Discovery Park Meridian in Meridian, Idaho
The city of Meridian is planning the construction of a new park, Discovery Park Meridian, which will be the largest and most unique park in the region. Having been in the works for over 10 years, this new park will be a hands-on, educational facility where kids can create rivers and dams. Phase I of this project is already complete, but the city is still deciding when construction will begin on Phase II. Until then, here are some details to know about the upcoming park.
Phase I of Discovery Park Meridian
The Parks and Recreation Department has just completed phase one of Discovery Park in Meridian, Idaho. The park, located in south Meridian, includes unique amenities and focuses on the theme “discovery.” A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on July 26th at 11:00 a.m. On Saturday, July 27, the park will open to the public from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Phase II will include two to three lit softball fields, more open grass, pathways, and all of the city’s road improvements.
The new park will be almost 77 acres when complete, which is more than double the size of the current one. It will include a climbing wall with boulders modeled after the topography of Idaho, a fenced dog park, two softball fields, a skatepark, and an off-leash dog area. In addition to this, there will be a teen area with hammock poles and a water play area with sand volleyball.
Cost of Phase I
Construction began on Discovery Park Meridian Phase I in July. It’s scheduled to cover nearly 77 acres when complete. The park will feature a zip line, sand and water play area, softball fields, and more. Brighton Corp. plans to build 165 homes in Bainbridge on an additional 36 acres. Its preliminary plat is being reviewed by the Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission. The company has yet to announce a completion date for the project.
In addition to the park, Discovery Park Meridian will offer a variety of activities for the whole family. This park will include a sand and water play area and illuminated softball fields. It will also include a skate park, a hammock hanging area, a community garden, and walking paths. The construction process for Discovery Park Meridian Phase I will cost an estimated $100 million. Once complete, the park is expected to break ground in the spring of 2022.
Construction of Phase II
Phase II of Discovery Park Meridian is currently being designed. The park will be almost 77 acres and will have a variety of recreational activities. In addition to a climbing wall that was inspired by the topography of Idaho, the new park will have dual zip lines and roller slides, a splash pad, and a fenced dog park. The park will also feature illuminated softball fields and specialty gardens. It will also include a community garden and walking paths.
The first part of Discovery Park Meridian opened last July. Once built out, the park will have 77 acres. At its full build-out, the park will include a sand and water play area, zip lines, and a playground. Meanwhile, Brighton Corp. plans to build 165 homes in another 36-acre parcel of land within the Bainbridge neighborhood. This application is currently being considered by the Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission.
Completion date of Phase II
In addition to the water park, the new Discovery Park will feature interpretive panels and a giant climbing wall featuring an interactive map of Idaho. Children can grab the mountains to get to the top, and a waterway that can be navigated with interactive elements will be part of the park’s features. The park is set to open in summer 2023, and will include seven phases. The first phase will include a 12-acre lot east of its current location.
In addition to the new amenities, the park will have shade shelters, benches, and picnic tables. It will be free to visit, open daily from dawn to dusk, and will feature interpretive gardens, firewise gardens, and a pollinator garden. The exact completion date of Phase II is uncertain, however. The project is dependent on future funding, which the Meridian Parks and Recreation Department is expected to request during budget hearings this year.
Features of Phase I
A new regional park is coming to Meridian, Idaho. The first phase of Discovery Park Meridian spans 27 acres and features a climbing wall that mimics the topography of Idaho, dual ziplines, roller slides, a splash pad, and a fenced dog park. In addition to a playground, the park will feature a skatepark, hammock poles, a community garden, and walking paths. Phase two plans also include the addition of a teen area and sand volleyball.
When the park is fully built out, Discovery Park will cover about seventy acres. Some of its features are interactive, such as zip lines, a splash pad, and a giant sandbox. It will be a great place for families to bring kids during the summer months. In addition to traditional park features, Discovery Park also incorporates interactive pieces that teach kids about Idaho’s natural history. This park will be located in South Meridian along Lake Hazel Road.