MPR Newsletter Dec 2013DECEMBER 2013
C�,�E IDIAN
Parks & Recreation
Department Newsletter
City of Meridian - 33 East Broadway Avenue, Suite 206, Meridian, ID 83642
Telephone: (208) 888-3579 - Fax: (208) 898-5501
THE PERFECT SITE FOR NEW PARKS SHOP
In early 2011, we began a property search for our
new Parks Maintenance Facility. During the search,
we identified several key attributes that would make
our new site the best fit. We identified these
attributes as a central location, at least 3 acres in
size, industrial zoning, and easy access to both
North and South Meridian as keys to our preferred
site. Through an exhaustive search, we found the
perfect site located on the corner of Locust Grove
Road and Lanark Street.
Immediately after we purchased the site, we began
design development with an eye towards the future.
We wanted the new facility to serve our current
needs and serve the needs of a growing department
well into the future. With design development and
construction documents complete, we bid the project
and went into construction in the fall of 2012.
We held a dedication and ribbon -cutting ceremony
on May 29, 2013 (depicted below). Featured
speakers included: Meridian Mayor Tammy de
Weerd, Parks Superintendent Mike Barton, Meridian
Chamber of
Commerce
Chairman Elect
Rob McCarvel,
4k'` and Meridian
t u Parks &
- Recreation
Director Steve
Siddoway.
Attendees toured the facility.
With the construction process
complete, we moved our
parks maintenance operation
over during the summer of
2013. Now that we are
operating from our new
facility, we continue to discover operational
efficiencies and are ready for future growth.
(continued on page 2)
IN THIS ISSUE:
The Perfect Site for New Parks Shop .............. 1-2
Director's Message: A Season of Thanks .......... 2
Ben's Bells Show Support & Kindness for Newtown ... 3
Construction is Here! .......................... 3-5
New Dog Park Planned ......................... 6
Recycling Today - Saving Tomorrow .............. 6
Goose on the Loose ........................... 7
Recycling in Our Parks ......................... 7
Gene Kleiner Day ............................. 8
Enhancing Meridian's Pathway System ............ 9
Volunteers in Action ........................... 9
Snapshot Gallery 2013 .........................
10-11
Upgrades Mark Enhanced Quality of Life ...........
12-13
Popular Sports Programs Flourish ................
14
Special Events Enliven the Community ............
15-18
City of Meridian Thanks Brownstone Avenue
& MGT Legacy Church ........................
18
Parks Code Update ............................18
Meridian Joint School District No. 2 Partnership ......
18
MYAC & TAC Make a Difference .................
19
Positive Changes for Camps & Classes ............ 20-21
New Search Tool for Park Amenities ............... 21
MPR Commission in the Limelight ................. 22
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THE PERFECT SITE FOR NEW PARKS SHOP (cont'd from page 1)
Offices with Enclosed Shops - 9,072 SF
Page 2
Vehicle Storage with Bulk Storage Bins -
3,073 SF
Vehicle Storage with Wash Rack - 7,391 SF
DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE: A SEASON OF THANKS
Material Storage - 4,800 SF
Total Square Footage
24,336
As I sit at the computer to write this message, it is recommendations to the City
just after Thanksgiving, and we are heading into the Council. We could not do all
wonderful Christmas season. Surrounded by family that we do without our
and friends, my heart is filled with gratitude, and I dedicated volunteers, and I am
feel to count a few of my blessings. grateful for their service.
Our Community: Meridian is a city of families. In
fact, the City's vision is to be a premier place to live,
work, and raise a family. This mindset permeates
into everything the City does, and it translates into a
quality of life that is a blessing to us all. As a father,
I am grateful for the opportunities this creates for my
own family in the form of wholesome recreational
activities that build family memories. As Director, I
am grateful for the opportunities this vision
generates, from building great parks to hosting
wonderful events that bring us together as a
community.
City Leadership: I am grateful to be a part of a city
where the Mayor and City Council set the tone of
leadership based on a true desire to create a great
community. This desire has many facets from public
safety to economic development, and also includes
great parks, facilities, and recreation opportunities
for families and children of all ages.
Parks & Recreation Commission: We have a
dedicated Parks & Recreation Commission of nine
volunteer citizens who give willingly of their time and
talents every month year-round. They help us vet
new ideas, prioritize projects, and make
Staff: We have an incredibly
talented team of employees in
Parks & Recreation. Their
talents are widely known and
respected by other parks and
recreation departments across
the region and across the
State. I would put our team up
against any team of similar size
anywhere. They accomplish much, they love what
they do, and it shows. I am grateful for our talented
and dedicated employees.
Great Facilities & Programs: We have much to be
thankful for as a community. We have a growing
park system that includes such memorable parks as
the award-winning Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park
and Meridian Settlers Park, as well as a host of
other smaller park sites that serve our community.
We have been blessed this year with a new Parks
Maintenance Facility to care for our growing parks
system. We have an expanding sports program,
new recreation camps, and great events like
CableONE Movie Night and the first ever Winter
Lights Christmas Parade. I am grateful for our great
facilities and programs.
Adf
BEN'S BELLS SHOW SUPPORT & KINDNESS FOR NEWTOWN, CT
Thirteen Meridian teens — many members of the
Mayor's Youth Advisory Council — spent a January
afternoon at the Meridian Community Center
creating handmade bells to send to the grieving
community of Newtown, Connecticut as a symbol of
support, care, and connectedness from our
community to theirs.
The project was done in conjunction with Ben's
Bells, a non-profit organization which uses the
random placement of colorful handmade bells to
educate and motivate individuals to realize the
power of intentional kindness and encourages them
to act upon that awareness. Be Kind Idaho is the
local chapter of Ben's Bells that holds workshops at
the Meridian Community Center for the public
offered through the Meridian Parks & Recreation
Activity Guide.
Ben's Bells was founded in 2003 in Arizona after the
sudden death of Jeannette Mare's two-year old son,
Ben. The simple, everyday acts of kindness
following his death helped Mare's family to survive
and begin to heal. She was inspired to establish the
Ben's Bells Project as a way to recognize and
continue the kindness shown to her.
The organization is now nationally renowned for its
bells, which are brightly colored works of art with a
tag reminding people to be kind. The bells are hung
in public places for people to take home. In addition
to bell distribution, Ben's Bells Project provides
kindness education programming for schools,
organizations, and businesses.
In May 2013, the Meridian Mayor's Youth Advisory
Council held a Prom for Parents with a kindness -
related theme as a fundraiser for Be Kind Idaho,
which is coordinated by caring Meridian resident
Mary Pridmore (depicted above right [in the middle])
The public was invited to purchase tickets to the
CONSTRUCTION IS HERE!
MYB Overflow Parking:
Due to the popularity and success of Settlers Park,
event parking can be a challenge. On occasion, park
users fill available parking and find parking offsite
along Meridian and Ustick Roads. This offsite parking
created congestion and an unsafe condition for park
event, and
opportunities
existed for local
businesses to
donate silent
auction items,
decorations, and
refreshments.
