Snake River Canyons Park Board
Open Meeting Minutes
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Blue Lakes Country Club, Jerome, Idaho
Attending Board Members: Chairman Bill Bridges, Greg Moore, Steve Paulson, Jeff Pierson, Brenda Weekes, Mark Reyes, Jim Williams, John Weston, and Lisa Callen. Not present: none
Guests: Commissioner Art Wakins, Larry Hall Advisor for the Overlook project, Mike Tylka Advisor, Lisa Cresswell and David Freiberg with Shoshone BLM, Bruce Balthrope, Brad Spears, Ray and Karleen Sheen with SIORA, Jerome County Sheriff Deputy James Ridgway, Kyle Tarbet with the Twin Falls Chamber, and Rebecca Wildman taking minutes.
Bill called the meeting to order at 11:04 a.m. with a quorum present.
Minutes:
Brenda suggested corrections: changing Southern Idaho Jeepers change to Southern Idaho Off-Road Association or SIORA; re: Bricks change to “Brenda is tracking brick donors and would like to have a monthly progress report on the 501C account showing the BRU income.” She is also tracking donations outside of the Brick program received by the county and not deposited in the 501C account. Greg suggested changing the Treasurer report from “…remainder yet” to “remainder left” and change on page two Larry’s section to “pouring concrete will be the last work for this phase” and page three regarding the equestrian trail change to “park will have to prove a 20% match” versus “provide” Lisa Callen disagreed that this should stay “prove” as the match can come from outside sources. Greg suggested edit “Bill and Lisa Callen will meet to go over details.” Steve moved to approve with corrections, Brenda seconded, motion carried.
Self-Introductions were made.
Treasurers report:
Bill Bridges reported the year’s budget beginning with$96,000 and $17,552.47 spent so far with $73,405 remaining. Brenda Weekes reported $17,995 in the 501c3 account and that she has tracked brick income coming from Bricks R Us and estimates $2,500 coming in next week. Bill explained to the group if Brick funds are sent directly to the 300 N. Lincoln address, they need to also be tracked and accounted for under this specific 501c3 account.
Overlook Project Overview:
Larry Hall emailed drone images taken that week that show the project’s progress. Next, they are laying road for the RV parking area and finishing the hammerhead turnaround to ADA parking and to the actual overlook pad. Larry passed out an updated budget including NIX Excavation’s initial bid of $96,845 and change orders for the larger parking area of $88,850. Several large boulders were brought in and now line the parking and are placed above the road for aesthetics. There is no gate yet. The rest of the budget is for concrete for the overlook and the ADA area which Steven estimated a cost of $87,800.
Other independent items include a culvert at road entrance and electrical (utilizing solar) for concessions. Entrance and signage still to be determined. Portable gift shop is a 20’ x 8’ prefab container facility outfitted with a window and door. Larry does not anticipate needing to use the $120,000 contingency estimate. Larry summarized the original budget of $788,000 and is presently at $467,000. Pad will be 20’ x 40’ built on a steel structure and concrete will be poured within a steel frame.
Larry asked the Board to decide between assigning NIX as general contractor to hire out other subs or to advertise the specific work and hire per portion of the project. Larry conveyed that Steven recommends hiring NIX. Mike Tilka and Larry agree this is wise as NIX already knows the project and timing for completion is important. Larry added that Steven estimates the concrete, rail and path cost at $87,000. Lisa Cresswell will ask the BLM’s biologist to monitor if there is migratory bird activity. Brenda motioned to allow NIX Excavation to be the general contractor for the concrete, rail and path portion noting it will include a modest contract fee for NIX, but for a cost within the engineer’s estimate. Jeff seconded. Motion carried.
The quality of NIX’s existing work was described as “incredible” and Larry believes NIX is interested in continuing as a general on the project.
Overlook Opening & Event Planning:
Ribbon cutting ceremony planned for opening is conceivable for May or June 2026. Larry introduced Kyle Tarbert, TF Chamber of Commerce Director, and they agreed to work together on event management for a grand opening. Kyle explained the TF Chamber is also managing the Tourism grant funds for Southern Idaho and he suggested partnering with the Jerome and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. Key invitations will be sent to the IDOC Director Tom Keeley, Jerome 2020 Director Camille Barigar, Southern Idaho Economic Development, county and city officials and others. Task list distributed for volunteer assistance with opening preparations. Considering offering free admissions to the overlook for the first 30-days.
