CategoriesNotes from The Board by

Open Meeting Minutes – Thursday, April 9, 2026

Thursday, April 9, 2026

Snake River Canyons Park Board

Open Meeting Minutes

Thursday, April 9, 2026

Blue Lakes Country Club, Jerome, Idaho

Attending Board Members: Chairman Bill Bridges, Jim Williams, John Weston, Lisa Callen, Greg Moore, and Mark Reyes. Not present: Steve Paulson, Brenda Weekes, and Jeff Pierson

Guests: Larry Hall Advisor for the Overlook Project, Mike Tylka Advisor, Leon Letson, Ben Reidcheck and Hunter Hodges with Idaho Power, Jody Revai with Premier Security, Ray and Karlene Sheen, and Bruce Balthrope with SIORA, Lisa Cresswell with BLM, Sarah Mayer with Twin Falls Signs, and Rebecca Wildman taking minutes.

Bill called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. with a quorum present. Self-introductions were made.

 Minutes: Minutes from the March 12, 2026, meeting were reviewed. Rebecca shared Brenda’s email questioning the 501c3 account balance. Bill corrected that the 501c3 account balance should have stated $100k with recent checks totaling $160k instead of checks totaling $60k. Brenda’s email also requested correcting the dog trial area acreage from 800 to 900 acres. With no other corrections, Jim motioned to approve the minutes, Lisa Callen seconded, motion carried.

Minutes from the March 23 Special Meeting were reviewed, Greg motioned to approve, Mark seconded, motion carried.

Idaho Power: Representatives from Idaho Power explained their proposal to place a power pole inside the grass area inside the parking loop area. Leon Letson from Idaho Power shared that since meeting with Bill and Larry they have made some plan adjustments to address safety concerns, and he shared a new layout view of the proposed placement. They estimate installation to occur early in 2029 with transmission lines following. Greg inquired if power could be brought to the overlook concessions stand – noting that would require installing a transformer. Bill conveyed that the Jerome Commissioners requested the SRCP board consider this request from Idaho Power. Jim motioned to accept Idaho Power’s proposal, Lisa Callen seconded, motion carried. Letson will check with Nate Murray, Idaho Power’s local energy advisor, regarding the request to bring power to the overlook area.

Treasurer’s Report: Bill reported the Overlook Fund has $187k remaining and is current on all bills, half payments have been made on the two buildings and solar has been purchased but will still need to be installed. Half payment has also been made on the signage. The Overlook pad itself is what is left to complete. The Yingst Grade Fund has $13,900 remaining. The regular account has $96k with $23k spent so far, mostly for toilets, security and garbage. Bill added that as the park collects money at the Overlook, funds will pay wages and maintenance for the Overlook. Greg asked if the vault toilets have been pumped and Bill confirmed they have, and that should last for two years. Bill added that the RV Park will not start charging a fee until the account is set up.

Bricks R Us Report: The 501c3 account includes the Chobani grant and brick funding, less payments for Nix Excavation, with $54,909 left in that account. Someone will need to be hired to install the bricks. As of April 8, we have sold 45 4”x8” bricks, 32 8”x8” bricks, five 8’x8’ with logos, and a few donations came in with no specific request for brick engraving. Bill asked the Board members to walk the Overlook site and give feedback on work completed thus far.

Overlook Update: Larry provided budget copies explaining the estimate and amounts paid to date, but he hasn’t reconciled it yet with Bill’s account. So far $281k has been paid with $196k still to spend. Larry said he will have the engineers’ drawings later today. Nix will be the general contractor on the rest of the project, and they will hire the steel work, etc. and Larry is anticipating a cost of $87,700 for the pad. Funds received include $250 times two plus another $16k totaling $516k to use. After expenses Larry estimates $81,660 left to finish. Bill added there is another $13k for income from brick sales. Platform design will be given to us today. Nix will try to get it completed by the May 11 ribbon cutting date or alternate date of May 28.

Larry is working on final sign designs, meeting with TF signs, plus meeting with Chobani today to complete their monumental sign design. Larry has filed for permits for buildings including the ticket booth and concession building and they have been submitted for approval from the county. TF Signs will follow through on the permits. Larry explained there was some initial confusion with P&Z including plat maps, but it has been resolved.