The event was a
huge success,
and the proceeds
were awarded to
Be Kind Idaho so
that they could
continue
providing
workshops and
spreading the
message of
kindness across our community.
Page 3
Due to all of these wonderful acts of kindness
organized by MYAC and Be Kind Idaho in the name
of the Ben's Bells Project, the founder of Ben's
Bells, Jeannette Mare, made her way to Meridian in
the summer of 2013 to thank our community for
supporting the Ben's Bells project. With Mary
Pridmore and Be Kind Idaho as her host, Jeanette
Mare visited our Camp Mer -Ida -Moo locations and
spoke to campers about kindness and caring for
others. Campers participated in an art project
creating Kindness Coins which they could give to
one another when they identified one of their peers
performing an act of kindness.
The positive message provided to our community's
youth through the Ben's Bells Project and Be Kind
Idaho made a large positive impact on our programs
this past year, and MYAC and our summer camp
program will continue the support into the coming
year.
patrons accessing the park. Because parking along
these roads created an unsafe condition, much of this
was signed as "No Parking." We realized the loss of
offsite parking needed to be made up elsewhere.
(continued on page 4)
CONSTRUCTION IS HERE! (cont'd from page 3)
To make
additional
parking
available, we
entered into
discussions with
the Meridian
School District
about the
possibility of
using their
future school site west of the park as an overflow
parking lot. As a result of this discussion, the District
granted us a cross access easement to construct a
temporary parking lot that serves the baseball
complex.
We constructed a 125 space temporary parking lot
(depicted above) and opened it prior to the start of
spring baseball. Its convenient location makes it an
extremely popular place to park and access the
baseball fields.
Settlers Villaae Sauare. Phase 2 Tennis Courts:
In June of 2009, we finished construction and
opened Settlers Village Square Phase 1. This phase
consists of two tennis courts, tournament horseshoe
courts, and two picnic shelters. This fall we broke
ground on Settlers Village Square Phase 2 (depicted
above). This phase consists of five tennis courts;
one of them is a championship -size court featuring
larger run -out areas and spectator seating. In
addition to the tennis courts, we are constructing
Page 4
three smaller courts for under 10 players. These
youth -sized courts will have two sets of lines --one
for U10 tennis, and one for pickle ball. Another great
feature of the project is 36 additional parking places
and a separate access onto Ustick Road. There will
be a picnic shelter, hitting wall, raised grass seating,
and shade sails between the courts for those hot
summer days. Construction will be ongoing through
the winter months with a grand opening anticipated
for summer of 2014.
8th Street Park Restroom & Plavaround Proiect:
Major improvements to one of the City's oldest parks
were accomplished
this year. Up to this
point, 8th Street Park
consisted solely of
turf, mature trees, and
an outdated
playground located
right next to the
parking lot (depicted
right). The
Department secured two grants to accomplish the
project; a Community Development Block Grant for
the restroom and a Solid Waste Advisory Committee
grant for the playground. Funding allowed the
Department to hire an architect to design a restroom
building and locate it within the park appropriately.
The addition of a
restroom to the park
will certainly increase
use of the park and
the amount of time
families are able to
enjoy using the park.
The playground was
moved back deeper
into the park away
from the parking lot.
This allowed removal
of the fencing
separating the play
area from the traffic.
This part of the
project was completed ahead of the restroom
building and has been open to the public since the
middle of October.
(continued on page 5)
CONSTRUCTION IS HERE! (cont'd from page 4)
i ne new
playground f;
equipmentY
includes activity ry�
panels, multiple
slides, climbers
and a rotating
`Cozy
Cocoon" (depicted _
right). By all -
accounts so far,
the new equipment has received rave reviews from
neighborhood kids and parents alike.
No park project goes exactly as planned, though.
The restroom and playground project was no
different. The project plans had to be modified and
rebid this summer after the initial bids came in too
high. Department staff took on all of the site
improvements themselves, saving time and money.
Also of note, money was saved by fabricating the
drinking fountain to be installed on the building itself.
Many thanks to all the staff and seasonals who were
involved in redesigning and installing irrigation
improvements and sod throughout the affected
portion of the park. Without them, completion of the
project would not have been possible.
At the end of the day, we have a wonderful little
park, and it will soon get even better! As a teaser of
things to come, the Department has secured
another Community Development Block Grant to
fund the addition of a picnic shelter next spring. It
will be sited between the restroom and playground
allowing groups to enjoy a picnic while at the
playground. What could be better?
Storey Park Master Plan:
A little over two years ago, the Department
commissioned an updated master plan for Storey
Park. For decades, approximately four (4) acres
have been undeveloped. This area has been
utilized for overflow parking during community
events and increasingly utilized by the Meridian
Speedway operators. The master plan project will
also solve an ongoing issue with the regulations
governing the original park land purchase. A Land
and Water Conservation Fund grant was utilized to
purchase the property nearly 45 years ago. The
stipulation on the federal grant says that the land will
Page 5
provide outdoor recreation in perpetuity.
Several years ago, a municipal well facility was
installed within the bounds of the park land. Though
the well facility occupies only a few thousand square
feet, it does not qualify as outdoor recreation space.
In order to bring the park into compliance with the
grant regulations, staff has been working on a
conversion application to the National Park Service
and Idaho State Parks & Recreation for approval of
a land swap with the Meridian Dairy Show Board
and the Meridian Speedway operator. This would
remove the well facility property from the park
boundary and gain other land to serve outdoor
recreation. Once the land swap process is
complete, the design consultant will work with the
City, stakeholders, and the public to create a plan
for the rest of the park, including the newly acquired
land.
The conversion application was forwarded to the
National Park Service in June 2013, and approval is
pending. Recently, the City has decided that a new
dog park (depicted below) will be located in Storey
Park. As soon as the application is approved, plans
for the dog park and its construction will be finalized.
It is anticipated that construction could begin in
2014.
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57ORE'r DOG PARK CONCEPT
Meridian Parks and Recreation
eiv:
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NEW DOG PARK PLANNED
We have some exciting news for our canine
community! Although the current Bark Park on
Watertower will be closing, due to the new Police
Training Facility that will be breaking ground soon
for construction, the undeveloped portion of Storey
Park has been chosen as the next location of a full-
service dog park. We are in the early stages of
design development, but a sampling of amenities
might include additional parking, fencing, walking
paths, picnic shelters, doggy toys to climb on,
signage, and possibly a shared restroom. We see
two fenced areas, one for small dogs and one for all
dogs.
It's too early to determine a construction schedule,
but the excitement is growing, and we look forward
to a well-planned space for dog lovers to socialize.
Page 6
For those familiar with the plans for a future dog
park at the Borup Property, that site is not yet ready
for development. As stated, a more immediate
opportunity has been identified in Storey Park.
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RECYCLING TODAY - SAVING TOMORROW
Since implementing our City-wide recycling program
for cell phones and printer cartridges in 2009, we
are pleased to report we are having a positive
impact on the environment. We have
remanufactured and recycled a total of 678 pounds
of materials.
