Idaho Falls

2 IDAHO FALLS PARKS & REC SPRING/SUMMER 2017 Raise your Sights Idaho Falls – 2017 is going to be an epic year packed full of exciting events! We all know that Idaho Falls is the place to be on the Fourth of July. The Chamber of Commerce's Independence Day parade and Melaleuca's Freedom Celebration are a big part of that. For the 25th anni- versary of the Freedom Celebration this year, Melaleuca is planning a more spectacular show than ever. I look forward to joining you once again as we turn our eyes to the night sky for this traditional display of patriotism. Then, on July 21 and 22, our eyes will turn to the sky again to experience the breathtaking and graceful aerobatic maneuvers by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels as our city hosts the 2017 Extreme Blue Thunder Air Show. The fact that the Blue Angels once again chose Idaho Falls as a location for their show is a testament to the dedication of the volunteers who plan the event and the incredible amount of support it receives from sponsors and our entire community. Without this kinds of enthusiastic local support, this event would not be possible. Immediately following the Air Show, we will shift gears, put on our cowboy hats and boots and join thousands of specta- tors for Idaho's Oldest Rodeo, the 106th annual War Bonnet Roundup, August 2-5, at the arena at Sandy Downs. I have no doubt that some very talented cowboys and cowgirls will have us all whistling, stomping and cheering them on while at the edge of our seats again this year. And finally, on Monday August 21st, we will join millions of Americans as we gaze at the sky – with viewing glasses of course – to witness a phenomenon that occurs on average once every 375 years in any one location on earth. Join us for The Great American Total Solar Eclipse Idaho Falls style. Our city has been designated an "Official NASA Observation Site" for the event. Experts predict attendance ranging any- where from 100,000 to 500,000 in our region which includes "day-trippers" from neighboring states as well as tourists from across the globe. Scores of local events have been planned to meet just about every educational and entertainment wish during the eclipse weekend, beginning with stock car racing on Friday and Saturday at Idaho Falls Raceway at Noise Park. The Idaho Falls Rotary Club will hold their annual Great Snake River Greenbelt Duck Race on Saturday, followed by a concert at Sandy Downs featuring CMA Grammy-nominated "Best Country Duo/Group Performance," Brothers Osborne. There is no doubt that 2017 will bring significant economic opportunities to our region. This summer's events offer a chance to showcase the eastern Idaho experience to the world. So, grab your cowboy hats and eclipse viewing glasses Idaho Falls – it's going to be a wild summer! PARKS AND RECREATION OFFICE 520 Memorial Drive Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402 (208) 612-8480 - www.ifrec.org MISSION OF OUR DEPARTMENT The mission of the City of Idaho Falls Department of Parks and Recreation is to provide quality parks and recreation opportu- nities based upon cost efficiency and community needs. CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7:30 pm at the City Annex Building. 680 Park Avenue, Idaho Falls, Idaho. Livestream meetings by visiting www.idahofallsidaho.gov/city/live- stream.html Rebecca Casper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mayor Thomas Hally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Council President Ed Marohn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Council Member Barbara Dee Ehardt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Council Member David Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Council Member John Redford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Council Member Michelle Ziel-Dingman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Council Member PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Commission meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at 12 pm at the Idaho Falls Activity Center. 1575 N. Skyline Dr. For other Parks and Recreation committee meet- ings, visit www.ifrec.org. PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Greg A. Weitzel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Parks & Recreation PJ Holm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superintendent of Recreation Chris Horsley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Recreation Supervisor Rhonda Newman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aquatic Manager Jennifer Stewart . . . . . . . . Sponsorship/Marketing Coordinator Brent Martin . . . . . . . . . . . .Superintendent of Parks & Cemetery Ronnie Campbell . . Asst. Superintendent of Parks & Cemetery Joseph Hansen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parks Foreman Josh Stevens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Weed & Environmental Control Delbert Lloyd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Horticulture/Urban Forester David Pennock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superintendent of the Zoo Tim Reinke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Golf Manager/Pinecrest Golf Pro John Graham. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sand Creek Golf Pro Galen Denning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sage Lakes Golf Pro Mason Handke . . . . . . . . . Special Event/Volunteer Coordinator Staff member email addresses are listed at www.ifrec.org Mayor Rebecca Casper, City of Idaho Falls Bill Combo, Chair Mike Davis Jeffrey Forbes Jim Hammon Tom Hersh Matt Hill Steve Janes Jill Kirkham John LoBuono Kerry Martin Kris Millgate Dave Radford A MESSAGE FROM REBECCA CASPER PARKS AND RECREATION MAYOR, CITY OF IDAHO FALLS (208) 612-8480 - www.ifrec.org

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