[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6391140,"mediaKeyId","2111558-a672e0326b98c3ff1a3d14c9233dee79","parentId",2111558,"title","Votes at a glance: Meridian Parks & Recreation Commission special meeting, Jan. 8, 2025","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",82000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2111558-a672e0326b98c3ff1a3d14c9233dee79&start=82&end=82","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2111558-a672e0326b98c3ff1a3d14c9233dee79/thumbnail_82000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6391140/Meridian/Ada-County/Idaho/Votes-at-a-glance-Meridian-Parks-Recreation-Commission-special-meeting-Jan-8-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6391140-4981db376ad9fd9529ce1d2eeac3361e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184278&Signature=gLINHCt5fN6QehyX8ycQAe-s6JO7-JHnvXB4jzPzTsbmASwtkOUm1gh9wF3-XJsVJ0FZLuXDF8Z-CKyCqyDiWZa6Lg9r86OppMNEz8dEBJjaDvmV6z0zH-P9jDEaujtAInA5cJIwREfnwbJ3Wvmk3cRwT~BjRWnr~KVMIgeonUJHT-CveTxJpliUCUyga6ugh7R3PfP1qK5t2YOp3JlZAWnJmZnqCzKY1BfsmXA9JC9U4tDWmqvY0NivS1KgJbQcWg1W6-2zC7mdVyxivxsdNVRVX6yrI1EuB9m2UqWrZo7~gUlXo4nqQEw0Ssug0KgHr0~i3EgPKFG2F6wcD4ZjJw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Meridian","date","2025-01-08T00:00:00Z","article","The Meridian Parks and Recreation Commission took three procedural votes during its Jan. 8, 2025 special meeting.

Adopt agenda — Motion moved by Vice Chair Reese Sandow and seconded by Commissioner Mandy Roberts; vote: unanimous in favor (recorded as “Aye”), outcome: adopted.

Approve minutes (Dec. 11, 2024 special meeting) — Motion moved by Vice Chair Reese Sandow and seconded by Commissioner Alan Helms; vote: unanimous in favor (recorded as “Aye”), outcome: approved.

Adjourn meeting — Motion to adjourn moved by Vice Chair Reese Sandow and seconded by Commissioner Terry Dennington; vote: unanimous in favor (recorded as “Aye”), outcome: approved; next special meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.

No substantive policy votes were recorded on Jan. 8; the meeting included informational staff reports and discussion items.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Meridian City Parks and Recreation Commission - January 8, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The commission adopted the meeting agenda, approved minutes from Dec. 11, 2024, and adjourned the meeting by vote.","taxTitle","Meridian, Ada County, Idaho","taxId",2628,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6391145,"Parks staff report: community center schematic wrap‑up, Fields district land move advances",256,3145000,3401000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2111558-a672e0326b98c3ff1a3d14c9233dee79&start=3145&end=3401","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2111558-a672e0326b98c3ff1a3d14c9233dee79/thumbnail_3145000.jpg","/articles/6391145/Meridian/Ada-County/Idaho/Parks-staff-report-community-center-schematic-wrapup-Fields-district-land-move-advances","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6391145-474373761ab65732c71c32580876a9c1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184277&Signature=MDQWcW1pvY9sUAGOWprM9pMOyh~Sj2jDah1Hw9xc9DJK~YTMviWbxS9CtrBCHjbFH6FLUz7TBb9ScUckcPdgSTVQdLDYAGHhNbonxwXL6uTRTecmakEx46I3REb~1AjmrjQ8OaKE~QgQmvHKfrViw~gXcTt0nLUU98lfc~0p9UUEl8aLSkTiQZOw0pdAjKuO2r-cqhb3ZPbIZVOPLZCZhOR5xrHpReKYDu~Y6gGknsRTImih74JOGoRGgxxhKL9SLuz~EtgrRv5l4Fon56gcwJJGMfMFZ4g48wqHqfWBNbMxQCDmbl9PfER2ijuvNM3BvVxrH-p4mFbvW5sFBYHg2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff updated commissioners on multiple operational and capital priorities, including the community center schematic design, a proposed land transaction in the Fields district, restrooms and pathway work, and summer programming preparations.

Steve (staff) said the community center schematic design is nearing completion and the project will move into design development; staff aim to produce a solid cost estimate for budgeting by April and to present budget materials in the city’s June–July budget process. He emphasized that impact fees can pay for capital costs but that ongoing operations and staffing must come from the general fund.

Why it matters: the community center is a major capital and operational commitment. Staff emphasized the need to firm up construction cost estimates and to identify ongoing funding for operations and staffing before budget hearings.

Steve also reported that the City Council included a nonbinding letter of intent on its agenda to move forward with due diligence on acquiring future parkland in the Fields district in northwest Meridian. He said about half the property would be donated and half purchased, and staff hope to complete due diligence and move toward a purchase and sale agreement with a target of closing in March, subject to easements with Intermountain Gas and other outstanding details.