Items Collected: Resources Collected:
44.10 lbs. Cell Phones 264.15 lbs. Plastic
10.07 lbs. Inkjet Cartridges 31.93 lbs. Nylon
624.22 lbs. Toners 289.69 lbs. Steel
34.20 lbs. Aluminum
3.88 lbs. Copper
■ Toners
■ Inkjets
Cell Phones
We are thrilled to report over the past four years, our
all-time earnings of $948.87 were deposited into our
recycling fund. We have already awarded $252.87
worth of scholarships to our Care Enough to Share
Fund recipients, who are low-income Meridian
children interested in participating in our recreational
activities, classes, and camps.
Environmental Impact Equivalents:
Recycling saves nonrenewable natural resources
and offsets harmful CO2 emissions. Through our
efforts, we've:
=> Offset the annual greenhouse gas emissions
from 1 passenger vehicle;
=> Offset CO2 emissions from the consumption of
849 gallons of gasoline;
=> Counterbalanced CO2 emissions from the
consumption of 18 barrels of oil;
=> Counterbalanced CO2 emissions from the
annual electricity of 1 home;
=> Offset CO2 emissions from the total energy use
of 1 home for one year;
=> Staved off global warming via the intake and
storage of carbon of 194 tree seedlings grown
for 10 years;
=> Staved off global warming via the annual carbon
intake and storage in 2 acres of pine or fir
forests; and
=> Counterbalanced CO2 emissions from 316
propane cylinders used for home barbecues.
*Source: Funding Factory
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GOOSE ON THE LOOSE
Canadian Geese have become very prevalent in the Treasure Valley. They are
relatively unafraid of humans and have spread to our urban areas. Unfortunately
they are drawn to mowed grass and water sources, such as ponds, lakes, and
rivers. Parks, golf courses, and business landscapes are the ideal habitat for
geese, and these are areas that humans frequent, thus causing the problem.
One of the most effective ways to deter Canadian geese from taking up
residency in our parks is by scaring or chasing them away. And, one of the most
effective ways to chase them away is by using trained dogs. Since October 1
when Real Animal Management (RAM) started goose management at Kleiner Park
(depicted above right), thousands of geese have been chased off the ponds, walkways,
and grassy areas. By using a Border Collie named "Rio" and an Australian Cattle Dog
named "Jax," (depicted right) to chase geese, we have significantly reduced the number
of migratory birds in our parks and are hopeful we can reduce the resident population as
well.
Page 7
Additionally, we have organized and hosted a regional goose management meeting on
December 3, 2013 with local agencies and wildlife managers to develop a sustainable
long-term management strategy and will continue discussions.
RECYCLING IN OUR PARKS
(By Mollie Mangerich, Environmental Programs Manager, Public Works Department)
I personally think Meridian's parks and pathways
system is amazing and one of our city's greatest
assets. I love how green and well-maintained our
parks are — but now they are getting even `greener'!
Mike Barton, Parks Superintendent, has been a true
leader in pursuing environmentally -responsible
installations in our parks. With funding assistance
from the Meridian Community Recycling Fund, Mike
has purchased and installed
- a total of 44 recycling
containers throughout
Settlers, Heroes (depicted
left), and Julius M. Kleiner
Memorial Park for our
patrons' use. To date, we
have recycled over 5,705 lbs.
of plastic bottles and
aluminum cans at these
parks! The revenue generated from the sale of
these recyclables go back into our Meridian
Community Recycling Fund — talk about closing the
an
MPR Department staff purchased and installed new
ADA -compliant playground equipment at the 8th
Street Park. This new playground is manufactured
from 50% post -consumer plastics. Buying recycled -
content products ensures that the materials
collected in Meridian's curbside recycling programs
will be used again in the
manufacture of new products.
In partnership with the City's
Environmental Division, the MPR -
Department has installed a new,
unique, water bottle refilling
station at Tully Park (depicted
right). There are more stations`"" `=
planned as funding becomes
available, with the next one at the
new Settlers Park tennis facility. These refill stations
encourage conservation and help reduce the
number of plastic water bottles that will end up in
landfill, which is estimated to be 8-10 water bottles
purchased in the U.S. While helping to decrease
waste, these refill stations also encourage us to
pack our durable water containers, thereby reducing
the fossil fuels and energy necessary to produce
expensive bottled water.
As a community, we recognize the social and
environmental benefits that our Meridian parks and
pathways system provides. Thanks to individuals
like Mike Barton and the wonderful MPR staff for
making our parks even more eco -friendly!
GENE KLEINER DAY
Last year, Julius M.
Kleiner Memorial
Park (depicted right)
was donated to the
City of Meridian by
Gene Kleiner
(depicted left) and
has been loved by
our community ever
since. This year, on
June 9—the 1St
anniversary of the
park's grand opening—Mayor De Weerd
read a proclamation that henceforth on the
2nd Saturday in June, the City of Meridian will
celebrate Gene Kleiner Day!
Page 8
We will celebrate Gene Kleiner Day in the ep_1114N_:V"
City of Meridian with an annual performance of the Meridian Symphony in the bandshell of Kleiner Park
hope you will join us next year for the performance in the bandshell.
We
The proclamation correctly states that Gene Kleiner's donation of this great park has impacted our lives for
the better and has increased the quality of life for our citizens.
Gene Kleiner's generosity serves as an extraordinary example of selfless philanthropy and community giving.
We invite everyone to follow Gene Kleiner's example and find your own way to pay it forward in countless
new acts of service—big or small—across the community.
14 . + • •�� `'
ENHANCING MERIDIAN'S PATHWAY SYSTEM
Five Mile Creek Pathway, Segment E (Bridgetower to
Linder) Update:
Last year the Department commissioned construction
documents for a new segment of multi -use pathway along
Five Mile Creek west of Linder Road (depicted right). Since
that time, staff has worked with the homeowners and their
management company to secure the necessary easement.
With all the paperwork finally complete, the pathway project is
about to come to fruition. The project will go out to bid the
first week of January 2014 with construction to begin around
the middle of March. By summer, the local residents and
citizens across the community will have a new pathway to
enjoy.
Pathway Signage:
Page 9
The Department implemented a new directional signage program last
year on City -maintained pathways with the dedication of the Five Mile
PATHWAY I
Pathway between Pine and Badley (H1 segment) (depicted /eft). The
r`<sign's graphic elements follow the City's graphic standards and color
r selection, which contain elements identifying the City via the logo and
star/waves, the pathway name, segment, connecting streets, and
directional/destination locations and distances. The sign also includes
the City's pathway rules utilizing graphic symbols. By incorporating the
signage on the City's pathways, users will know where they are and how
far their destinations are. Further, by posting the rules on our pathways, enforcement becomes much more
accessible, enhancing pathway user safety. The directional signs will be incorporated in all future pathway
projects.
This year, we replaced the old Bud Porter Pathway sign with the new standardized one (depicted above
right).
VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION
In 2013, the Meridian Parks & Recreation Department recorded 3,952.5 volunteer hours, which saved the City
$60,987.08. Volunteer project highlights from 2013
include:
Several tree planting projects around our parks
system (depicted right).
