Meridian’s future community center in Settlers Park

MERIDIAN, Idaho – Meridian is finalizing design concepts for the future community center at Settlers Park. Now it’s time for you to have your say – Parks and Rec is hosting an open house on Thursday, December 5th. Come to City Hall any time from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. to share ideas, ask questions and view design concepts.

(Below is the transcript of the broadcast story)

“This new community center will be wonderful,” said Bill Bowman, who lives next door to Settlers Park and is looking forward to living within walking distance of the future Meridian Community Center — near Ustick and Meridian Road.

“I expect to use it a lot,” Bowman said.

Bowman believes the new facility will not only improve his quality of life, but also increase property values ​​in his neighborhood.

“The neighborhoods over there need something like this,” Bowman said.

As Idaho News 6 reported in April, the city purchased the 11-acre property from the West Ada School District for $4.2 million.

In May, we learned more about Parks and Rec’s plans. Now, director Steve Siddoway says they have finalized their design concepts and are ready for public feedback.

“There is additional parking right next to the ball fields, which is really important to people. But there is also separate parking for the community center – and the dog park is all the way to the south,” Siddoway said.

We’re hoping to appeal to all ages – a first look at the designs shows plans for a gym, craft rooms, a demo kitchen and meeting rooms.

The center will be nearly 22,000 square feet, much larger than the current community center at 2nd and Idaho Ave.

“You can see that there is a lot of green space and open space as well,” Siddoway said.

Construction could begin as early as summer 2026 if an offer is accepted next winter.

The project will not come at the expense of taxpayers. Rather, the planning and construction costs are covered by impact fees. This means that growth and development will bear the costs.

Before a budget proposal is presented to council next summer, Siddoway and his team will present the plans and seek public input at an open house on Thursday.

“We are delighted to show the plans for the new community centre. We hope people will come and take a look, learn about our suggestions and give us feedback. We want to hear from the public what they think about the new design of the community center,” Siddoway said.

“I’ll go to the meeting they’re going to have. I have to think a little bit about what I think would be beneficial,” Bowman said.