Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation racks up state awards

The Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation Department is getting some big praise from the state Recreation and Park Association.

The department was awarded the Outstanding Innovative Program award for it’s Up, Up and Away program. The camp teaches youth about aeronautics and aviation using model airplanes.

It is a collaboration between the Desert Eagles Model Airplane Club, Utah Helicopter School and the Civil Air Patrol.

“Having kids involved in our community and understanding that there are great opportunities for them to learn outside of the classroom, which is what I think this class was all about,” said Greg A. Weitzel, director of Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation. “They’re getting to learn something different and be part of multiple partners who all came together to make this not just a fun program but one that they can learn a lot in, as well.”

Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation was also awarded the Idaho Recreation and Park Association’s Outstanding Facility Award. It is the result of the new William J. Maeck Education Center at the Idaho Falls Zoo.