26.

Colleen is an Olympic gold medal coach and she puts on an outstanding camp with top-notch coaches. This five-day camp helps young soccer enthusiasts’ ages 6-17 run through the finer points of the sport, taking their game to the next level.

The camp also includes “World Cup” tournament, with each camper representing a “national” team. The fee for the week is $165, which includes a tee shirt and soccer ball. Register online or for more information call 253-798-4177. Space is limited.

Junk in your Trunk

Forget driving all day from one yard sale to another. Instead, treasure hunt scores of garage sales in one location. Junk in Your Trunk Community Sales at Sprinker Recreation Center in Spanaway on Saturdays, June 20 and 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission and parking is free.

This is a great opportunity to clear out your closets, basements and storage units and sell items from your vehicles. Spots for sellers are limited to the number of parking spaces available. Click here for reservation fee information and to reserve your spot.

Dog Dayz of Summer 5K

Dogs take center stage on Sunday, June 28, at South Hill Park in Puyallup. Walk the beautiful 5K course on the Nathan Chapman Trail, a paved flat trail that is stroller-friendly.

Activities include a spring doggie fashion show, complimentary dog photo, vendor booths, three mile walk and drawings. Pre-register online by June 19 for only $15 for the first dog and $5 for a second or simply turn up on the day anytime from 8-9 a.m. for $20 for the first dog.

Sprinker’s new tennis courts

After an extensive renovation, the six outdoor tennis courts at Sprinker Recreation Center are now open for public use!

The renovation included the complete replacement of the asphalt, new posts and nets, new black fencing and acrylic playing surface. The outdoor courts at Sprinker are FREE for public use and are open from 6am till dusk on a first come first served basis.

Call the Sprinker Tennis Pro Shop at 253-531-6300 for more information about these courts, how to get involved with tennis, information about group or private lessons, tennis equipment, indoor reservations, and court availability.

Lake Tapps boat launch closed

Due to insufficient lake water levels, the boat launch is closed at Lake Tapps North Park. Cascade Water Alliance controls the refilling of the water level at Lake Tapps. View current water levels from Cascade Water Alliance's website.

Chambers Bay Golf Course and the Chambers Creek Regional Park are covered with tents in preparation for the U.S. Open Golf Championship which begins June 15th.

Two more weeks until the U.S. Open begins!

On May 26th, the Chambers Bay Golf Course, Playground by the Sound, Grandview Trail, and East Slope Trail closed to public access in preparation of the rapidly-approaching championship. Here are the next rounds of closures and when you can expect them:

JUNE 10, 2015

Environmental Services Building
Ball fields
All parking lots

JUNE 11, 2015

Chambers Bay Grill
Chambers Bay golf shop

For a map of these features and more information about Chambers Bay closures, please visit Pierce County's website.

"Toe, Tap & Tumble” recital Sunday, June 14, in Puyallup

Class participants, ages 3-12, have worked hard at developing their flexibility, balance and coordination.

Join us for this exciting performance showcasing their ballet, tap dancing, & gymnastics skills from 3:00 – 4:00pm at the Meridian Habitat Center located in Puyallup’s South Hill. Admission is $2/person. Ages 5 & under free. Contact (253) 798-4000.