The City of Twin Falls has teamed up with First Federal Savings Bank to build the first universally accessible playground and splash pad in Twin Falls.
First Federal is celebrating 100 years of business in the Magic Valley by making this gift to the community. Bank President Alan Horner contacted City Manager Travis Rothweiler in June regarding this gift and the role of the City in the process. Ironically, City staff had been working for several months with citizens and other partners to embark upon a capital campaign to raise funds to build an all-accessible park in Twin Falls. Several potential sites had been taken to the City Council and plans were being made to launch a community fundraising campaign in September. The timing could not have been better.
An exhaustive search of potential sites led the design committee to the Sunway Soccer Complex. This existing City facility had sufficient room for the playground and splash pad, existing City services, restrooms and the potential for expansion. Even though the park will displace three soccer fields, five additional acres along the southern boundary of the complex were acquired from the school district and two new soccer fields will be constructed this summer.
This is an exciting opportunity for the City and the community. These amenities are popular and highly used in other cities, but they also come with a rather large price tag. This gift from First Federal made this project a reality much sooner than otherwise would have been possible. The park will include a 3,000 sq. ft. splash pad and a 13,000 sq. ft. playground with ramp access and modified swings, play equipment and even a zip line.
Construction on the park is set to begin in February, and barring any weather delays or installation issues, is slated for a Memorial Day weekend grand opening.
Activate Magic Valley, a new health initiative launched by the City of Twin Falls, City of Jerome, St. Luke's Health System, the YMCA and CSI, is continuing to gain momentum. Following a Kickoff Breakfast in September, the group sponsored Get Movin’ Day on January 10 in conjunction with Cabin Fever Day. The event, which was held at the CSI gymnasium, was designed to help educate the community on all of the resources available in the area in regards to health and wellness.
Over 40 vendors offered hands-on demonstrations, games, information, resources and healthy eating options to the estimated 1,200 attendees. People were able to find information about recreation options, youth sports clubs, health assessments, gym memberships and much more. This event was also the final weigh in the for the Magic Valley $20,000 Weight Loss Challenge.
As a way to encourage participation in both events, attendees were encouraged to pick up a Passport to Fitness. They had to get it stamped at one Cabin Fever Day activity as well as three Get Movin’ Day booths. The winner will enjoy a one-year family membership to the YMCA.