Other staff updates: Mike Barton reported restroom installation at a trail hub and multiple restroom buildings for the golf course (two on foundation, two more ordered). Mike and others discussed a sidewalk at Fuller Park to improve access to the elementary school, and a Five Mile Creek pathway extension under Highway 16 that will move to design and likely be built in summer 2025. Garrett reviewed operational planning for the community center, including staffing plans, pool and HomeCourt fee studies, and the priority‑use agreement for school and league partners at sports facilities. Skyler has already distributed field allocation notices to major user groups for the 2025 season.

Commissioners asked about volunteer roles at the community center; staff said volunteers will be welcome to augment operations but the city will not depend on volunteers for core staffing. Staff also said HVAC replacements were approved for HomeCourt to address condensation and operation issues.

Staff highlighted the Parks annual report and ongoing event planning for 2025. No formal policy decisions or votes were taken during the staff‑reports segment; updates were informational and staff indicated further briefings and formal actions would follow as projects proceed.","Staff updated the commission on community center schematic design transitioning to design development, a nonbinding letter of intent for acquiring Fields district parkland, and other capital projects and maintenance work planned for 2025.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6391150,"Proposal to install Ninja‑course at Discovery Park advances after fundraising boost",657,2342000,2999000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2111558-a672e0326b98c3ff1a3d14c9233dee79&start=2342&end=2999","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2111558-a672e0326b98c3ff1a3d14c9233dee79/thumbnail_2342000.jpg","/articles/6391150/Meridian/Ada-County/Idaho/Proposal-to-install-Ninjacourse-at-Discovery-Park-advances-after-fundraising-boost","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6391150-770412d390185e1c8315af0b14fc7149/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184277&Signature=GmXR31wynzAe4JgDN4swCgII-3c-COAHGYr8jdZW8dDzKbABtN3M5xHifMFwFPa2lR~Z8wP7I1rvd1T3H6q0ACSLucu3yT1~IsSo98BB3InvZ0PkYohdzgA0D6eE00aV9VDDUqlngFnS5miekTSNvdEWkrT4IFadqnqZoRaEX8sviQJyz876k~b6cNFprn7A00etzY7DGcKxkGjfrEyhXvUOX9dhS-uJkaIAxTwkX~uju386GjKMdJuAMTQCtF~zSDYyz7QPsSW8yNfB~OFhg4INMmX5UYBLJe8iD7QyIH1TWI~uy3L7VZLDSqLCfB35DA4MTYX78p9Acmpm-NhQ2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Parks staff described a privately led effort to install a Ninja‑course obstacle course at Discovery Park and asked the commission for feedback on the proposed location and next steps.

Mike Barton presented the proposal on Jan. 8, saying the project arose after a local family—whose daughter inspired the effort—researched options and raised funds to build a course that will serve older children, teens and adults. Barton said the campaign had raised about $163,000 earlier in the fundraising materials and that, as of a check just before the meeting, the group had reached approximately $185,000.

Why it matters: the course would add an active‑use amenity targeted to tweens, teens and young adults—an age group Barton said is underserved by current park amenities—and would complement Discovery Park’s family‑oriented collection of playgrounds, courts and paths.

Barton showed site plans and noted a key constraint: a Williams pipeline easement runs diagonally through the park and limits where the course can be placed; staff therefore selected a location outside the easement and adjacent to courts and existing active areas. He described the proposed course elements (warp wall start, angled overhead ladders, ledge hanger, rope climber, accessible power lifter, sidewalk panels, bridge and wheel bridge) and said surfacing would be artificial turf. The recommended supplier is Sontag Recreation, which previously built the Discovery Park playground.

Barton described potential funding sources to close the remaining gap: a $20,000 Blue Cross grant under consideration and possible in‑kind donations (site excavation, gravel, ground work). He said staff will discuss next steps with city leadership and potentially the City Council if city funds are needed to make up any remaining shortfall.

Commissioners expressed support. Commissioner Alan Helms asked whether the course targeted teenagers; Barton replied that the design accommodates ages roughly 5–12 and 13 and older, including adults. Vice Chair Reese Sandow asked whether the family had been involved in planning; Barton said the family selected the model and participated in planning and that a formal dedication would be planned after installation. Commissioners praised the amenity and noted Discovery Park as an appropriate site.

