Parks & Rec Newsletter December 20092009 ~.~Vl E IDIAN~-
Parks & Recreation
Department Newsletter
A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
On the wall of the foyer outside my office
hangs a collage of photos depicting some of the
many activities that occur within our parks and
r~reation system. Emblazoned on the center
l`}nage are three words that mean a great deal to
fur department and to me personally: Quality,
;Community, and Fun. Within these simple
words is a depth of meaning that helps to
define our mission:
uali We strive for well-designed parks
with a high amenity value and lasting
materials. We strive for quality in our
maintenance of existing parks. We are always
..looking to improve the depth and quality of the
"recreation programs we offer. We seek to
jmprove on our wonderful special events for
`-~`he entire community to enjoy. We are out to
build a legacy of quality.
Community: Research shows that Meridian's
primary demographic is young families with
children; therefore, our park amenities,
recreation programs, and special events all
need to be family-friendly. At the same time,
we need to understand and respond to the
`'needs of our growing elderly population.
J Special events (movie night, Christmas tree
.fighting, etc.) are great tools to engage the
entire community and for building a sense of
connection city-wide.
Fun: This is really what it's all about at the
end of the day. We provide opportunities for
play, family outings, sports, friends, and active
lifestyles. We assist in bringing balance to
work and life. We help build quality of life. It
is fun!
The year 2009 has been an amazing period of
time for us. I hope you enjoy this newsletter
and are amazed, as I have been, with the many
wonderful
things that
have been
accomplished
this year.
There are so
many new
things to
discover and enjoy in our parks and in our
recreation offerings. Our park system is
expanding. Our recreation programs are
broadening. Our special events are growing.
Come out and join Meridian Parks and
Recreation for some Quality Community Fun!
Steve Siddoway
Meridian Parks & Recreation Director
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
SETTLERS VILLAGE SDUARE - PHASE I PAGE 2
NEW TAC VISION PAGE 3
AND THE AWARDS GD TD ... PAGE 3
CAOLEDNE MOVIE NIGHT IN MERIDIAN PAGES 4-5
SOUTH MERIDIAN REGIONAL LAND PURCHASE PAGE 5
MERIDIAN OPENS ITS VERY FIRST DOG PARK PAGE 6
DISC GOLF EDUIPMENT COMING SOON TD A PARK
NEAR YOU PAGE ~
HEROES PARK PHASE 3 -UNDER CDNSTRUCTIDN~ PAGE 7
MERIDIAN COMMUNITY CENTER GRAND OPENING PAGE S
JULIUS M. KLEINER MEMORIAL PARK MASTER PLAN PAGE 9
GORDON HARRIS HONORED AT PARK DEDICATION PAGE IO
PINE STREET SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS PAGE 10
TURF MANAGEMENT PAGE II
JULY 4TH EXTRAVAGANZA PAGE II
ADVENTURE ISLAND PLAYGROUND COMMEMORATION
CEREMDNV PAGES 12 13
SPOTLIGHT DN STAFF 6 VOLUNTEERS PAGES 13 14
SNAPSHOT GALLERY 2009 PAGES 15-15
MEET THE STAFF/COMMISSION PAGE 16
CHRISTMAS IN MERIDIAN PAGE 17
~~~
Page 2
SETTI.EItS VII.I.AGE SQUARE - ~I~ASE 1
On the morning of June 27, 2009, a grand
opening celebration of the construction of
Settlers Village Square -Phase 1 was held.
Amenities, such as 16 tournament-style
horseshoe pits and two outdoor tennis courts,
were dedicated, which are the first amenities of
their kind in our park system. In addition, two
picnic shelters-one with a seating capacity of
50, and the other with a capacity of 100-were
added. This is the first phase of a three-phase
aka' A~ ;,...
- ~ :~ ^_ ..
Pictured afiove (from le%t to right): Meridian Cim Council ,'Nem6er David
Zaremba, Meridian Parks & Recreation Commissioner Phillip Liddell,
Treasure VaAer !Ia'serhoe Gub Promotions Coordinator Don Titenmh.
Meridian .b9acar Tanner de Weerd. USPTA matter tennis professional Jo
Ann Kurz. Meridian Parks & Recreation Commission Vire President Creg
Steele, & Meridian Parks & Recreation Director Steve Siddowav.
addition to Meridian Settlers Park situated on
Meridian Road just west of Ustick. During the
ceremony, Meridian Mayor Tammy de Weerd
emphasized the importance of collaborations
with the Treasure Valley Horseshoe Club and
the Idaho Tennis Association, and the role
they play in our community. Other speakers
included three-time World Horseshoe
Champion and Treasure Valley Horseshoe
Club Promotions Coordinator Don Titcomb,
who expressed appreciation for the high-
quality construction of the horseshoe pits.
Meridian Parks & Recreation Director Steve
Siddoway emceed the event. The Meridian
Parks & Recreation Commission, Meridian
City Council, and
representatives from
the Idaho Tennis
Association joined in
with the already-
noted attendees for
the ribbon cutting.
L
,.. - ~.
The design phase of Phase 1, with the
professional assistance from The Land Group,
started in the fall of 2007 and finished in spring
2008. Phase 1, which encompasses roughly
two acres out of the overall 56-acre park, went
to bid in August 2008. Paul Construction
provided their ~ ~'
-~;~-- .~
expertise and began - ~,_.
constructing this ~ '
phase in September
2008. In May 2009,
the construction of
Phase 1 was complete. ' °"
Post dedication, the Parks crew has added'
drinking fountain/hand-wash station at the'
horseshoe pits (pictured above), which wad
designed and fabricated in-house by Parks staff
member Terry Whipple. Protective surfacing
was also added to the pits to help prevent
chipping damage to the concrete. In addition,
picnic tables and trash receptacles were
purchased and installed.
