Parks and Recreation, keeping Idaho Falls up to date and active

Idaho Falls is known for its many parks and recreation facilities. From the Greenbelt and Riverwalk, to the Idaho Falls Zoo and several golf courses.

“We are very fortunate to have the Riverwalk and Greenbelt, which I think is one of the most prized parks in south eastern Idaho,” said Greg A. Weitzel, the Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation director.

Parks and Recreation contributes to individuals, the community, the economy and the environment.

“You can see all the people out there walking and riding and enjoying it and exercising. And that’s just a great thing because we want our community to be active. That’s what I think parks and rec does,” Weitzel said.

There are a couple of improvements parks and rec plans to work on in the future.
Among the options are the possibility of adding new athletic fields for lacrosse, soccer, rugby and softball, and adding expanded trials that connect the Greenbelt.

“They want to be able to connect to the Greenbelt by not having to drive. They would like to get out of their house and jump on their bike or walk safely to the Greenbelt,” Weitzel said.

Parks and rec said many of the communities facilities need improvements as well.
The Recreation Center is 80 years old, the aquatic center is 31 years old, and some of the athletic complexes are more than 40 years old.

Parks and rec said the Idaho Falls community has outgrown these outdated facilities and a new plan will be needed soon.

“You know whether its a rec center or an ice arena or an aquatic center, what it’s really about is community. Its about what kind of community we want to live in, how do we come together as a community — where do we come together. And we do that through parks and recreation,” Weitzel said.

The next step for parks and rec is to assess and prioritize which improvements the public would like to see and then work within budget to make that happen. To see renovation plans for two local parks that are already in motion, click here.