Tree wrapping at Kleiner Park.
Multiple Eagle Scout projects.
Community gardening in Kleiner Park.
Sanding and repainting the fence at the old Pine
Street School.
Large park playground cleaning project.
Volunteers have been a key component at almost
every community event, such as CableONE Movie
Night in Meridian, Community Block Party, Christmas
in Meridian, Meridian Barn Sour, Independence Day
Festival, and Unplug and Be Outside Week.
1i
Page 10
SNAPSHOT GALLERY 2013
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Meridian Parks
Recreation
Commission
Back Row (from Left to
Right :
Kent Goldthorpe, Vice
President Matt Stoll, & Phil
Liddell
Front Row (from Left to
Ri ht :
Creg Steele, Tiffany
Coleman, William
Fitzgerald, Sharon Borton,
& President Treg Bernt
(not pictured John
Nesmith)
Meridian Parks
Recreation Staff
Back Row (from Left to
Ri ht
_
Kevin Gallivan, Jeremy
Anselmo, Phil Harris, Elroy
-
Huff, Terry Whipple, Steve
/
Siddoway, Garrett White,
Mike Barton, & Roger
Norberg
Middle Row (from Left to
f
tiY t
I -
Brian Schreiner, Ali
Aldape, Dave Cereghino,
Debbie Miller, Rachel
a`r
r y
Myers, & Patrick Dilley
Front Row (from Left to
Riau:
Colin Moss, Brad Day, Dan
_
White, Jay Gibbons, &
Jeremy Aldrich
V�r- j - �
i
W
Meridian Parks
Recreation
Commission
Back Row (from Left to
Right :
Kent Goldthorpe, Vice
President Matt Stoll, & Phil
Liddell
Front Row (from Left to
Ri ht :
Creg Steele, Tiffany
Coleman, William
Fitzgerald, Sharon Borton,
& President Treg Bernt
(not pictured John
Nesmith)
SNAPSHOT GALLERY 2013 (cont'd from page 10)
1 -Dave Cereghino, Groundskeeper I, joined the
Parks Maintenance Division team in February
2013.
2 -Congratulations to Mike Barton, Parks
Superintendent, for being awarded 2013 City of
Meridian's Supervisor of the Year!
3 -Guests wished Janice Smith, Administrative
Assistant I, a happy retirement at a ceremony
held in her honor at Meridian City Hall on
October 2, 2013 after 31 years of employment.
Left to right: Janice, Barbara Shiffer, Sheree
Finch, & Lt. John Overton.
4 -Team -building at Big AI's on September 25,
2013. Left to right: David Doyle, Steve
Siddoway, Eric Jurgensen, & Patrick Williams.
5 -Welcome Ali Aldape, our new Administrative
Assistant I, who joined the team in September
2013.
6 -At the February 13, 2013 Parks & Recreation
Commission meeting, MPR Director Steve
Siddoway (right) presented Phil Liddell (left) with
a plaque to honor him for his service as MPR
Commission President from January - December
2012.
7 -Phil Harris, Maintenance & Construction
Technician III, helped install the unique drinking
fountain/water bottle filling station at Tully Park
in February 2013.
8 -The MPR Commission held a team -building
event on June 12, 2013 in Julius M. Kleiner
Memorial Park. Participants enjoyed a game of
cornhole and ladder ball. Left to right:
Commissioner Tiffany Coleman, Commission
President Treg Bernt, Commission Vice
President Matt Stoll, & MPR Director Steve
Siddoway.
9 -The MPR Commission held a 2013 Spring
Pathways Tour and identified potential pathway
connections at their workshop which would
extend from Linder Road to Eagle Island. Left to
right: Sharon Borton, Phil Liddell, City of Eagle
Parks Director Mike Aho, Jay Gibbons, Steve
Siddoway, & Creg Steele.
10 -Frank Keeney is our newest Groundskeeper I
who started working for the MPR Department in
December 2013.
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Page 11
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6
7
10
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UPGRADES MARK ENHANCED QUALITY OF LIFE
Generations Plaza Water Feature Upgrades:
Generations Plaza has
AIN
become a popular spot for
people visiting the downtown
area. The plaza has a small
rte..
w stage, grassy area, shade
trees, and a decorative
fountain. The fountain was
designed as a decorative water feature; but due to
an increase in downtown visitors, it is increasingly
becoming recreation water.
On hot days, you can see kids using the fountain
water to play and cool off. Over the years, standards
for recreational water have increased. Public safety
is one of our top priorities; therefore, it became
necessary to upgrade this water feature. In order to
meet and exceed standards for recreational water,
we are installing upgraded filtration and an
automatic chlorine and PH adjust feed. The new
system will be equipped with ultra violet light and
sanitize water with one pass through. The upgrades
are currently underway and will be completed in time
for warmer weather.
Lakeview Golf Course Tree Planting Continues
in 2013:
We have been working on a tree planting project at
the golf course for several years. This fall we
planted 14 new trees. These were planted as an
Eagle Scout project. The trees were a mixture of
evergreens and deciduous. The trees were planted
to replace some older trees that needed to be
removed. These trees were donated by Jayker
Tree Nurseries. The golf course personnel dug the
holes and prepared them for the project.
Trees are a great benefit to the course. They affect
how the golf course is played, and they help to
protect homes by deflecting golf balls.
We have replaced about eight of the new trees
planted over the last several years, so there are
about 146 new trees now on the course. This is a
great long-term improvement.
Arbor Day Celebration 2013:
This year's celebration was held at Meridian
Elementary School. The City applied for an Arbor
Day Grant and received one. To qualify, we planted
Page 12
seven ponderosa pine trees at the school along with
the Arbor Day Celebration. We had volunteers from
a local Boy Scout troop who helped with the tree
planting. The trees were planted along an open play
area and have looked good all summer long. The
Arbor Day tree for this year was a
Bergeson Ash tree.
Kleiner Park Upgrades:
At Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park,
the Parks crew completed additional
upgrades and improvements. With
feedback from bands and other
groups, we completed electrical
system upgrades in the bandshell. Twelve individual
circuits will accommodate a wide variety of events.
Power was distributed to the special event turf area
(depicted above right) with boxed outlets. Three
fountains (depicted below left) were added to the
ponds with multiple nozzle kits and lights that can be
turned on for special events. A new ground water
well was installed for shoulder season watering.
Pathway surfaces were upgraded. The arboretum
received tree markers for
identification (depicted
right). Picnic shelter A-1
received a new barbecue
griddle (depicted above
right). In addition, the
concessions building
received a new sign
NC
O
(depicted left) and
menu board.
The Department
sincerely appreciates
continued assistance
from the Kleiner Trust
for consulting and
funding many of these projects.
(continued on page 13)
UPGRADES MARK ENHANCED QUALITY OF LIFE (cont'd from page 12)
Meridian Split Corridor, Phase 2:
Immediately after road construction was completed,
we began the landscape beatification project for the
undeveloped right of way. The landscape project is
complete and features low water consumptive
plants, plantings consistent with the Phase 1 project,
a stretch of open waterway, and grassy areas that
will someday soon provide an anchor for public art.