The next phase entails building more tennis
courts to create atournament-style facility fo~;~ a`
tennis. The third phase of the project includes
a public plaza, or village square, planned fob ;
the corner of Ustick and Meridian Roads;K `'
which is where the overall project received its
name. The Meridian Parks & Recreation
Department is also investigating other
possibilities with partners that may modify the
plan. The City of Meridian looks forward to
adding these future phases over the next
several years.
SETTLERS VLLLAGE SQUARE
ANEW TAC VISION
Two years ago we started an afterschool
program for middle school students at
Meridian Middle School; we called it the Teen
Activities Club or TAC for short. While we
had some success with that venture, we
decided to change the vision by creating a
program that focuses on teen recreation and
leadership with the goal to serve more
teenagers in Meridian.
The TAC is now known as the Teen Activities
Council and is asub-committee of the larger
youth leadership group, the Mayor's Youth
Advisory Council. This new TAC is made up
;, ova group of high school students from around
~Vleridian who are interested in planning
'.recreational activities for teens. The group
meets to brainstorm ideas and organize
" activities once a month throughout the school
Teen Activities Council started meeting in
ember with their first event off and
rpn October 30, a Halloween party and dance
was held at the Meridian Community Center.
The event was a success with 60 area teens
joining the TAC over the course of the evening
for games, prizes, food, dancing, and a
costume contest.
On November 20, approximately 25 local teens
gathered together indoors to watch "The
Wedding Singer," at the Meridian Community
Center.
For more information regarding the TAC and
upcoming events, please contact Recreation
Coordinator Allison Kaptein, at 888-3579, or
akaptein~u meridiancity.org.
And the
a~srardss
go to ...
MERIDIAN PARKS
& RECREATION!
~ ~r
.r Settlers Village Square -Phase 1: }
-: Outstanding Facility & Parks 2009
~y ~ -
r Picno-ed right (from (eft to ~ i~', = " ~ r,.
- right): Meridian Parks ~f ~ ~ i~•~~`'
Recreation Site Supen~isnr i(4 _ _ ~
... Greg Farro~c receii•es anzn.J NV / _
`: from /RPA President Tim "~`~' ( '[. rz
Barker. ~ ~
In September 209,
the Idaho Recreation 6 ~; i.-~
~,~,
' Park Association
.~ a
presented an award
';- plaque in recognition of outstanding service and
achievement in the parks and recreation field at
~- their annual conference held in Coeur d'Alene.
--
--
Settlers Park and Adventure Island
Playground: Best Park
in the Boise Area ~
Nickelodeon Parents' Picks 20()9 Award u
Thank you for your votes!
~~
CABLEONE MOVIE NIGHT IN MERIDIAN
Meridian is a rapidly growing city, which has
grown from 10,000 residents to more than
75,000 in just the past two decades. Mayor De
Weerd and the City Council have worked well
to manage the growth in a way that provided a
sound infrastructure and safe community for its
residents to live and work. And while most
would argue that growth is good, leaders of
rapidly growing cities understand that there are
often some pains that go along with progress.
It has been a goal of Mayor De Weerd to find
ways to help Meridian develop its own identity
and bring people together to become a
destination community. Colin Moss, who is
the Recreation Coordinator for the Meridian
Parks & Recreation Del
of the Idaho Recreation
and Park Association,
was tasked with
developing a plan for
special events that
would serve to brim;
the entire City together
as a community.
As fate would have it,
Mayor Tammy de
Weerd learned that
some cities were holding ou~uuu, muLic ri!bin,
and brought this to Moss' attention. Little did
he know that this one comment would spark
the fuel for one of the most successful ongoing
programs in the City's history.
The silver screen under the stars
Colin started searching for a solution and came
across Open Air Cinema, one of the largest
producers of outdoor cinema equipment and
inflatable movie screens in the United States.
Open Air Cinema offers several different
screen sizes, and he wanted one that would be
large enough for at least several hundred
people to comfortably view a movie. It also
had to be easy to use and durable enough for
several years of use. In the spring of 2007 he
purchased the Open Air Elite Screen with a
large viewing surface of 25 feet wide by 14 feet
high.
He lined up sponsorships from the businesses
in the community in the winter of 2006, and
the Department purchased the inflatable movie
screen the next spring. Then we launched
Movie Night in Meridian in the summer of
2007 and showed family-friendly movies every
Friday night in June, July and August. The
community has really come together for this.
CableONE Movie Night in Meridian is held at
Settlers Park, and the venue has been wired so
there is power right where it is needed to set
up.
many things that keep us insi~
each other. One of the ma
nted to accomplish with tl-
:and to provide
platform fi
families to seer
more time
together.
The community
has embraced the
program
When gas prices
were out o.i~
control and now
ti~at w~c arc in a ~iuwn c~~nomy, people are
really interested in finding something to do as a
family that is inexpensive and fun. People in
the community are turning Settlers Park into
the place to be on Friday nights.
The first summer of the program the movie
nights averaged about 500 people peg;
screening. The next year the word had spread, ~,.
and we averaged about 1,000 people per show.
The 2009 season was a huge success, attracting
between 1,000-3,000 movie goers. We have
found that this program has been so successful
that we made improvements to our park,
including moving the screen location back
about 100 feet to allow room for even more
viewers. Other improvements included the
installation of flood lights on the concessions
building and shelter to ensure a way for
attendees to gather their belongings and to
safely walk to their vehicles.
(continued on page 5)
There are so
and apart from
things we wa
NE MOVIE NIGHT IN MERIDIAN (continued from page 4)
The Parks and Recreation Department has
provided its own concession stand with snow
cones and pre-packaged candy and soda, but
the turnout is getting too big for just candy and
soda. This year we have turned it over to
professional vendors who attend the events and
provide a higher level of food and
refreshments. Barbecue pork and chicken
sandwiches from Famous Dave's, as well as
wraps, funnel cakes, kettle corn, and cotton
candy were available for purchase.
