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Pocatello parks advisory board pushes playground replacements, volunteer ‘adopt a park’ efforts
Summary
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee told council it wants an ongoing playground replacement program, is pursuing donor sponsorships and volunteer adoption of parks to address deferred maintenance, and highlighted staff shortages for seasonal hires.
The Pocatello Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee asked the City Council to support a steady playground replacement program, expanded volunteer engagement and clearer options for sponsorships to help address long‑standing maintenance needs.
Tanya Wilkes, committee chair, said the board meets six times a year and has helped advance projects including the ICCU Splash Pad and Optimus Skate Park. She and Parks Director Anne Nichols told council that many neighborhood playgrounds — the city has about 25 — are aging and several (the committee identified six or seven) are in “desperate need” of replacement. Nichols said small neighborhood playground replacements typically cost $20,000–$30,000, while continued parts repairs on obsolete equipment can cost thousands and make replacement the better value.
Councilmembers discussed a volunteer “adopt a park” concept that would encourage neighborhood groups, Rotary clubs and youth organizations to help with landscaping and minor maintenance. Several council members suggested adding a visible recognition sign (similar to an Adopt‑a‑Highway placard or a donor plaque) to incentivize participation. Nichols proposed a sponsorship model in which a business could fund a playground purchase and receive a donor sign in the park.
Nichols also emphasized persistent seasonal staffing challenges. She said parks and recreation competes with school district seasonal hires and that wage increases are helping but the department still struggles to recruit and retain qualified seasonal employees.
Committee members noted that NeighborhoodWorks and other partners have supported park projects and that the department has used ARPA funds for infrastructure improvements such as the Ross Park Aquatics Center. Council and staff agreed the city will continue to coordinate with neighborhood associations and volunteer groups to prioritize playground replacements and maintenance work.
