As the hot summer days have given way to crisp autumn nights, there are more changes in Meridian than just the weather. Settler's Park is seeing seasonal changes from the splash pad and fishing pond giving way to football and soccer. When you combine these seasonal activities with the always popular Adventure Island Playground (having just marked its 5th anniversary), horseshoe pits, and tennis courts, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy at Settlers -- at least until the snow starts to fly. With all this to offer and more, it is easy to understand why Settlers Park was chosen as Nickelodeon’s Parent Pick in 2009 for the best Playground or Park in the Boise Area.
This 'pick' is among a growing number of awards and recognition that Settler's park has received and celebrated. Our partnership with Meridian Youth Baseball & Softball for the Leighton Baseball Complex, along with CableOne Movie Night, brought recognition from the Association of Idaho Cities last June. In July, the Idaho Recreation & Parks Association (IRPA) selected Settlers Park to receive the Outstanding Facility award at this year’s conference, specifically related to Settlers Village Square Phase I. This is just one of many areas that others in Idaho are taking notice of what we are doing here in Meridian.
While it is always great to be recognized by your peers, recognition as a Parent’s Pick is extra special because it comes from you – the users of parks in Meridian and throughout Treasure Valley. You chose Settlers Park as the favorite spot for your child or yourself to swing, slide and so much more. We are proud that the community has embraced the gem of Meridian’s park system.
We have a fabulous park system that continues to grow and improve. Changes in our parks can be seen at Heroes Park in the north with a new playground and Kiwanis Park in the south was renamed after longtime park (and youth) advocate and volunteer, Gordon Harris. Gordon was a driving force to getting this park built; a welcoming and inviting place for all to enjoy.
More parks are planned as the City grows, one exciting project dedicated in August is the 60 acre Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park – a $25 million ‘turn-key’ urban park being donated to the City in honor of his late father; which will rival the Treasure Valley’s finest parks. This is an exciting time for our residents as we all watch this park unfold over the next two years – and during this time there is much taking place to commemorate and share.
Expect changes to Centennial Park in the coming months as Community Development Block Grant funds will bring a new play feature to this downtown park. With the colder weather and shorter days, the Meridian Community Center which opened its doors next to Centennial Park this summer will provide an indoor venue to all ages!
If you would like to tell me about your favorite park or place to play in Meridian, email me at MayorTammy@meridiancity.org. I encourage you to continue to take advantage of our open spaces to enjoy the rest of autumn. Perhaps I’ll see you there and together we can celebrate all that Meridian has to offer.