All areas of Meridian are throwing in support
for this program. For example, the Police
Department provided two bicycle officers for
crowd support.
Cab1eONE Movie Night has garnered lots of
attention through local sponsorships. Between
February and April 2009 every single
sponsorship was filled. There were a total of
17 sponsors, including 1 title sponsor, 3
presenting sponsors, and 13 single-night
We have created a nice atmosphere to watch a
movie with friends and neighbors under the
stars. This program has done wonders for
helping us develop a great sense of community
and togetherness.
Spreading the word
When we started Movie Night in Meridian, it
was a unique idea in Idaho. Colin presented a
session at the 2007 Idaho Recreation and Parks
Association Conference about how other cities
ti an get their own Movies in the Park Program
started. He shared with them the sponsorship
package and provided links to resources.
Several people expressed interest, and in 2009
other Idaho
cities, such as
Boise and
Nampa, have
organized
o u t d o o r
movie events.
This is really
a great, fun program that every city can enjoy.
Receiving national recognition
In October 2009, staff from the Meridian Parks
& Recreation Department attended the
National Recreation and Park Association
annual conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.
One of the evening events during the
conference was a movie night on a giant
inflatable screen like the one we use at Settlers
Park. As Meridian staff entered the event,
flyers were being passed out to everyone that
came. When the staff sat down and read the
flyer, they realized it featured Movie Night in
Meridian, with a photo and summary of an
article prepared for American City and County
Magazine this summer. Meridian was
showcased as the example for other cities
nation-wide to follow that want to host a
successful movie night program.
We also received recognition with an article
published in the Parks & Recreation Business
Magazine as well as a shortened version with
Open Air Cinema.
CableONE Movie Night in Meridian has
evolved to become an integral part of how the
City works and plays. In a short amount of
time, it has helped this growing, vibrant
community find itself and serve its citizens.
SOUTH MERIDIAN REGIONAL PARK LAND PURCHASE
In May 2009, the City of Meridian closed on the purchase of 77.7 acres of future park land in South
Meridian located near Locust Grove and Lake Hazel Roads. At approximately only $15,000 per
acre, the price was right to buy future park land at one-sixth the price that land was selling for in
the same area just a few years ago. The property has approximately a quarter mile of frontage
along Lake Hazel. The land is currently being farmed until we are ready to move into the design
development phase several years down the road. This will be a great addition to our park system,
and we are very pleased we were able to take advantage of this opportunity to purchase land and
increase our public park system.
-..
Page
1VIERIDIAN OPENS ITS VERY FIRST DOG PARK
L
receptacles were added. Meridian Bark Park
received its name, thanks to the efforts of the
Meridian Parks & Recreation Commission and
Meridian City Council.
One sunny afternoon on May ;r;~°~ ~; rf~;
22, 2009, a large crowd of dog ::,~,,' '- ~ ~
enthusiasts, along with their Tk.y--~~.'~.
pooches, congregated at the
site located on E. Watertower '~ _~ `~` ~+ ~
Lane for a public, ribbon- ~y ~ ~ ~
cutting ceremony dedicatin<, ~
the park. Speakers include'.
Meridian Mayor Tammy dr ~Vcca d, Council
Member David Zaremba, Meridian Parks ~8~
Recreation Director Steve Siddoway, and
Chief of Police Jeff Lavey. Special guest, Mrs:
Earlier in the year the Meridian Parks &
Recreation Department completed an online
survey about the recreational needs of our
community. One of the messages we clearly
heard in that survey was the need for a dog
park in Meridian. By partnering with the
Meridian Police Department, we were able to
convert an area adjacent to the Police
Department into a public park for off-leash
dogs.
The Meridian Parks & Recreation staff worked
quickly to convert the 0.75 acres of land into a
dog park. Within the large, open play area,
mutt-mitt stations, signage, drinking fountains
for canines and people, picnic tables, and trash
Southern Idaho 2009-Angie Williams,
attended the event and assisted with the
distribution of raffle prizes, including t-shirts,
doggy treats and toys, and gift certificates to
local pet stores and groomers.
ENTHUSIASTS OF CANINES:
Would you be interested in serving
an advocate on a dog park task fo-
to discuss future dog park sil
within Meridian and to assist w.
fundraising efforts?
P/ease direct your einai/s to:
Meridian Parks & Recreation
Commissioner Torn LeC/afire
recreationC~meridiancitY org
The Meridian Parks & Recreation Department,
would like to express appreciation to the ~_
following Meridian businesses that donated the-
raffle prizes: Doggy Day Spaw, H3 Pet Foods,
Doggie-Do Pet Grooming, and T-Zers Shirt
Shop. We would also like to thank the
Meridian Police Department for their valued
partnership.
MERIDIAN BARK PARK WINTER HOURS:
Friday through Monday -Dawn to Dusk
~~~~
1,.=
:-~
1 Ll-7l.
~ T`he Parks Amenities & Signage Committee, a
subcommittee of the Meridian Parks &
Recreation Commission, has been pursuing the
idea of implementing new amenities to several
existing Meridian parks. Among these
amenities are checker board game tables, bocce
ball courts, and disc golf.
The checker board tables are currently being
completed and are scheduled for installation at
Centennial Park and Generations Plaza. Once
installed, they will be monitored for overall
usage and acceptance in hopes that others may
be installed at other parks.
~'ricing for bocce ball courts is currently
}underway for construction, with Settlers Park
and Gordon Harris Park as potential sites.
Pending the available budget, it is hoped that
these courts can be installed in the coming
months. These too, will be closely monitored
for usage by the public at large.
Disc golf is planned to be included within the
new Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park facility.
