I was hoping it was a Cristo art installation. But no, the plastic wrap around the Hylebos Bridge on the NE Tacoma side of the Tideflats is part of a bridge rehabilitation project that got under way this month.

The plastic keeps stuff that comes off during sandblasting from getting into the waterway. Once the first span (actually called a bascule leaf) is cleaned, the second span will get wrapped.

The bridge hasn't worked since 2001 and was left in the uplifted position to allow ships to use the channel. That, however, hasn't helped cars and trucks much.

Using $15 million from the federal government and the Port of Tacoma, the city has contracted with Quigg Bros. Construction to fix it. That will restore a second route out of the peninsula (in addition to Taylor Way, something that is not only convenient but necessary in an emergency.

The work will be finished by the end of 2011.

Tacoma Community House's gymolition celebration was a big hit Friday, as compared to a big whomp with a bulldozer this week. The gym's being demolished this week, and TCH leaders are working with neighbors to think of how best to use the space.

About 40 people showed up to bid the non-profit's old gym a fond farewell, and to tell stories of the things they learned and the fun they had there. Among the guests were two of the mighty Shrimps, the TCH basketball team that played in the 1950s. Tom Mustin, who coached the team, and Karl Washington, helped put names to seven of the 10 boys in the team picture.

Here's the roster to go with the picture.

Front row, from left: Unknown, Daave Kvamme, George Loretta, Steve Mustin and Rudy Webster.

Back row, from left: Karl Washington, Unknown, Harry Walker (No.12), Unknown, and Tom Mustin.

Tom Mustin said that was his first coaching experience in a lifetime of coaching. He earned national fame as a youth boxing coach and took a team to the Olympics.