Family Bingo Night

Family Bingo returns on Friday, November 6, from 6:30-9 p.m. at the Meridian Habitat Park in Puyallup!

This is a great night where friends and family can come together and enjoy one another’s company and if they’re lucky, win one of the many prizes donated by our terrific local businesses.

Cost is $5 per person and includes a packet of 6 bingo sheets. Space is limited so pre-register here or call (253)798-4177.

Learn how to do it yourself!

Celebrate the do-it-yourself culture in Pierce County at the DIYfest on Saturday, November 7 at Sprinker Recreation Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Experts and aficionados will showcase their skills through hands-on activities. Learn fun and useful things on a variety of topics from crafting and sustainable living to cooking and home renovation.

This free event also features local authors, kitchen demonstrations, food trucks and a barter faire.

Veteran’s Day ice skating

Thank you veterans for your service and protecting our great country!

Join us for free ice skating and skate rentals for all military personnel (active duty and retired) on Wednesday, November 11, 9:30 am-1:15 pm and 6:30-8:15 pm at Sprinker Recreation Center ice arena in Tacoma.

On-ice turkey bowling

Come out to Sprinker Recreation Center for a fun night of turkey bowling on ice and public skating, while supporting our local FISH food bank.

Donate two cans of non-perishable food per person to bowl on Friday, November 20, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and receive free admission to the 7:45 p.m. ice skating session immediately following.

For directions and more information contact Sprinker (253) 798-4000.

2015 Fantasy Lights Walk

Kick off the holiday season on Sunday, November 22, with a sneak, non-motorized preview of the 21^st annual Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park.

This is the only opportunity to walk through the Northwest's largest drive-through holiday lights display. The walk provides a close-up preview of more than 300 animated displays and thousands of lights along the winding route through the forested park on the shore of Lake Spanaway.

The Walk is held from 5 to 7 p.m. starting at the Sprinker Recreation Center, 14824 S. C St. in Tacoma. Pre-register by November 18 for a discount rate of $3/person or $9/family of four. Admission paid inside the park on Nov. 22 is $4/person or $12 for a family of four.

Visit our website for more information and to pre-register.

Partner Profile: Bates Technical College

Since 1997, Bates Technical College students and staff members have partnered with Pierce County Parks and Recreation and contributed to the success of Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park. Their contributions have allowed the event to be recognized as the largest drive through display of holiday lights in the Northwest. Each year students and staff from the college have welded, transported and wired displays of all sizes gaining experience in their welding, electrical and transportation courses.

“This 18-year partnership with Pierce County Parks and Recreation has yielded countless hands-on learning experiences for our students, who are becoming experts in their craft,” said Rick Huston, the college’s welding instructor. “Students take a great deal of pride in their work, and are always excited to watch their illuminated project set in motion at the park for their families and others to enjoy,” he added.

Some of the “crowd favorite” displays built by Bates over the years include the Santa Ship, Candy Cane Lane, Gingerbread Playground, Penguins Sliding Down an Igloo, and the Frog Tree (pictured above). This year students are currently working on a giant animated Dog display that will be ready for opening night on November 26^th.

“We are proud of our long partnership with Pierce County Parks and Recreation,” said President Ron Langrell. “Our annual participation is a shining example of our community involvement with neighborhood partners. Fantasy Lights is a fun and rewarding tradition for our students and employees, and we look forward to being a part of it each holiday season,” he said.

21st Annual Fantasy Lights

The 21^st annual Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park will dazzle young and old alike, all from the comfort of your vehicle.

See spectacular animated displays and save money during $7 half price nights on these select dates: November 30, December 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9. No special codes or coupons needed for the half price nights, just bring the family and enjoy the animation and magic of Fantasy Lights.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. stating Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. Make Fantasy Lights part of your family’s holiday tradition. For more information call (253)798-3330.

NOTICE: Lakewood Community Center Gym Construction Closure

This fall and early winter, construction activities will be ongoing at the Lakewood Community Center building to replace the heating system in the gymnasium.

Starting Monday November 2, the gymnasium and locker rooms at the Lakewood Community Center will be closed to complete mechanical system upgrades. The gym is scheduled to be reopened on Monday, December 7 with an operational HVAC system and the facility ready for use.

For project updates visit our website.