Course design is underway now at this
location, and limited courses are also being
considered for other parks, including Settlers
and Bear Creek. The course at Settlers Park
will be available for use during the winter
season only. Disc golf is a growing activity,
and we are excited to introduce it to our park
system.
The Meridian Parks & Recreation Commission
members are excited about these new park
features and how well they are generally
received and utilized. We hope to hear reports
from those who will use these amenities such
that further implementation may be
considered. The Meridian Parks & Recreation
Department welcomes your input and
comments about these and other additions.
Please send your e-mails to:
recreation~u meridiancit~or~. Look for these
amenities soon at a park near you!
HEROES PARK PHASE 3 e UNDER CONSTRUCTION!
a ~~At the beginning of the year, proposals were
received, reviewed, and ranked for the
construction documents of Heroes Park-
''n'Phase III. City Council approved the contract
documents and the selection of Harvest
Design, Inc. as the lead consultant. Paul
Norberg and his team
worked expeditiously
to prepare concept
plans a n d
construction
documents. Plans
went out to bid for
construction in the spring, and Hillside
Landscape Construction was awarded the
contract. This project has been afast-track
7
GOLF EQUIPMENT COMING SOON TO A PARK NEAR YOU
design and construction effor
for the addition of twc: ~ "`
playgrounds, picnic shelters, ~~ ''
restroom/concessions building, - _
maintenance/storage area, a
reclaimed water feature/plaza, a ~}_ ~-± .
pathway, and various landscape ' -
improvements, including the addition of
approximately 100 trees. The Meridian Parks
& Recreation Department has been partnering
with the Public Works Department regarding
the reclaimed water interpretive plaza. The
entire project is anticipated to be completed by
spring 2010.
MERIDIAN COlVIlVIUNITY CENTEIZ GRAND OPENING
The City of Meridian Parks & Recreation Department celebrated the grand opening of the
Meridian Community Center, on Thursday, May 21, 2009, at S p.m. The event featured aribbon-
cutting ceremony by Meridian Mayor Tammy de Weerd along with other City dignitaries,
including members of Meridian City Council and commissioners from the Meridian Parks &
Recreation Commission. Door prizes consisting of t-shirts, pizza gift certificates, and coffee
vouchers and merchandise were raffled off with the assistance of event attendee Mrs. Idaho
America 2009-Jamie Hilton. Light refreshments were provided. Speakers included City Council
Liaison David Zaremba, Recreation Coordinator Allison Kaptein, Meridian Boys & Girls Club
Director Joey Schueler, and Meridian Parks & Recreation Director Steve Siddoway. It was great
to have several children from the Boys & Girls Club in attendance.
The Meridian Parks & Recreation Department would like to recognize and thank the following
door prize contributors: Dutch Bros. Coffee, T-Zers Shirt Shop, Idaho Pizza Company, and
Domino's Pizza.
The Meridian Community Centel ,
located at 201 E. Idaho Street, is ~,
4,200-square-foot building adjacent ','
to Centennial Park and sits on a
parcel of land at .33 acres.
According to Meridian Historian,
Ms. Lila Hill, the building and
property was originally owned by
Mr. Paul Keller. In the 1950s, Mr.
Keller leased the building to the.
U.S. Post Office. The City of: a
Meridian purchased the building
and parcel in 1993. At which time, --
between the summer of 1993 and `
the summer of 2002, the building
was utilized as the Police Station.
hhe City of Meridian then leased
the building to the Meridian Boys
& Girls Club, which opened its doors in April 2003 and quickly grew to serving close to 100 kids a
day during the school year and over 200 kids a day over the summer months. The Boys & Girls
Club purchased the former Joint School District #2 building and moved to their new location in
October 2008. The Meridian Parks & Recreation Department received the keys to the former Boys,,;
& Girls Club building in November 2008 for its first community center. ~
Department crew started renovation work on the building in January 2009. The work included-
demolition of counters, removing damaged carpet and flooring replaced with new the floors in the
main area and computer room, repairing flashing on the roof, electrical improvements, primer and
painting, door repairs, cleaning, and more! New signage was purchased and installed on the front
of the building just in time for the building dedication.
The Meridian Community Center opened its doors to the AARP Tax Aid in February 2009 to
provide free tax services to the community through April 2009. The U.S. Census Bureau provided
training to its workers in the building during the month of March. May 2009 marked the first time
various Meridian Parks & Recreation classes and activities were held at this location. This
promises to be a valuable resource for future classes, summer camps, and other activities offered
throughout the year. We look forward to expanding our use of the center to accommodate a
growing number of programs for the citizens of this community.
JULIUS M. KLEINER MEMORIAL PARK MASTER PLAN
Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park is located on presented to Meridian City Council. On
a 60-acre site near the northeast corner of
Fairview Avenue and Eagle Road intersection
in Meridian. The park property abuts the
proposed Meridian Lifestyle Center, which will
include premier retail, entertainment,
restaurant, and office space.
. The park is being designed and
.~ developed by the Julius M. Kleiner
i Memorial Park Trust, comprised of
`" Eugene Kleiner, Elden Gray, and
~ Mike Huter. Mr. Kleiner has
-'.~'; intended for this park to be a legacy
tribute to his father, Julius M.
Kleiner (pictured left). The vision
~ for the land is a heavily-treed urban
~: park with large water features,
. rolling terrain, bicycle and
'? pedestrian trail systems, and lots of
space for picnics and community
ngs. A band shell and amphitheatre will
a beautiful setting for music and
s. A formal Grand Plaza and
lade will feature a memorial to Julius.
April 2009 marked the official kick-off meeting
~or the programming and design of Julius M.
-rl~leiner Memorial Park. Parametrix (lead
consultant) has teamed with JensenBelts
Associates (landscape architecture) and
Johnson Architects to lead this project forward.