Greg asked if the structures meet building codes and Larry responded that Outwest Sheds already has the State of Idaho engineer’s stamp. Nix will lay gravel for setting buildings and toilets, with most already completed. Nix moved the Chobani boulder to its new location.

Jody asked for approval to spend $2k for the 250th celebration which will be combined with the BLM’s 80th celebration. It is proposed to place 250 flags alongside the road leading into the park. Jody has the 250 U.S. flags already but would like to purchase the historical colonial flags, a life-sized Declaration of Independence, plus two 250 banners and a large American flag to place behind the speaking platform. Flags will get usage from other venue dates including the Twin Falls County Courthouse lawn, the Twin Falls County Fair, events in Buhl, and events in Oakley, with the goal to share them throughout. Lowes and Northwest Foam each paid for half of these flags and Jody’s company purchased extras for backups. Jim motioned to approve spending $2k for the additional flags and banners, Greg seconded, motion carried.

RV Park: The RV Park will have a separate account with Bill and Mark Reyes as signers. Jody added if cash is accepted then he will need to hire someone with cash certification. The RV Park will implement QR Code payments through Square Point of Sale with the QR Code posted on the RV Park sign. For future Jody would like QR codes for each campsite to track each site’s use and security. Per Sarah, TF Sign can print QR codes for this purpose. Jody informed that three abandoned trailers have been removed so far this year incurring expense for the towing company. Some campers complain about the five-day limit and Jody has seen some sign damage on federal signs. Lisa Cresswell asked to let the BLM know when the park starts charging as some BLM employees use it. Jody plans to ask Jerome County’s work release program to work on weed and tumbleweed removal in the corral and along fences.

Ribbon Cutting: Angela with Idaho Power is helping Larry with planning the event and it will include both cities. The date of May 11 is set, but not confirmed. Cheryl Viola has posted on Facebook the May 11 date.

Freedom 250 Celebration Combined with the BLM’s 80th Anniversary: Scheduled for July 8 with several dignitaries speaking including local, county and state officials. The event will run from 2-4pm culminating with Idaho Governor Brad Little reading the Declaration of Independence as part of a country-wide simultaneous reading and this location being the only one in the state of Idaho. Lisa Cresswell added that there will be music and traditional Indian dancing.

Idaho Recreation Association: On April 21st Bill, Brenda, Larry, and Charlie Howell will speak at the Idaho Recreation & Parks Association at 2:45 p.m. On April 22 this group will come tour the overlook, estimating 25 people.

Signs: Updates on the four signs including Fish and Game sign in a smaller size and will be augmented with additional information about the park. Professor Shawn Willsey suggested signs include QR Codes that can read the content – Bill suggested this feature could be added eventually. The Tribes and historical/cultural signs may be fine as initially presented. Sarah asked if signs have been approved for printing with Larry noting he has a subsequent meeting with Chobani. Sarah requested the Jerome County Seal in a higher resolution image and Mark will send it to her. TF Signs will send its quote for parking lot striping.

Weeds: Bill is pulling the Russian Thistle at the RV Park and could use help cleaning it out on sites #3 and #4.

Container and Tractor: Tractor is now at the Disc Golf site and Bill will learn how to operate it. The Artist is two-thirds done with painting the back side of the container.

Website and Facebook: Cheryl Viola is still managing posts and will correct dates for the overlook and correct the name for the SIORA organization and its May 16 cleanup.

Disc Course: Bill replaced the flags on the disc golf course. Noted one post is falling over and will need some work.

Archery Range: John shared handouts for consideration of future targets when range is in place and explained several options. Mowing grass will be the biggest challenge, estimating one acre of mowing. John shared a handout and explained the animal targets.

Equestrian Trailhead and IRT Grants: Lisa Callen informed grants have been submitted but doesn’t anticipate hearing on them until October, plus work wouldn’t begin until August through December. The National Guard workforce training volunteer work also won’t be available until later.

Volunteers: SIORA is holding its annual cleanup on Saturday May 16. They are waiting to hear what costs the county will cover, and Ray confirmed they’ve been reimbursed for dumpster expense from last year. Greg advised them to go through Southern Idaho Solid Waste as they service the area counties. Clean-up will begin at 8:00 a.m. and go through Noon or 1:00 p.m. Climbers may also come cleanup in climbing areas. SIORA may do some maintenance on the rock crawling area on Sunday.

