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A Program for Everyone 2017 ANNUAL REPORT City of Idaho Falls Department of Parks and Recreation O N T H E H O R I ZO N COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIC MASTER PLAN The completion of a short and long-term comprehensive plan for Parks, Recreation and Open Space for the City of Idaho Falls is a priority project in 2018. The Parks and Recreation Commission will help lead this community planning effort with assistant from a consultant team and staff, who has been working on new Recreation Program and Maintenance Management plans. The plans are required for the department to be eligible for accreditation by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). IDAHO FALLS ZOO EDUCATION CENTER Development of the new Maeck Education Center at the Idaho Falls Zoo will continue towards an anticipated Fall, 2018 ribbon cutting. Tautphaus Park Master Plan development plans will also continue in 2018. THE SNAKE RIVER PROMONTORY The Snake River Promontory is envisioned as a mound with and spiraling walk and staircase that allows visitors to access the top. A vertical tower on top would allow an expansive view of the Snake River and valley. HERITAGE STOPS In homage to its setting, the park will feature educational heritage stops around the park to teach visitors about local history, ecology and geology. COMMUNITY EVENTS GREEN / AMPHITHEATER A community events green/amphitheater allows a venue for accommodating special events of varying scales. The amphitheater seating is envisioned as earthen berms with integrated benched flat areas. NATURE PLAY One of the goals of Heritage Park is to encourage children and families to engage with nature. A dedicated nature play area facilitates this experience by utilizing natural elements to encourage play. THE SNAKE STREAM This small diversion offers the opportunity for unique educational and play programming for visitors of all ages. TRAILS A network of trails of varying width and media are imagined to frame the park, allowing visitors to wander, exercise and explore. SURFACE WATER GARDENS Water plays an integral role in Heritage Park with the Snake River, the water diversion stream and the surface water rain gardens. ISLAND EXPLORATION The island area below the dam allow visitors to see the dynamic systems that establish these areas. The Heritage Park Master Plan was approved with a unanimous vote by the Idaho Falls City Council in 2016. This 15+ acre park is made possible by a land donation and commitments by private and nonprofit partners, and is intended to highlight the natural, cultural, and historical heritage of Idaho Falls. The park's advantageous location along the Snake River presents a wonderful opportunity to add to the Idaho Falls Parks system. The Heritage Park theme was inspired by the community, a community that developed around the scenic Snake River and is uniquely vast in agricultural, nuclear and hydroelectric power. The theme for the park will represent and celebrate this heritage. ALTERNATIVE APPROACH | PHASE I HERITAGE PARK DEVELOPMENT PHASE I Development of Phase I of the new Heritage Park will continue towards an anticipated Spring, 2018 groundbreaking with the Rotary International President visit to Idaho Falls. 28