Interpretive Signage & Education:
Four panels of interpretive signs are being planned for the area including Archaeological/Native American history (Gerald Fergeson, BLM’s archaeologist will help develop), Mining and Geology history, Desert ecosystem/plant & wildlife habitats (Brenda and Idaho Fish & Game) and the fourth panel for cultural and historical use (Immigrant Trail). A direction sign for Shoshone Falls Road easement was mentioned along with signs acknowledging Chobani’s Legacy contribution. ADA Northwest Center consultation completed – wheelchair accessibility symbol needed on logo and consider utilizing hearing impaired resources.
Highway 93 Signage: Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) negotiations ongoing. Their previous sign denials were based on lack of restroom/water facilities. The proposed concession stand satisfies ITD requirements. Standard brown park signs with white lettering is proposed at two locations North of the bridge crossing and near new lighted sign with one facing the northbound traffic and the other facing southbound. Will need ITD’s final approval.
Staffing & Operations:
Entrance Gate: Bill anticipates four part-time employees needed for the gate to collect fees from 9am-7pm, seven days per week, from May to October. He estimates two shifts, one from 9am-2pm and from 2pm-7pm, split between 4-day and 3-day weekly schedules with approximately 20 hours per week.
Concessions: Bill estimates four part-time employees for concession stand operations. Discussed option of hiring employees through the county or contracting out their services. Strong preference for Entrance Gate employees to be hired by the county to include liability protection and HR oversight. Twin Fall’s Shoshone Falls Park solicits bids from vendors to run their concessions. The SRCP Board indicated a preference to this vendor-operated model with the county handling the vendor bidding and contracting process, thus, eliminating concession employee management. Dividing these operations also separates out fee collections. Bill will present to the County Commissioners at their next meeting in two weeks.
Park Management:
Bill believes the county will need to hire a park manager starting in 2027 and asked the Board for direction and how to present this to the Commissioners. Steve Paulson suggested an open discussion regarding need for a manager to oversee the Park’s assets and to take the Board’s recommendations. Bill suggested it would initially be a part-time position, estimating 20-25 hours in the summer and 10 hours in the winter and as an interface between the Park Board and County Commissioners.
Visitor Guides/Tourism:
Rebecca Wildman handed out the Visit Idaho state guide and Southern Idaho Livability annual publications. Kyle Tarbet explained the history of Southern Idaho Tourism (SIT), that funding comes from the 2% hotel tax and that 45% is returned in grants. Kyle explained SIT failed a state audit several years ago, which is why the TF Chamber now manages its grants for this region and has done so for the past three years. The plan is to hire someone to manage it with a focus on “Heads in Beds.”
Kyle stated our region is drawing tourists desiring a more authentic wilderness experience, that Jerome County is historically underrepresented in tourism assets, and that he believes this park and overlook ties in well. Livability magazine comes out again in January 2027 and they can help generate content. Kyle informed they are forming a new regional committee to meet quarterly and he would like Bill Bridges to join this group. Tourism grants can only be used for marketing, and not for operations.
Bricks R Us Spreadsheet:
Brenda Weekes is tracking brick purchases and different accounts depending on where money is received. She shared the newly designed Brick’s R Us brochure noting new options for a larger array and including logos. She suggested taking this to businesses and pitching the $500.00 array and logo options. Steve Paulson suggested sending it to the SIT advertiser list and Kyle agreed and will share the list.
Fee Structures:
RV Park: Discussion on charging to use the RV Park. Premier Security is already hired to police the area and they take down license plates and track campers. The county’s I.T. people are looking into using a QR code mechanism for RV Park reservations. BLM requires money generated goes back into the area that generates that income and David Frieberg clarified his belief that income generated at either the RV Park or Overlook can go back into the park itself, and not specific to that one project area.
Discussed options for a reservation system or first-come, first-served stays. Discussed amounts with the Board in favor of $20.00 per night for the RV Park and Premier Security monitoring compliance. The Board agreed continuing the first-come, first-serve policy and will review it at the end of this season. Jeff Pierson motioned to charge $20.00 per night for the RV Park, Steve Paulson seconded, motion carried.
