Just in time for the sunshine, the Pierce County Council has bright news for residents of east Pierce County: Lake Tapps North Park will be open all summer long.

Originally slated to be closed two days a week due to budget issues, the council this week decided to use a little extra sales tax money to ensure the park keeps its gates open every day.

“It’s a great thing,” said County Councilman Dan Roach, who represents the area on the council.

Roach said the council was informed about a slight uptick in sales tax collections this year and the decision was made to ensure the popular 80-acre park remains available to residents.

Roach said the lake’s size and popularity, combined with a lack of public access, made keeping the park open a priority.

“It’s critical to maintain one of the two areas open,” he said.

According to numbers provided by the county, the park, at the north end of Lake Tapps off of 12th Street East, contains 10,000 feet of waterfront access with a boat launch and swimming area as well as three miles of trails.

In 2010, expenditures at the park totaled $260,000, down from $382,000 in 2007.

The park also generated $98,000 in revenue through parking and boat launch fees. The county charges $7 for parking or $15 for a boat launch. A season pass is available for $75 for Pierce County residents ($150 for nonresidents).

Councilman Tim Ferrell, who represents Tacoma, said the money to keep the park open was a small investment that will make a big difference for residents in the east part of the county.

“I think we need to (keep it open), I think it’s a good resource for the folks in east Pierce County,” he said. “The sun’s finally out and we should be able to enjoy our parks.”

Roach said a lot of residents living around the lake understand the financial challenges facing the county and he was “cautiously optimistic” about revenues moving forward, but was certainly happy about being able to find the funds to keep the park open this summer.

“This is a big win,” he said.