Parking lot next to Don Zuck arbor: Discussed plans to expand the parking area and add another arbor with questions about how much area was previously authorized.

Meeting Time and Place: Bill explained a request to move the meeting time to earlier with a possible date change. Blue Lakes Country Club can accommodate earlier in the morning, but not later in the afternoon. After some discussion, Greg motioned to move meetings to the first Thursday of the month starting at 9:00 a.m., Jim seconded, motion carried.

Volunteer of the Year: Bill presented this award to Larry Hall conveying the board’s deep appreciation for his work.

ADA Barcode Scanner/Talking Sign: Lisa Callen noted Brenda’s materials for ADA signage. After some discussion the board agreed to wait for Brenda to share this at a later meeting.

Other: Bill informed the County is looking to purchase land to swap with Fish and Game’s property at the Yingst Grade parking lot. This may be finalized sometime next year.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, May 7 at 9:00 a.m. at Blue Lakes Country Club.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:45 p.m.

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.                                                                             

CategoriesNotices by

Notice of Open Meeting Thursday, May 7, 2026

Notice of Open Meeting

Snake River Canyons Park Board

300 North Lincoln Ave.

Jerome, ID. 83338-2317

The Snake River Canyons Park Committee will meet on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Blue Lakes Country Club, Jerome, Idaho.

Bill Bridges, Chairman

         Agenda

Blue Lakes Country Club, Jerome, ID.

(Agenda subject to change up to the time of the meeting or for an emergency)

Date:  Thursday May 7, 2026

9:00am            Call meeting to order

Additions to Agenda – action item with Motion and Order to Amend Agenda

  1. *Approval of Minutes from April 9, 2026, Board Meeting – action item

Project Reports

                                Member & Guest introductions – Bill Bridges

  • *Treasurers Report –  
  • *Bricks – Brenda
  • *Larry Hall– Shoshone Falls Overlook – ribbon cutting, America 250
  • *Tractor and Container Progress
  • *Webpage for SRCP –Bill 
  • *Shooting Range –  Archery, Hunting in the Park
  • Walking trail from Perrine Bridge to Shoshone Falls
  •  Volunteers
  •  Parking lot next to Don Zuck arbor
  •  Equestrian trailhead on 700E
  • *New board member
  •  New Business – additional items if added by agenda amendment.

Guest Sharing – guests are invited to share ideas and information during this time.

Upcoming Calendar Dates –

  • Monthly Meeting, Thursday June 4, 2026, 9am – 11am, Blue Lakes Country Club

                        Adjournment upon completion of business. 

                           *May require a vote.

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.                                                                             

CategoriesNotices by

Notice of Open Meeting Thursday, April 9, 2026

Notice of Open Meeting

Snake River Canyons Park Board

300 North Lincoln Ave.

Jerome, ID. 83338-2317

The Snake River Canyons Park Committee will meet on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Blue Lakes Country Club, Jerome, Idaho.

Bill Bridges, Chairman

         Agenda

Blue Lakes Country Club, Jerome, ID.

(Agenda subject to change up to the time of the meeting or for an emergency)

Date:  Thursday April 9, 2026

11:00am          Call meeting to order

Additions to Agenda – action item with Motion and Order to Amend Agenda

  1. *Approval of Minutes from March 12 & March 23, 2026, Board Meeting – action item

Project Reports

                                Member & Guest introductions – Bill Bridges

  • *Treasurers Report –  
  • *Bricks – Brenda
  • *Larry Hall– Shoshone Falls Overlook – signs, management, ribbon cutting, America 250
  • *Tractor and Container Progress
  • *Webpage for SRCP –Bill 
  • *Idaho Power lines
  • *Shooting Range –  Archery, Hunting in the Park
  • *Grants –
  •  Volunteers
  •  Parking lot next to Don Zuck arbor
  •  Equestrian trailhead on 700E
  • Meeting time and place
  •  New Business – additional items if added by agenda amendment.

Guest Sharing – guests are invited to share ideas and information during this time.

Upcoming Calendar Dates –

  • Monthly Meeting, Thursday May 14, 2026, 11am – 1pm, Blue Lakes Country Club

                        Adjournment upon completion of business. 

                           *May require a vote.