Overlook Site Fee:
Discussed $3.00 or $5.00 per carload and annual pass option noting it is a vehicle-based fee, not per person. Estimates are the TF side sees 50,000 vehicles per year. Jeff Pierson motioned charging $5.00 per vehicle and a local’s annual pass for $20.00, Mark Reyes seconded, with no further discussion, motion carried. Mike Tylka suggested considering free entrance for special populations including people with a Senior Parks Pass, ADA, Veterans, Native Americans and even Boys and Girls Club type organizations. Steve Paulson asked Mike Tylka to bring a copy of Twin Falls Park’s policy on entrance fees to the Board for further consideration. Vehicles will be allowed to park outside the gate and pedestrians/cyclists will be allowed to walk/ride in with no charge. Salary and maintenance costs are expected to consume most of the revenue.
Foot Golf Course Container for Tractor:
The Container’s back side will be painted, and portable toilet moved to the other side of the container.
May 16, 2026, Annual Cleanup:
Southern Idaho Off Road Association (SIORA) confirmed the date for their annual cleanup. Historically the county budgeted $1,000 for expenses associated with the cleanup. Jeff Williams informed the Board that Western Waste provided the dumpster last year and informed SIORA that invoice was not paid. Discussion if this was the case or if Western Waste’s ownership change to Republic Services failed to track that payment. SIORA has paid it now to avoid complications and they will request reimbursement from the county. For this year CAT will provide loaders and SIORA will request clarification for expenses to be covered by the county including food, dumpster rental, equipment rental and portable toilets. A formal budget request will be needed for Commissioner approval.
700 East Trailhead Grant Application: Lisa Callen reported the grant application required extensive documentation and that she completed it with Bill and Lisa Cresswell’s help. The Idaho National Guard Readiness Training Center is a potential partner with possible site leveling/grading (no labor cost), heavy equipment (bulldozers, etc.). The county would only cover materials (gravel, rock, signage) and meeting with the National Guard Colonel Arnot confirmed their interest in helping. Additional projects identified including the tent camping and possibly the Perrine Bridge to Overlook Trail.
Volunteer Program & Community Engagement:
Ongoing need for volunteer recruitment. No one volunteered for December’s “Just Serve” event but that may be due to insufficient notice. Additional volunteer opportunities are being planned.
New Business:
Brenda requested review of the SRCP Brochure. SIORA would like their logo included on signs.
Archery Land Use & Zoning:
John Weston researched zoning for the area identified for the archery course. He said three residential zone types are in the vicinity and two prohibit cattle ranging if they are subdivided, and the third type has restrictions. The exact zoning classification is pending from P&Z. Previous concerns about trespass were discussed with John stating there are gates to enter, but noted that on the BLCC side there are two posted “No Trespassing” signs, and John believes this is illegal as the area is government property and not private land.
Regarding the proposed Shooting Range north of I-84, John contacted Idaho Congressmen and Mike Simpson’s office has asked for more information. There are no updates for the proposed BLM shooting range. John will continue to pursue a plan with BLM, the county and the SRCP. Lisa Cresswell said they too are frustrated with the policy changes and she and David Frieberg would like the State’s staff to come out to work through their expected requirements. John added he has some health concerns but plans to stay on the board as long as he feels able.
Jerome County Sheriff:
Deputy James Ridgway shared concerns about what may arise around having a gated area. One concern is if large RVs continue driving down the grade into the private subdivision and having no option to turnaround. Bill offered to pursue getting a new sign installed advising large vehicles to not enter. Deputy Ridgway said if traffic increases it will be justifiable to amend the shooting ordinance to include hunting and shooting. Bill stated he has asked Jerome Highway to lower the speed limit from 55 mph to 35 mph.
With no further business the meeting was adjourned at 1:20 PM .
Next meeting is Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Blue Lakes Country Club.
Executive Sessions may be held pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1) as needed during time such sessions are called.
Note: Any person needing special accommodations to participate in the meeting should contact the committee chairman, 208-293-2426; 48 hours prior to the meeting.