Over the course of the summer and fall
months, the Kleiner Park Trust and Design
Team, in partnership with the City of Meridian
Parks & Recreation Department and
Commission, have worked together to discuss
(concepts, design, and park elements.
~n July 22, a neighborhood meeting at City
Hall was held to provide an opportunity for
questions, comments, and input from local
residents. On July 29, a draft Master Plan was
presented to the Meridian Parks & Recreation
Commission. The Master Plan is a conceptual
outline for the park's design. It is intended to
provide direction on the look and feel of the
park design, although it will be refined as it
moves through further phases of design and
construction. After further revisions to the
draft, the Commission, at their August 12
meeting, recommended the final version be
August 18, Meridian City Council adopted the
Master Plan. The Master Plan was publicly
unveiled by Mr. Eugene Kleiner, son of the late
Julius M. Kleiner, on Wednesday, August 19,
2009, at the future park site.
Kleiner Park is now moving toward 30%
design development by the end of this calendar
year. To date, weekly meetings are scheduled
with either the Design Team members or the
Kleiner Park Trust to review current design
challenges, refinements, budgets, and the
myriad of next step responsibilities. They are
working to keep the intent of the Master Plan
intact, provide the possibility for additional
elements to be added in the future, and
prioritize the elements that form the backbone
of the park. A detailed presentation will be
made in January 2010 to both the Commission
and Council.
Park construction is expected to begin in 2010,
with an anticipated opening of spring 2011.
Once constructed, the $25 million-dollar park
will be gifted to the City of Meridian by the
Kleiner family for operation and maintenance
by the Meridian Parks & Recreation
Department as a public park. For more
information regarding Julius M. Kleiner
Memorial Park, please visit the following link:
w~~w.meridiancity.or /parks rec.
CORDON HARRIS HONORED AT PARK DEDICATION
_, The City of Meridian honored
Meridian resident since 1963,
parks supporter, and civic
_ volunteer Gordon Harris
(pictured left) with a Park
\ ~ Legacy Award at the grand
~" opening celebration and ribbon-
cutting ceremony of Gordon
Harris Park, formerly known as Kiwanis Park,
on Friday, June 5, 2009, at 4:30 p.m. Speakers
included City Council Liaison David Zaremba,
who acknowledged local Kiwanis clubs for
their collaborative efforts, former President of
Daybreakers Kiwanis of Meridian Bob
Aldridge, and Kiwanis Club member Sue
Upshaw, who is also Cordon's sister. Picnic
table seats were filled with Cordon's family
members who traveled from all over the
country to attend this special event along with
local guests, including City dignitaries,
Meridian Parks & Recreation Commissioners,
Kiwanis Club members, neighborhood
residents, and others.
Gordon Harris, a Meridian Kiwanis Club
member since 1984, spent countless hours in
organizing help from local Kiwanis clubs and
in making the following park improvements
since 2003:
• Land leveling, plowing, and site
preparation
• Sewer line, potable water line, drinking
fountain water line, and electrical conduit
• Playground softfall installations
• Irrigation pond excavation, box
construction, and wet well pipe
• Coordination work of donated equipment
from CESCO
• Coordination of inspections
We are privileged to have been the recipients of
~
r~
C*.. ~- ...
~`
~...`
~~-~
k.
._ ~
g ~ s. F
_
-
his abundant volunteer efforts ar
pleased to name this park in his honor.
Meridian Parks & Recreation Director Steve
Siddoway acknowledged Farwest, LLC and
Tuscany Development, Inc. and presented
each with a Park Legacy Award. Tuscany
Development donated 6.04 acres of land and
$245,000 toward park improvements. Farwest
donated 5.09 acres of land. Their dedication
and generosity are helping to build a legacy of
parks available to the citizens of Meridian
today and for generations to come.
The park is situated on 11.25 acres. Amenities
include open play, a picnic area, restrooms;
walking paths, a pond, a drinking fountain, ~
playground, and off-street parking. Futuxe
improvements include a uniquely designed
picnic shelter, which is scheduled to be
constructed next spring.
PINE STREET SCHOOL
In 2008 Pine
Street School..
was relocated''t~
to a new site
for the second
rime
1920.
building was moved a short distance closer to
Meridian Elementary School.
The Meridian Parks & Recreation Departmen~
was assigned the task of installing new`„
landscaping. Within this process, there were;
three Eagle Scout projects conducted. Oner-
project consisted of irrigation installation; one
was for sod work and tree planting; and the
third was for fence repairs and replacement.
There was a great deal of assistance and
coordination from the Parks Division to
accomplish this work. In addition, special
thanks go to the Eagle Scouts Christian
Barfuss, Dan Jensen, and Lance Hilton for
their volunteer efforts.
IMPROVEMENTS
J
1 1
TURF MANAGEMENT
Sprinkler irrigation is the single
most important aspect of a turf
management program. We
utilize state-of-the-art ' _, . ,.
technology to operate our
irrigation systems. Maxicom irrigation
compiles weather data that is fed from our
weather station to the computer and then out
to each park to automatically determine the
amount of water needed to replenish the soil
each evening. The system is set up with data
from each sprinkler zone, including soil type,
precipitation rate, and crop coefficient. These
values together with weather data give us an
,j evapotranspiration rate. For example: If our
'evapotranspiration rate for that day is .25, the
stem will automatically replenish one-fourth
of an inch of water allowing us to use our
' resources wisely.
During the 2009 irrigation season we added six
additional sites to our Maxicom system. The
first step in adding a site is bringing in phone
communication. The next step is to perform
an irrigation audit. During this audit we look
,for uniformity in sprinkler coverage. If we
determine we do not have adequate
~yniformity, it is necessary to change nozzles or
-radd/move sprinklers. When this is complete,
we can then enter this data on the system and
begin running the irrigation from our Maxicom
central control.