This project was a cooperative effort between the
City, Parks, ACHD, and Nampa & Meridian Irrigation
District.
Settlers Splash Pad Modifications:
One of the area's most popular spots on a hot
summer day is the splash pad in Settlers Park. With
a variety of spray toys to choose from, this free
activity is fun for all ages. The water from the spray
toys entered into a recirculating system that filtered
and sanitized with chlorine and UV before returning
to the user. Due to heavy use and popularity, this
amenity in its original configuration required
constant monitoring.
To ease the
demands of
constant
monitoring
and still
maintain the
highest
water
quality, we
have
changed the
system to use and reuse. We now have potable
water spraying from the toys and going back through
the sanitation process and then being pumped to the
irrigation pond for reuse on our park grass. This
process will ensure water quality, reduce the
demand of constant monitoring, reduce chemical
use, and save our water resources.
2013 Downtown Tree Downtown Tree Replacement Projects Projects:
The work continued this year with eight more of the
older boxes and trees replaced. This leaves around
35 more of them to do over the next five years.
There are always interesting challenges in the old
downtown area when we dig up trees. This year we
found a two-inch live gas line under two of the trees.
Page 13
This line had to be rerouted around the new tree
boxes. The older tree canopy in downtown is
thinning some with the removal of older trees, but it
looks better with the new boxes. There are a lot
fewer trip hazards on the sidewalks. This has been a
beneficial long-term project in Old Town Meridian.
Meridian Road Interchange:
The Meridian Road Interchange project is in design
and will be out to bid soon. The interchange design
will be similar to Ten Mile and will have a landscape
component. However, the landscaping going in will
be different to that on Ten Mile. The upper triangles
will have a mix of colorful plants that tie the
interchange into the Meridian Road Split Corridor.
There will be trees planted on the slopes and a
boulder field below the parapet walls. The concept
for the landscaping on this interchange is low water
consumptive plants that blend into their
surroundings and create a sustainable low -
maintenance environment. Through a cooperative
agreement, ITD has agreed to contribute significant
funding towards this project.
The design of the interchange and its amenities are
the result of a collaborative effort with the MPR
Department, Community Development, City Council,
and the Meridian Road Interchange Task Force.
Park Dedication Plaques:
The Parks & Recreation Commission envisioned
bronze plaques (depicted below) at each of our
parks noting the date on which the park was
dedicated, a
brief
statement of
how the park
land was
acquired, and
who the major
players were
in the
process.
Over the
course of a couple of years, a layout was ironed out,
the specific information was researched and verified,
the City Council approved funding, and a foundry
was identified. In spring of 2014, the plaques will be
installed in each park.
POPULAR SPORTS PROGRAMS FLOURISH
The Adult Sports Programs were in full swing in
2013. It all started with the Winter Adult Volleyball
League. The league has increased each year, and
we now have 103 teams registered and still turned
away 16 teams, due to a lack of gym space. The
volleyball program continues to
grow interest, and we expect to
have close to 100 teams in the
spring depending on the gym
space we have. Because the ` <
winter and spring leagues have
grown, we have created a summer
league to try and keep up with the demand. This
year we had 30 teams register, and all games were
played outside on the grass at Bear Creek Park.
The trend continued into Spring Softball and then
into Fall Softball. Both seasons were near their
capacity with the fields that we currently have. The
Recreation Department partnered with Judy
Crandell again this year with a Girls Fast Pitch
Tournament over Memorial Day weekend. The
tournament included 30 teams this year which was
three more than the previous year. The tournament
was a success but could not have happened without
the Parks Maintenance staff who helped out with
field conditions and field prep for each game.
Another softball tournament ran this year was the 1St
Annual "Red Eye" Adult Men's Softball Tournament,
which was held the first weekend in August. This
tournament had games running throughout the night
and into the next day. We had 16 teams involved
this year with hopes that it will grow next year. The
tournament was held at Storey Park and played on
the softball field and the baseball field located in the
park. Because the tournament ran through the
night, some teams and players took advantage of
the few hours they had between games to catch
some sleep in the tents they were approved to set
up in the park during tournament hours. We hope to
run this tournament each year the first weekend of
August and hope to grow interest with the idea of
adding a coed division.
The weather held up just in time for the Fall Flag
Football League to finish up with only one day being
rained out during the season. We increased this
program again this year and had 15 teams. The
Coed division was created this year with five teams
Page 14
participating. We hope to increase this league for
the next year.
The Adult Dodgeball League ran along with the Flag
Football League, which was a success as well.
There were 17 teams in the league this year. All of
the action -packed games were played at Heritage
Middle School through September and October.
At the end of last year, we wanted to focus more on
our Adult Basketball program, and the focus paid off.
We doubled the number of teams from last year and
now have 24 teams registered. We hope to
increase this league next year by offering a summer
3 -on -3 league.
For more information regarding any or all adult
sports programs, please contact the Meridian Parks
& Recreation office at 888-3579.
Holiday Classic Volleyball Tournament:
The 3rd Annual Holiday Classic Volleyball
Tournament was held Saturday, December 7 at
Heritage Middle School. This year's tournament
sponsors were Bruneel Tire Factory, Wahooz,
Meridian Automotive & Machine, Inc.,
Cheerleaders Sports Bar & Grill, The Curb Bar &
Grill, Meridian Fire & Police Departments, Snake
River Yamaha, Big Daddy's Barbecue, Mr.
Sandman Inn & Suites, Walmart, Brownstone
Avenue, Idaho Sporting Goods, Bogus Basin
Mountain Resort, AJ's Sol Crecido Salsa, and the
Volleyball officials. This year the tournament
raised over $1,600 to benefit the Meridian Hope
Tree and the less fortunate families in Meridian and
helped 15 children and an additional family of four.
A special thank you to the tournament teams,
officials, volunteers, Meridian Joint School
District #2, and our sponsors for making a
difference in your community. Without your help,
this tournament could not happen.
The City Parks &
Recreation Department
hopes to run this
tournament each year to
benefit a Meridian based
charity.
SPECIAL EVENTS ENLIVEN THE COMMUNITY
Meridian Barn Sour Celebrates 10 Years:
The 2013
Meridian Barn
Sour 10k/5k/1
Mile Fun Run
> was hosted at
Settlers Park
on June 29
with 145
participants.
Racers
(depicted left)
traversed a
fun and challenging course that incorporated
Meridian's parks and pathways. After it was all over,
some great awards were given to both overall and
age division winners from the event sponsors, Idaho
Athletic Club, Shu's Idaho Running Company
and The Pulse Running and Fitness. Every racer
received a t -shirt with their registration, and a variety
of raffle prizes were also handed out so nobody
walked away empty handed.
The event is a fundraiser for Meridian Parks &
Recreation's Care Enough to Share program, which
offers scholarships to low income Meridian kids to
participate in recreation activities. We were very
proud to raise $1,693.31 from the proceeds of this
year's event.
For more information about the Meridian Barn Sour,
CLICK HERE.