No formal commission vote was recorded on Jan. 8; staff said they wanted the commission’s input before proceeding to further fundraising and coordination with city leadership. If approved by council or if city funds become involved, staff indicated they would return with additional details and scheduling. Barton said he would pursue grant opportunities, in‑kind donations and dialogues with city leadership toward closing the funding gap and a timely installation.","Parks staff presented a privately initiated plan to add a Ninja course at Discovery Park; the fundraising campaign has reached about $185,000 and staff described grant and in‑kind possibilities and site constraints.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6391154,"Meridian staff outline historic‑preservation work and 2025 public‑art plans",1712,425000,2137000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2111558-a672e0326b98c3ff1a3d14c9233dee79&start=425&end=2137","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2111558-a672e0326b98c3ff1a3d14c9233dee79/thumbnail_425000.jpg","/articles/6391154/Meridian/Ada-County/Idaho/Meridian-staff-outline-historicpreservation-work-and-2025-publicart-plans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6391154-65a5227cdbfa4b08f4b9285650e2dbd0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184277&Signature=gnk9EaCB0m0v5XxyH5e0aV1IcATkAXeYfuLjlm5vCAxkJHJQPANVjUyfrFgqJ~M0G3A4MpNvsdzHoRfd0GCEeSf9I7bi9-T09mvg1r9XKf~BQCceGJADMk~0oU6mTk31IWPIxTGAHzIXoQ1vLvWslq-03sdddiSD6XCXtToEs4taUqKfld4ONda9Nav4TOl9DyrxPwNfwZLRuHpDIBRNTz~c3kcGSK2w1N-LeZtsywZg0KyCcftliy3ozn2jNXzzy6QLYDEK~zahr9YTNdBghGP8YghXozj4OUxdVacyEjVjGvmCYmb6L~IJ1Das4rrE1po7INIsgb-iwikDrgfEKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cassandra Shiffler, the Meridian NPR arts and culture coordinator, told the Parks and Recreation Commission on Jan. 8 that the city will continue a mix of honorific historic preservation work and expanded public‑art projects in 2025.

Shiffler said the Historic Preservation Commission is updating the city’s 2014 historic‑preservation plan with a consultant, funded in part by a grant from the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). She noted the Speedway has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and described the Register as an honorific program administered by the National Park Service and reviewed by SHPO—not a regulatory designation that prevents owners from altering or redeveloping properties.

Why it matters: the city’s preservation work documents and promotes Meridian’s historic places as the city grows, while the public‑art program provides visible civic identity and uses a voter‑approved funding mechanism to sustain projects.

Shiffler said the Speedway nomination took about four years and required extensive professional research; she estimated a typical nomination takes 100–150 hours of consultant work and one to two years to complete. She also described two small areas identified in a recent survey as potential historic districts (roughly seven and 17 properties respectively) and said Meridian is not prepared to pursue regulatory historic districts at this time.

On public art, Shiffler described the MAPS (Meridian Art in Public Spaces) ordinance, which allocates 50 cents per Meridian resident for public art and can receive additional funding from partners such as the Meridian Development Corporation. She said the city removed a previous $50,000 cap on that funding last year, allowing MAPS funds to grow with population. Shiffler described 2024 installations including bike racks, mosaic signage, traffic‑box wraps chosen from West Ada School District student work, and two commissioned bus‑shelter vinyl wraps done in partnership with Valley Regional Transit and the Meridian Development Corporation.

Shiffler detailed upcoming and ongoing projects: three commissioned installations at Chateau Park (a tall flower sculpture, a hummingbird/bench and an educational flower bench), an interactive public‑art map linked to GIS data, planning for a public‑art master plan with community engagement, and additional planning for public art at the future community center. She said a consultant will start work this month on the preservation plan update and that the public‑art master plan will include surveys and community input.

Commissioner questions and staff clarifications: Commissioner Mandy Roberts asked whether the Speedway’s National Register listing restricts redevelopment; Shiffler replied it does not and that owners can still alter properties within normal city permitting. Commissioner Terry Dennington asked about the Eggers Farmstead silos; staff said the developer will dismantle the double‑silo structure and deed it to the city for reassembly at a city‑owned site or transfer to a private developer as an iconic element.

The presentation highlighted MAPS’ flexibility: funds carry forward by ordinance and can be saved across years to assemble larger projects. Commissioners and staff discussed possible sites for future artwork such as roundabouts and gateway intersections along Eagle Road and Lake Hazel.

Shiffler closed by encouraging commissioners to participate in outreach for both the preservation‑plan update and the public‑art master plan and by directing interested residents to Meridian Arts and Meridian History on social media.

The commission offered praise for the city’s public art and thanked Shiffler for the update.","Cassandra Shiffler, Meridian’s NPR arts and culture coordinator, updated the Parks and Recreation Commission on historic‑preservation projects, the city’s public‑art program and planned master planning and community engagement for 2025.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Meridian Parks & Recreation Commission special meeting, Jan. 8, 2025

Parks staff report: community center schematic wrap‑up, Fields district land move advances

Proposal to install Ninja‑course at Discovery Park advances after fundraising boost

Meridian staff outline historic‑preservation work and 2025 public‑art plans