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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