4th Annual Meridian Communitv Block Part
Features Fun for the Whole Family:
On Saturday, September 14, 2013, the Meridian
Parks & Recreation Department hosted the 4th
Annual Meridian
Community
Block Party
presented by
Rehab
Authority at
Settlers Park
from 10:00 a.m.
to 4:00 p.m.
The event
offered fun for
the whole family
and was a great way to
send summer out on a high
note. The day kicked off at
9:00 a.m. with a family 5k
run hosted by
RehabAuthority with other
activities following starting
at 10:00 a.m., including
bounce houses, obstacle
courses, giant slides
(depicted bottom left), a
climbing wall, bungee run,
monster boxing, tsunami
surf, triple play sports
cage, mini bike races,
football activities, the
introduction of the Meridian
United Mascot Dance -Off
(depicted right), free hot dogs and drinks, and much
more!
Page 15
Throughout the day, music was provided by Mix 106
and 104.3 Wow Country which had on-site
broadcasts featuring Kate McGwire and Alana Lynn.
Both radio stations and Rehab Authority hosted
contests during the event with great prizes, including
family trips to Lagoon.
The event also had instructors on hand who offered
classes in the Meridian Parks & Recreation Fall
Activity Guide. These instructors provided
information and gave demonstrations of their
classes so everyone could see what the class would
be like before registering.
Mayor De Weerd explains, "This `block party' is a
great way for members of our community to enjoy
many of the elements that makes Meridian a great
place to live, work, and raise a family. The
abundance of green space, free activities, and the
availability of family -friendly entertainment are all
great reasons to come spend a Saturday in the
park." She added, "This event could not have been
possible without the gracious support of our
community volunteers and our business and non-
profit community who stepped up as sponsors."
For more information about the Meridian Community
Block Party, CLICK HERE.
ti f
(continued on page 16)
SPECIAL EVENTS ENLIVEN THE COMMUNITY (cont'd from page 15)
CableONE Movie Night in Meridian & Teen
Movie Night:
In 2013, CableONE Movie Night in Meridian
celebrated its seventh season of family movies at
Settlers Park every Friday during the summer
months of June, July, and August. Over the last
seven years, we've shown a total of 80 outdoor
movies and provided a venue for families to share
countless memories together.
In 2013, we showed 12 movies. We also enjoyed yet
another season with wonderful sponsor support
welcoming back St. Alphonsus Meridian Health
Plaza and Rocky Mountain Audio/Visual and adding
Yogurtz as a new Presenting Sponsor. Other Single
-Night Sponsors such as the Meridian Fire
Department, the Meridian Library District, Meridian
United Sports Center Academy, and Idaho Central
Credit Union, among others, provided lots of fun and
games before the movies began.
In 2013, we also continued to implement the policy
change from 2012 which required youth under 18 in
attendance to be accompanied by a parent or adult
guardian. In conjunction with that policy change, we
rolled out a new program called Meridian Teen
Movie Night. In our pilot season, we hosted three
movies on Saturday nights. Movie titles were
chosen to appeal more to a teenage audience and
included the blockbusters The Amazing Spider -Man,
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, and The
Avengers. As with CableONE Movie Night, Meridian
Teen Movie Night was very fortunate to have the
support of a great team of sponsors including
Yogurtz and Idaho Meth Project, among others.
We're looking forward to another great summer of
outdoor movies in 2014!
-at-
Page 16
For more information about CableONE Movie Night
in Meridian, CLICK HERE.
Partnership with Meridian Speedway Brings a
Sixth Year of Independence Day Festivities to
Storey Park:
The Meridian Parks & Recreation Department and
Meridian Speedway teamed up again to provide the
community with a full day of Independence Day
activities on July 4, 2013. The event in Storey Park
started at 3:00 p.m. with live music, food vendors,
bounce houses, a climbing wall, and an obstacle
course for kids. The Speedway races started later
that evening, and then the festivities culminated with
a spectacular fireworks show at dusk.
"Our partnership with the Meridian Speedway has
really been a benefit to the community," said Steve
Siddoway, Meridian Parks and Recreation
Director. "It has given Meridian residents an
Independence Day celebration and fireworks display
they can be proud of, and we're looking forward to
continuing our partnership with the Speedway for
many years to come."
For more information about the Meridian
Independence Day Festival, CLICK HERE.
Un hW and Be Outside Week Gets Kids Active:
Did you know that kids
today are spending as
much as 30 hours a
week dialed into video
games, computers,
mobile devices, and
other technology?
Unplug and Be Outside
Week was started in
Boise in 2011 as an
event to inspire and
empower families to
get off the couch and
get active! In 2012, the
initiative set their sights
on going statewide,
and the Meridian Parks & Recreation Department
jumped in with both feet to promote active lifestyles
for Meridian families; 2013 saw more of the same.
(continued on page 17)
SPECIAL EVENTS ENLIVEN THE COMMUNITY (cont'd from page 16)
From April 20-27, Meridian Parks & Recreation
facilitated the organization of 31 FREE activities,
including geocaching, arts and crafts, dance, self-
defense, belly dance, tennis clinics, a fun run, a golf
clinic, fishing (depicted on page 16), and a camping
expo at Sierra Trading Post.
All participants received a passport card for the
week, and for every activity they participated in, they
received a sticker on their passport card. At the end
of the week, if they participated in at least three
activities, they could mail in their passport card for a
chance to win some great prizes!
For more information about Unplug and Be Outside
Week, CLICK HERE.
Christmas in Meridian December 2-7, 2013:
The Parks & Recreation Department rang in the
holiday season this year with a weeklong celebration
in downtown. Christmas in Meridian is a new
tradition that included the Winter Lights Parade and
Tree Lighting, the Downtown Business Decorating
Contest, and the Children's Winterland Festival.
The 1st Annual Winter Lights Parade (depicted
above and below right), presented by Borton-Lakey
Law and Policy, took place Friday, December 6
starting at 6:30 p.m. along Main Street in downtown
Meridian. Parade emcees Mayor Tammy de Weerd
and Lisa Adams of 107.9 Lite FM led a magical
evening that culminated with the lighting of
Meridian's tree in Generations Plaza on the corner
of Main and Idaho. It was a chilly night, but
hundreds of Meridian residents came out to watch
the show. Parade winners included:
Best Commercial Entry — Intermountain Pet
Hospital and Lodge
Best Non -Commercial Entry — Harvest Church
Best Representation of the Theme — Primos
Pizza
Best Lights — Buckle Up For Bobby
Best Music — Music Center Studios
Best Walking Unit — Cole Valley Christian
School Marching Band
Best Animal Unit — Meridian Lions Club
Page 17
The inaugural Downtown Business Decorating
Contest, presented by Idaho Independent
Bank, offered some friendly competition between
our downtown businesses with some great prizes up
for grabs for the best displays. The community as a
whole was the real winner, though, as downtown
Meridian shined with Christmas spirit. Downtown
Business Decorating Contest winners included:
Best in Show — Borton-Lakey Law and Policy
Best Representation of the Theme — Calico
Cattery & Auntie Sandy's Alterations
Most Elegant — Hair Art Gallery
Most Quirky — Cruisin Biker Wear
People's Choice — Envy Salon
(continued on page 18)
SPECIAL EVENTS ENLIVEN THE COMMUNITY (cont'd from page 17)
Finally, the Children's
Winterland Festival,
presented by All
American
Insurance, is an event
that had already been
taking place for several
years and continued on
as a part of Christmas
in Meridian. It was
hosted at Meridian City
Hall from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. on Saturday,
December 7 and included pictures with Santa,
cookie decorating (depicted above), toy building,
Christmas crafts
,46 : _ (depicted left) and
games, Santa letter
writing, and
more. Entry to this
fun event was FREE
with a donation for
the Meridian Food
Bank. We were able
PARKS CODE UPDATE
Meridian City Code now includes a new, recently
updated ordinance for Parks & Recreation. After
several years' work of documenting issues with the
old Parks Code, meetings between Legal and Parks
& Recreation staff, and discussions with the Parks &
Recreation Commission, the updated Parks Code
was discussed and approved by the Meridian City
Council on October 8, 2013.