JULY 4TH EXTRAVAGANZA
~ July 4`'' 2009 marked the second
annual 4"' of July celebration, held in
Storey Park. This event drew a
~ ~~ crowd of approximately 3,000
people. Festivities and fun for all
ages started at 1 p.m., with five
bands providing family-friendly music, a
climbing wall, an inflatable jousting
competition, and food vendors.
This year we were able to increase advertising
with a new media sponsor Fox 12, the station
ran several TV ads the week of the event. Our
other major event sponsor was Meridian
Hospitality Suites. Additional sponsors
included: Dutch Brothers Coffee and
Meridian Automotive.
The evening culminated in a spectacular
fireworks show, put on in partnership with the
Meridian Speedway. The event was enjoyed
by all who attended and provided a great
opportunity for our community to come
together and celebrate our great nation.
The ~ity o~ Meridian wou~d ~ike to thank:
P~.TA~.S ~ 5T~M5
4340 E,. Fairview Avenue, Meridian
Phone: 888-2414
pebble grown and her sta{f
decorated the City ha~~ Christmas Tree
located in tl~c foyer and Provided a~~ of tie decor!
~o~iday hours•
(vovember 2 J - pecem6er 23
Monday -Saturday -1 o a.m. to 9 P.m.
Page
ADVENTURE ISLAND PLAYGROUND COMMEMORATION
We commemorated the development of the
Adventure Island Playground at Meridian
Settlers Park (estimated at three acres), which
took eight years in the making. The
celebration featured aribbon-cutting ceremony
on Saturday, June 13, 2009. Over 100
generous donors were honored for contributing
their time, money, and materials to make this
universally-accessible playground a reality.
Special recognition was extended to Darin and
Angela Lindig (pictured below) for their
partnership, who essentially were the backbone
of this
prod ect.
They worked
countless
h o u r s
coordinating
volunteer
efforts and
donations for
the project.
Without their vision, leadership, skills, and
passion, the playground would not be what it is
today. Meridian Mayor Tammy de Weerd
presented the Lindigs with a Park Legacy
Award. Other speakers included The Land
Group, Inc.'s Principal Landscape Architect
Matt Adams and Meridian Parks & Recreation
Director Steve Siddoway.
In looking back regarding Phase 1 of the
project, Darin and Angela Lindig held a
gathering in their home around their kitchen
table in July 2000 to discuss a concept they
read in a magazine to have a playground built
in Idaho designed so that children with
disabilities could interact and play right along
their peers and siblings who did not have
disabilities. Over the winter months in 2000,
the committee compiled research and data and
formed their own ideas. Conceptual drawings
were created by committee members from The
Land Group.
In spring of 2001, the group realized they
would need to partner with a larger agency or
incorporate as their own non-profit entity.
Between the summer of 2001 and spring of
2002, the group began a fundraising campaign
as the Adventure Island Playground was
beginning to take shape. The group's mission
was one of education, recreation,
inclusion-basic human rights.
By September 2002, the project had gained the
support of many community leaders, including
Idaho's First Lady Patricia Kempthorne, who
helped spread awareness by joining a news
program with Angela Lindig and Mayor
Tammy de Weerd. Each participated in the
Groundbreaking Ceremonies held September
10, 2002.
The culmination of their efforts came together
at the end of August 2004, when more than
300 volunteers from the community cai7~r
together and built The Grand Voyage'
playground by hand in one day. The firsl~
phase playground officially opened -in
November 2004.
For Phase 2, swings were installed in
summer of 2005. A rock monument pa
tribute to the Lindigs was also added.
During Phase 3, construction of the Splash Pad, ,
commenced in the spring of 2007. The Splash`.
Pad was officially open to the public in June
2007. Splash Pad attendants were hired to be~
on-site on a daily basis, and upgrades were
made, including the installation of an ultra-
violet system for water treatment, in time to re-
open on Memorial Day weekend in 2008.
(continued on page 13)
Picture) above (from left to right): Meridian Citr Council Member David '~
Zaremha, Meridian Parks & Recreation Director Steve Siddotrcr~•. Angela
Lindig, Meridian Mgvor Tamniv de Weerd, Darin Lindig, Meridian City
Council Member Brnd 1/oaglun, Meridian Pnrks & Recreation
Commission Vier President Creg Steele, $ M1feridian Parks & Recreation
Commissioner Tom LeC(aire.
~~_.
~v
13
ISLAND PLAYGROUND COMMEMORATION CEREMONY
ON STAFF & VOLUN
Phillip Harris, who joined us in late December
of 2008, is the Maintenance and Construction
Technician I on our maintenance staff. He
brings a rich background in handyman skills,
equipment operation, landscaping, and
construction techniques that have added depth
to our team. Although born and raised in rural
'-.Wisconsin, Phil has lived in Idaho for
'-approximately eight years. He is married and
etas three children. He enjoys the great
~:~utdoors-more specifically, hunting, fishing,
and backpacking.
Groundskeeper I, Roger Norberg, started his
employment with the City in April 2009.
Roger grew up just outside of Meridian, with
his first "town" job at the Old Davis Food
Store. He received his degree from Boise State
and has been in the landscape and irrigation
industry for nearly 30 years. Roger has trained
and studied water management principals for
the last six years and takes very seriously his
commitment to the wise use of water, which he
applies to his position as water manager for the
Parks Division. His expertise in Maxicom has
greatly assisted us with the improvement of our
irrigation systems. When away from work,
Roger likes to spend time with his wife, Patty,
tending their garden and pasture or traveling
Idaho's back roads and trails, scouting for
possible fishing spots, or just looking around.
