Rexburg parks director updates council on Teton River Park construction and Steiner Park design

Parks and Recreation Director John Lewis told the council on March 4 that crews have begun grading at Teton River Park and outlined a design iteration for Steiner Park that emphasizes safety and multi-age play.

Lewis described a bouldering area that was redesigned from three larger and two smaller boulders to four larger boulders plus smaller natural stones for younger children. When a council member asked if the tallest manufactured boulders would reach about 14 feet, Lewis said safety surfacing will be specified and that signage and parental supervision will be part of risk management.

Lewis also said the proposed playground will be fenced because a canal runs along the park’s edge. "We want parents to feel comfortable if they're sitting on a bench there in the playground that the kids can't really get away," he said, describing the enclosed layout, pavilion location, walking trail and plans to test flood irrigation timing before finalizing a water plan.

Council members asked about the source of funds; Lewis said much of the money for Steiner Park will come from urban renewal and that staff hope to begin work this summer. He also emphasized efforts to maintain existing parks and said crews will prioritize upgrades during the upcoming season.

The parks director and council discussed options such as disc-golf placement (deferred for lack of space), maintenance challenges from freeze–thaw cycles, and the use of tree grants to support new plantings. Staff said they will share more detailed timelines and cost breakdowns when available.

The parks update concluded with council members thanking the parks staff and noting that the summer season will be busy with multiple park projects.