The new ordinance is 13-579 and includes updated
definitions, regulations, and compiles all items
Page 18
to collect 521 pounds of food for Meridian families in
need!
For more information about any of these great
events, please CLICK HERE.
Tke Citof Meridian wou
I'L to tkanL:
MOWN5TONE AVENU
2374 E,. Cinema Drive, Ste. er
Phone: 888-2414 Llh
f =or Providing all of the Mericdr'a
City Hall tree decor!,
MGT LEGACY CHURCH
1507 N. Meridian Koad, Meridian
Phone: 888-2510
For decorating the tree
related to park use and events from alcohol permits
to smoking policies to amplified sounds to dogs and
many more issues into one location. We appreciate
all of the work that has gone into this comprehensive
update of the Parks & Recreation ordinance.
To access the updated Parks Code, please CLICK
HERE.
MERIDIAN JOINT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2 PARTNERSHIP
A mutual fee waiver agreement was approved by
both Meridian Joint School District Board and the
Meridian City Council earlier this Spring. Through
this agreement, our gym reservation fees are waived
by the school district, we get additional priority use
times in new gyms the school district is building, and
we get additional locations for summer camps. In
return, the City's Building Department is waiving
certain fees for permits and applications, excluding
direct costs. As a result of this new partnership, we
were able to open two summer camp sites last
summer—one in North Meridian at Prospect
Elementary School, and one in
South Meridian at Siena K-8
School. We are excited to have
this new agreement and to be
realizing the benefits of
additional facilities for sports,
camps and other recreational
programs.
-;t
�••�� ••
MYAC & TAC MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The number of teens interested in volunteerism and
community service in Meridian continues to grow,
and the Teen Activities Council (TAC) is seeing the
benefits. During the spring of 2013, MYAC (Mayor's
Youth Advisory Council) had around 50 students
participating in regular meetings. As a
subcommittee, about 20 of MYAC members were
involved in TAC which is up from the 2011-2012
school year. This fall MYAC grew even larger and
now has about 90 high school students attending
MYAC general meetings twice a month at Meridian
City Hall.
Ignite Youth:
In February, 2012, TAC hosted the 4t" Annual Ignite
Youth special event (depicted below). TAC students
were able to
secure the event's
first sponsor in its
history, AT&T,
providing a
Windows smart
phone as the
grand prize for the
student with the
winning
presentation.
MYAC and AT&T
have partnered to
support AT&T's
No Text On Board
campaign
encouraging
youth to not text
and drive. In an effort to improve the marketing of
the event, TAC's student chair Caleb Knapp and
TAC's advisor were featured on KTVB Idaho's News
Channel 7 to promote Ignite Youth.
Page 19
from AT&T, and the Ignite trophy to put on display at
her school.
Trunk or Treat:
Members of TAC also helped put on a new event in
Meridian this year; Trunk or Treat and Dance to the
Beat! This event was held at Meridian City Hall and
featured 50 local businesses decorating car trunks
and truck beds in the Halloween spirit in the City
Hall parking lot and along Broadway Avenue.
Around 1,500 Meridian residents showed up in their
Halloween best and visited the trunks where
children would receive candy and parents would
receive promotions from local businesses. Our
Meridian Police Department and Meridian Fire
Department showed their support and brought police
cruisers and a
fire engine to the
event, handed
Seven teens from a variety of Meridian high schools
presented on a variety of ideas including technology,
community involvement, and powerless super
heroes, among other subjects.
These students presented to a large crowd and a
panel of local celebrity judges and at Mountain View
High School. Judges selected Miranda Gregory, a
Rocky Mountain High School student, as the winner
with a presentation entitled "The R -Word." Miranda
was awarded the Windows smart phone, other items
out candy, and
took pictures
with local
families. Also
featured was a
costume parade
and a family
dance party in
the City Hall
Plaza hosted by
DJ Gomez, a
Meridian Police
Officer and
MYAC advisor.
Our Parks
Maintenance staff created "The Golden Cauldron"
prize awarded for the most creative trunk at the
event given to Creative Balloons of Idaho.
TAC:
The Teen Activities Council is a subcommittee of the
larger youth leadership group, the Mayor's Youth
Advisory Council. The TAC's vision is to provide
positive, safe, and engaging activities for teens that
promote a healthy social atmosphere. Overall, the
Teen Activities Council positively impacts teen life in
our community and provides an opportunity to learn
skills in recreational programming and event
planning for those students involved in the council.
We look forward to furthering the positive impacts in
2014!
POSITIVE CHANGES FOR CAMPS & CLASSES
The summer of 2013 presented an exciting
expansion opportunity for our summer camp
programs, due to a newly acquired facility use
agreement with the City of Meridian and Joint
School District No. 2. This agreement allowed our
summer camps the ability to use school facilities
which benefited our programs with more wide open
green space, multiple playgrounds, and classroom
space.
Our Camp Mer -Ida -Moo day camp expanded to two
locations; Prospect Elementary School in north
Meridian and Siena Elementary in south Meridian.
Prospect Elementary was home to Camp Mer -Ida -
Moo, Mer -Ida -Teen, Art Camp, and base camp for
our Outdoor Adventure Camp. Siena K-8 School
hosted our second location of Camp Mer -Ida -Moo.
At camp we continued with our previously
successful programming and added in some new
additions for fun! Programming included themed
weeks and matching field trips, fashion shows,
variety shows, super hero days, costume days,
camp Olympics and retro roller-skating.
In an effort to improve our programming, Camp Mer -
Ida -Moo partnered with the Meridian Library
District's Summer Reading Program where campers
would fill out reading logs that encouraged them to
reach reading goals. When campers reached goals,
the program rewarded them with prizes for staying
on track. In addition to this awesome program, the
Meridian Library District sent out their staff members
once a week to touch base with our camp staff and
campers, handed out prizes for reaching reading
goals, and led fun games with our camp staff.