Garrett White is the newest full-time staff
member to the Meridian Parks & Recreation
The final phase of construction (Phase 4)
opened to the community in July 2008, which
included the addition of the Sound Garden, the
Little City of Rocks, and the Tree of Hope. By
June 2009, Adventure Island received shade
structures, tables and benches, trash
receptacles, a gateway arch fabricated in-house,
interpretive signs, a major donor rock
monument, and brick pavers.
Pictured left: Advenizrre Island Playgrozrnd Build
Dav - Azrgust 2004. Over 300 volunteers joined
together to bzrild The Grand Voyage.
TEERS ~
Department team; his start date was December
4, 2009. He joins us from Orland, California
as Recreation Coordinator. Garrett has taken
over the sports leagues teams from one of our
other recreation coordinators, who will focus
more on providing quality special events,
volunteer coordination, and other duties.
Garrett has experience in growing recreation
programs and is married. He and his wife are
soon to be first-time parents of twin children.
We have three new commissioners who joined
the Meridian Parks & Recreation Commission
this year. We welcome Matthew Schultz,
Megan Murphy, and Shawn Testin to the
Commission.
Commissioner Matthew Schultz was
appointed in May 2009 and will serve a term of
one year. He participates on the Commission's
Parks Amenities & Signage Committee. Matt
is a civil engineer and a land development
consultant for the past nine years in Meridian.
He and his wife, Robyn, have lived in the City
for five and a half years and have afour-year-
old son, Ryan. He loves the City of Meridian
and has enjoyed many of the great parks here.
Commissioner Schultz states, "Working with
our great staff and fellow commissioners, I will
strive to provide appropriate recommendations
to staff and City Council to enhance our
current parks and plan for future recreational
opportunities in the City of Meridian."
(continued on page 14)
(continued from page 12)
Page 1
(continued from page 13)
Megan Murphy sits on Seat 9 of the
Commission. She was appointed in
October and will also serve aone-
year term. Commissioner Murphy
is a representative of the Mayor's
Youth Advisory Council. She
serves on the Commission's
Community Liaison Committee.
She is currently a sophomore at
Rocky Mountain High School. In
addition, Megan actively
participates in the Music Club, Key
Club, Boise Capital Soccer Club,
and is a member of her high school
orchestra. `~ __
Commissioner Shawn Testing'
serving a two-year-ter~tti
Pich~red above (from left to right): Meridian Parks & Recreation
Commission commitment on Seat 8, was
Front Row: Vice President Creg Stee/e & Megan Murphv. appOlrited t0 the Commission lri
Back Row: Shawn Testin, Steven Yearsiev, Michael Martin, Dnvid Zaremba November 2009. Commissioner
(City Council Liaisonb President John Nesmith, Matthew schnlr, & Tom Testin is a Meridian, Idaho native
LeCla;re. (Nor pictured: Phii;;p L;ddeli) and stated he is very excited to be a
part of the Parks & Recreation Commission. Having spent time in Seattle and Colorado, Shawn
moved back to Meridian in 2005 and has been following the growth and development of the.
community he again calls home. Bringing with him a background in finance, planning, and project`'b
management, he hopes to apply these areas of focus to his new position. Shawn is married with
two wonderful children and is employed at Trey McIntyre Project in Boise. Commissioner Testiu~`_
is also a participant of the Commission's Recreation and Special Events Committee. ~"~"
Pictured right
(from left to right):
Meridian Parks &
Recreation
Department Staff
Front Row: Rack
Heller, Phillip
Harris, Colin
Moss, & Garrett
White.
Middle Row:
Spence Ch;vers,
Janice Smith,
Rachel Mvers,
Debbie Mi/let,
Allison Kaptein, &
Steve Siddowav.
Back Row: Roger
Norberg, Greg
Farrow, Brad
Dav, Dennis
Summers, Mike
Barton, & E(rov
Huff.
r""\
•~,,,
~..
\_
i
SPOTLIGHT ON STAFF & VOLUNTEERS
Page 15
.~
SNAPSHOT GALLERY 2009
_ ~
;~ - ~-may,.
~,
15
Photo descriptions found on page 16
~ ~ -~~~
_~ .
i
.t
,,
~- -
;~;; ~"
Page
SNAPSHOT GALLERY 2009 PHOTO DESCRIPTIONS (continued from page 1
1. Petals & Stems decorated the City Hall foyer Christmas tree in one day.
2. Meridian Parks & Recreation commissioners are walking one of the pathway segments during
their first Pathways Tour of the year, which was held on May 6th.
3. Amazing Athletes class participants enjoy the exercise.
4. A joint meeting with the Meridian Parks & Recreation Commission and the Eagle Parks &
Pathways Development Committee was held on November 18th to discuss potential pathway
connections from Linder Road to Eagle Island State Park.
5. After viewing Meridian Settlers Park on foot, Parks Tour attendees begin loading the charter
bus to continue the rest of their tour route held September 9th.
6. The Meridian Parks & Recreation Commission takes another look at a pathway segment
during their second Pathways Tour on August 12th.
7. Parks crew members Dan White and Debbie Miller pose for a picture.
8. A Treasure Valley Horseshoe Club member pitches horseshoes at Meridian Settlers Park at
their annual horseshoe tournament.
9. The Girls Fastpitch league is hard at play. ~. t
10. Recreation Coordinator Colin Moss flips hamburgers at the End-of-Season Department Staff`
BBQ/Potluck held on September 30th, at the Meridian Community Center.
11. Pre-School Fun class participants have a good time under the parachute. -.
12. New signage was added on the Meridian Community Center building located on the corner of
Idaho and 2nd Streets.
13. Paramount Elementary School students help plant a Sensation Maple tree on the school
property for Arbor Day.
14. Meridian Parks & Recreation Commission and company walk the Blackstone Pathway at
Fuller Park during their Pathways Tour held on August 12th.