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.                                                                             

CategoriesMeeting Minutes by

Open Meeting Minutes –March 12, 2026

Snake River Canyons Park Board

Open Meeting Minutes

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Blue Lakes Country Club, Jerome, Idaho

Attending Board Members: Chairman Bill Bridges, Steve Paulson, Brenda Weekes, Mark Reyes, Jim Williams, John Weston, Lisa Callen, and Jeff Pierson (by phone). Not present: Greg Moore

Guests: Commissioner Art Wakins, Larry Hall Advisor for the Overlook Project, Mike Tylka Advisor, Aaron Utz with Idaho Power, Jody Revai with Premier Security, Bruce Balthrope, Ray and Karlene Sheen with SIORA, Tim Lauda, Jim Wall, and Kevin Utley interested in a location for gun dog field trials, Sarah Mayer, Shane Claborn and Kinsey Thatcher with Twin Falls Signs, and Rebecca Wildman taking minutes.

Bill called the meeting to order at 11:05 a.m. with a quorum was present and self-introductions were made.

Minutes: Minutes from the February 12, 2026, meeting were reviewed with no changes. Jim made a motion to approve, Lisa Callen seconded, motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: The general account budget is $90,900 and $21k has been spent, primarily on garbage, toilets and security services. The overlook account has $193k, which is enough to finish the overlook project. The 501(c)3 account has a balance of $100k and recent checks were written totaling $60k.

Bricks R Us: Brenda shared her report and explained the process with Bricks R Us, her process of tracking payments made through the website, through the county, or directly to her, and moving funds into the 501c3 account. She reported sales to date totaling over $13k from more than 70 donors.

Shoshone Falls Overlook:

Ribbon Cutting: Bill suggested hosting an event early May, pending Chobani’s preferred date.

Overlook Management: Jerome Commissioners directed the Board to work with Premier Security to hire and manage staff for the overlook. Committee has flagged areas for placing signs, and Cooper Smith from Chobani identified one of two specific rocks for their legacy sign marker.

Overview of Project: Larry shared background information on the project’s origins in 2017, an initial Geotech survey with Idaho Power and Jerome County contributing $100k each. Idaho Power has since contributed another $250k, and Chobani contributed $250k in January 2026 for their Legacy Project. All work on the road and parking areas are complete and paid for. There is still work to be completed on the overlook pad, pathways, and ADA. Pending final expenses, the budget will be finalized with an estimate of $470k, and possible $90k carryover.

Gate and IDL: Bill reported that Randal Brunmeier with the Idaho Department of Lands notified him that the grade the road comes down is on IDL property and that IDL will need to approve signage and the gate. Larry shared sign mockups noting they have been sent to IDL. Discussion about the gate and when it will be locked – primarily after hours – for safety reasons and protecting the park’s assets. It was reported that someone has already rutted up the road with their vehicle.

Concessions: Larry’s research proved that a container-type building was not a viable option. He consulted Out West Barns Hickory Shed and they have a building design with a single sloped roof, concession windows and a side door and could be painted with shadow grey. Larry shared a concept design and Out West’s deeply discounted cost of $6,251 including delivery.

Jody Revai researched the cost of solar for the building estimating $9,987 through Bisch’s, plus installation. He recommends enough power for two fridge/freezer combo units. These units are ideal as they can adjust use depending on temperature needs and were at a discount of $900/each. Having them now will help determine the actual solar power needs. Jim made a motion to buy two fridge/freezer units for the concessions stand, Brenda seconded, motion carried.

Jody added the solar bid will intentionally be over-built in case additional equipment needs to be powered in the future. Jody added the benefit of having two separate systems that can overlap in and serve as a backup to each other. He confirmed the solar will be installed on the roof and pointing south, and that it would run necessary lights. A whisper generator could also augment power needs. He will work with the vendor on details. Jim motioned to purchase the concession building, Mark seconded, motion carried.

Brenda informed about the ADA sight-limited display model they are intending to incorporate, and Jody believed it could easily be run with a battery and locked into the snack bar overnight. Cameras will be installed to provide security.

Fee Kiosk: Larry shared plans for the fee kiosk noting the intention is for it to be placed on BLM property. Estimated cost for this smaller building is $3,438.75 and it will also be equipped with solar. Jody added that additional cameras and surveillance is anticipated with live feed to law enforcement. Aaron suggested taking precautions to keep rodents out of these buildings with Steve and Jody discussing ways to prevent it. Brenda motioned to purchase this smaller building, Lisa Callen seconded, motion carried.