Camp Mer -Ida -Moo continued its tradition of hosting
a Reading Rocks week and visiting the library for
our field trip where campers participated in fun
games, and library staff informed campers what they
could discover at the local library. Camp Mer -Ida -
Moo staff truly appreciate this program, and our
department will continue working with the Meridian
Library District to enhance the partnership.
With our day camps in two locations, this created an
interesting opportunity to have even more fun! Both
day camp locations would come together on park
days and at our field trips (depicted far above right).
This allowed campers to make friends with children
srt
from all of the Meridian
community, allowed for
staff collaboration between
the sites for programming
plans and material, and
equipment sharing. From
these opportunities came
new ideas for fun games
between the sites for
weeks, such as Sports
Spectacular, and enhanced
our camp Olympics day.
Camp Mer -IDA -Moo also continued its tradition of
writing thank -you letters to military service members
currently deployed overseas which both locations
worked on together during our Stars and Stripes
Page 20
week.
v Sports Camps were
hosted at Heroes Park
(depicted left) and
Chateau Park in the
summer of 2013 and
each week focused on
- different major sports,
such as basketball,
football, and baseball/softball. We added a new
type of camp for Sports Camp this year called Multi -
Sport Camp. Camp staff led activities each day for
different sports. including the major sports, and
added others, such as volleyball and ultimate
frisbee. This option was very popular for our
customers and was enjoyed as a truly recreational,
fun, all -about -participation -type of camp, and we
plan on continuing this offering each summer.
Outdoor musical theater programs ran for the
second summer at the bandshell in Julius M. Kleiner
Memorial Park, and this summer proved to be even
more popular and successful than the first. The
bandshell was used for musical theater camps,
rehearsals, and performances all of June and July
2013, resulting in three separate productions by two
different contracted instructors offering musical
theater programs. Broadway in the Park was a
production that took place at the bandshell in July
and was offered by Meridian Cue, a new theater
organization in our community promoting youth
development through arts and performance.
(continued on page 21)
POSITIVE CHANGES FOR CAMPS & CLASSES (cont'd from page 20)
Mary Jensen, a Meridian Arts Commissioner, offered
our outdoor musical theater program in the summer
of 2012 and expanded this program in 2013 by
offering more camps and putting on productions of
You're a Good Man Charlie Brown and Annie.
Meridian Parks & Recreation Art Camps continued
the success of our pilot weeks of traveling art and
mural art camps from last summer. In 2013, art
campers began the tradition of changing out last
year's art boards from the mural on the back porch
of the Meridian Community Center with new
creations for this year. Art boards from the previous
summer were returned to youth that created the art
pieces. Our traveling art campers added Meridian
City Hall to their list of subjects for watercolor
landscapes this summer and also visited the Initial
Point Gallery.
Brian Schreiner (depicted far above right) leads all
of our department's Family Art Workshops,
Community Center Art Group, and our Summer Art
Camps. Brian teaches art and other subjects in the
Boise School District, and his art has been featured
in locations around the western United States, in
BOSCO open studios, Local Color exhibit and the
Boise Art Museum. Brian is an amazing talent,
phenomenal teacher, and
an exceptional employee
that has been with our
department for almost nine
years teaching art and
being a leader for youth in
our programs. We attribute
Me success of an. programs
to Brian, and we are lucky to have him on staff!
Page 21
With all of our camp programs located at local
elementary schools, we were able to continue
offering programs that run in the Meridian
Community Center during the school year,
throughout the summer. This allowed us to increase
the amount of programs we could offer, increase
enrollment in our entire recreation program as a
whole, and provided our daytime instructors a space
to continue offering their programs during summer
months. New camps were offered from our
instructors on dance, cheerleading, and Young
Rembrandts art workshops.
There were just over 830 enrollments in Meridian
Parks & Recreation's summer camp programs
continuing our successes and improvement in the
summer of 2013!
NEW SEARCH TOOL FOR PARK AMENITIES
Are you searching for a specific amenity within our park system but are not quite sure which of our parks has
that amenity? MPR staff worked with the
— ID IAN IT Department to create a new website � E �J Star g
Parka & R—afi. N
Park Amenities Search Tool, which is
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found on the Meridian Parks & Recreation - Shaw AFI ParkaLp
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MPR COMMISSION IN THE LIMELIGHT
The Meridian Parks & Recreation
Commission is a volunteer citizens'
group that is created and
empowered to advise the City on
issues relating to park facilities and
recreation programs of the City.
Their mission is to gather input from
staff and other qualified personnel on
issues relating to the creation and
design of public parks and open
spaces; to listen to public input; and to provide
advice and recommendations on parks and
recreation related matters to the Mayor and City
Council.
Some of the Commission's achievements as a
whole over the past fiscal year are highlighted as
follows:
We have applied for and received funding from
the Federal Highways Administration to study
the arterial road crossings for the Rail With Trail
Project. MPR staff is currently scoping the
project, which should be under contract this
winter.
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Regarding pathways plan implementation, the
Commission has received presentations/updates
by representatives regarding Safe Routes to
Schools at the YMCA and the ACHD Community
Programs/Pathways Coordinator.
In an effort to engage other task forces,
commissions, entities, and agencies through
workshops and other outreach, representatives
from the City of Eagle Parks Department,
Meridian PAL, WARD, and MYB were present
for various meetings throughout the year.
Other surrounding cities, including Nampa,
Kuna, and Boise, were engaged in workshops to
explore potential pathway connections.
The YMCA's Senior Vice President joined the
Commission for the annual MPR Facilities Tour
in September and discussed the future Meridian
YMCA facility.
They held a team -building event in Kleiner Park.
Some highlights from the Recreation & Special
Events Committee are as follows:
The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony,
Children's Winterland Festival, and an orchestra
performance by the Meridian Symphony - all a
Page 22
part of the festivities for Christmas in
Meridian - were held. Donations
were gathered for the Meridian Food
Bank. An informal Christmas in
Meridian Subcommittee was formed
to put on the Winter Lights Parade
and downtown business decorating
contest.
L� A few highlights from the Parks
Amenities & Signage Committee are as follows:
One of their goals was to implement the master
amenities plan for all parks. The group
recommended off -leash dog hours at Kleiner
Park during late fall of 2012 through early winter
2013. The proposal was approved by City
Council. Adding shade at city parks was also
the Committee's focus. Additional trees,
especially large caliper trees, were prioritized for
planting in the parks for more shade, especially
around playground areas.
A directional signage system to our pathways
was developed and implemented. The
Committee finalized and submitted park
dedication plaques for all parks in May 2013.
The Committee and staff developed a distance
signage marking system for pathways based
upon tenths of a mile with Meridian Road as the
origination point.
Here are some highlights from the Community
Liaison Committee:
The Committee led the effort to gather video
clips of MPR -related activities, offerings, and
events over the past year and completed the
production of an MPR Department community
video.
In order to improve overall communications with
the citizens of Meridian, and to inform them of
the news and activities within the Parks &
Recreation Department, the Committee worked
closely with the City's Communications Manager
to create an MPR Communications Plan.
A Z -card, which folds into a pocket -sized map,
was created which highlights the City's parks
and pathways system. Several copies were
produced and have been disseminated through
various venues.
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