15. The 36-foot evergreen tree is on it's way to Generations Plaza for set up for the annual,
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony held on December 5th. ~'
16. Guide Steve Siddoway shows the Meridian Parks & Recreation Commission Kleiner Park
pathway segments during their May 6th Pathways Tour.
17. The Parks crew hang out at the End-of-Season Department BBQ/Potluck on September 30th. ~"~'
18. Arbor Day Celebration 2009 was held at Paramount Elementary on Thursday, Apri130.
MEET THE STAFF/COMMISSION
s.r.s.sra.s.w.+m.e.w.+e.a.a.+s.+a.s.a.s.w.o.s.a.+a.w..s.a.a.c.c.+n.+s .m .a .s .c .~.m .a .w .s .:ra >w ..~.a .a
Y~ Y~ Yu V~ Y~ Y~ Yv Yr YV Y`~ Yv Y'~ Y~ Y~ YV YN Y~ Yb Y~ Y~ Y`~ Yv Y~ Y`~ YV Y'~ Y'~ Yv Y~ Y`~ V~ Y~ Yd Y`~ Y`~ Y`~ Y'~ Y~ Y~ Y`~ Y'~ YU Y~ Y~ Y~ Vb
.>
° ~ DEPARTMENT STAFF:
Technician III .z
u'
u~ #- Director -Steve Siddoway Phillip Harris, Maintenance & u~
a~ Recreation Coordinators - Construction Technician I yo
~~, Colin Moss (Special Events/Volunteer Rick Heller, Groundskeeper III ua
Allison Kaptein (Recreation Class orah Miller, Groundskeeper III Y ~,
ie Camps), Norberg, Groundskeeper I ;~~
r'~ Garrett White (Sports) Summers, Groundskeeper III +,'`v~
a;, Recreation Site Supervisor -Greg Farr hippie, Fabrication Design/ +!~
Y x Administrative Assistant I - J _ _
f~ g Specialist °
a~ Administrative Assistant II - Ra ~
Y~ Myers OMMISSION• ~;u
Y° Parks Superintendent -Elroy Huff President -John Nesmith ~+~$
Parks Maintenance Foreman -Mike `"Vice President - Creg Steele '~~
~~ Barton Commissioners -Tom LeClaire, Phillip ;;~
a~ Parks Crew - Liddell, Michael Martin, Megan Murphy ,;'
a; Spence Chivers, Groundskeeper III (Mayor's Youth Advisory Council +~'
Yq Brad Day, Maintenance & Construction representative), Matthew Schultz, Shawn ^,
u+ Testin, & Steven Yearsley ~~
V~ YN Y~ V" Y~ Y~ V~ Yd 4b Y~ Y~ Y~ Y~ Vv Y~ Y~ Y~ Y~ Yb Y~ YV Yv Y`~ Y~ Y~ 4~~ 4~ 6 4'~6`~4° 4`;+~~ 4~ 4";a~' ~~ 4~ 4~~ 4~ Y~ yv y~i yb yv V0
STMAS IN MERIDIAN
On Saturday,
December 5`~, Meridian
played host to a variety
of Christmas events
that came together for a
full day of Christmas
fun for Meridian
residents. The year
~ 2009 was marked the
~ :. °~~ ~ first year of Christmas
`t in Meridian for which
the Meridian Parks and
m Department partnered with the
Chamber of Commerce and the
Symphony Orchestra to bring long-
events together as well as start a new
The first event of the day was the Chamber of
Commerce's Winterland Parade at 10:00 a.m.
People lined Main Street in Meridian to see
floats, marching bands, service vehicles, and
several other local organizations that came out
to put on a show. The theme for the parade
was "Childhood Memories of Christmas" and
.:was sponsored by New Horizon Academy.
~~mmediately following the parade at 11:30
;;-ra..m., the 15` Annual Meridian Christmas Street
Faire sponsored by McFadden Market Co-op
and Idaho Parents Directory opened for
businesses on Idaho Avenue between Main
Street and E. 2"a Street. Several local craft
vendors were there, so it provided a great
opportunity to search for Christmas gifts and
decor. In addition to great local vendors, there
was a lot for kids to do. Generations Plaza
played host to "A Child's Winter
Wonderland" with free games and booths,
jncludin~ cookie decorating, letters to Santa,
miniature golfing, and
more! In the Meridian
Community Center on
the corner of Idaho
Avenue and E. 2"a
Street, free pictures
with Santa, Christmas
movie viewings, and
drop-in Christmas
craft projects were
offered.
After the Street Faire at 5:30 p.m., there was a
special showing of the movie "How The
Grinch Stole Christmas" on the huge inflatable
movie screen that's used for CableONE Movie
Night in Meridian. Then at 6:00 p.m., the
ceremony began to light Meridian's tree with
co-emcees Mayor Tammy de Weerd and
Adam Rodriguez of Channel 2 News. Free
hot chocolate and donuts were available from
The Library Coffeehouse and Krispy Kreme,
local school choirs performed, Mayor De
Weerd announced the winners of the Holiday
Essay Contest, and Santa made a surprise visit
to help light the tree.
Finally at 7:30 p.m. in the Meridian Middle
School Auditorium, the Meridian Symphony
Orchestra performed "A Christmas Celebration
with the MSO," sponsored by Wynkoop Law
Offices and Treasure Vailey Family
Magazine. The performance included popular
and traditional Christmas music and featured
Councilman David Zaremba as a guest
conductor.
Pictured above (rrom left to right): Mayor De Weerd &
Adam Rodriguez of Channel 2 News pose for a photo with
holiday essay writing contest winners.
1st Place - Lucv Petrovich from Prospect Elementary
2nd Place -Isabel Sosa from Paramount Elementary
3rd Place -Kimberley Ball from Chaparral Elementary