Bill added that extra gravel is included in Nix’s bid, and that gravel can be utilized for these buildings.

Signage:

U.S. Highway 93 Signs: Bill and Larry have approval from Jesse Barrus to have signs on the highway pending final approval from the State Highway Department. Signs will include other park assets in addition to just “overlook.”

Entrance sign: Will be large rock, either etched or plated, design still to be determined.

Interpretive signs: Suggested four different panels measuring 4’x8’ for interpretative information and images. Idaho Fish & Game design work is complete and a smaller size at 5’x4’.  Other signs will include geology and mining, and Native American and traditional fishery. Brenda stressed if the imagery portion is smaller there is extra area of space to fill. Bill believes the other three signs will fill the space. Jim suggested additional space could include information about the off-road, equestrian, and other recreational activities.

Twin Falls Signs: Shane Claborn shared mockups and discussed design elements for a monument. He reviewed the RV park signage emulating a rusted patina that would hold up well and discussed industrial vinyl with an anti-graffiti laminate, adding they can be replaced with updated signs if new information or donors are added. They can provide an accurate bid once more details are decided. Discussed placement on dirt and on rock and how to secure posts, with mention of break-away safety posts and ADA signage settings. Shane suggested a patinaed roof overhang on the signs noting it wasn’t included in this draft bid. Shane added they can quote installing a “high-notification stripped coating” for the gate signaling it is closed and they can even provide a quote for the gate. Shane provided a signage estimate of $19,247 noting it doesn’t include everything discussed.

Larry asked for approval of the backside of the entrance sign and it was discussed that its design was already approved.

Benches: CSI quoted bench construction for $275/per bench and six have been ordered. Bill asked if anyone has a source for building picnic tables and/or helping repair the corral trailhead post. Bruce Balthrope said he may be available.

Garbage Cans: Republic Waste gave a quote for one large dumpster at 2yd for $70/month or 6yd for $120/month. Discussed larger versus smaller containers and where to place them with Jim suggesting a smaller dumpster near portable toilets and 55/gal cans near the concessions and other places. Bill suggested placing them and seeing if they need to be emptied once per week or more often. Brenda reminded that Republic Waste offered donation of their services and Bill will make that inquiry.

Celebration: Larry summarized his vision for a ribbon cutting event inviting dignitaries and partners, possibly during the first part of May. Bill added that BLM’s marketer, Heather Thiel Nelson, informed him the BLM is thinking about hosting an event on July Fourth at the Overlook and celebrating the BLM’s 80th anniversary and overlap in celebrating the U.S. 250th anniversary.

Tour for U.S. Senator Staff: Samantha Marshall and Mike Matthews, local representatives for Senators Crapo and Risch respectively, toured the park with a focus on the shooting range explaining the issues that are holding up this project. Noted the concerns about shooting tailings, but also concerns that without a managed range areas see all kinds of trash and shells left behind. Bill added that twenty years of annual cleanups has significantly improved the southern areas of the park while the northern areas have not had this benefit and looks terrible.

Tractor and Container: Bill will follow-up on the intent to find an artist to paint the back side and end of the container. Rebecca suggested asking Camille Barigar. The portable toilet at this location will be moved as to not block the view of the container’s new art design.

Webpage: Jim asked for social media and the website to include SIORA and their work, and not just Southern Idaho Jeepers. Bill will communicate this.

Special Board Meeting: Bill would like to add a second Special Board meeting in April and will seek availability.

Idaho Power Pole: Idaho Power sent Bill a proposal to place a new power pole within the middle dirt section of the parking lot. The board discussed and agreed Bill and Larry should meet with Idaho Power at the area to determine exactly what is being proposed and consider the best options for the area. They also suggested lining entire parking area with boulders for safety reasons.

Bird Dog Field Proposal: Tim Lauda, Jim Wall, and Kevin Utley attended to inquire about placing a bird dog field training area between the Disc course and Big Little Ranches. The area in mind is just under 800 acres and they estimate a need of 280 acres with a 360 yard buffer zone could be used for dog trials, hunt tests and training. They described the trials and their use of guns, pigeons, and dogs, predicting major trials would be hosted in spring and fall months, but the area could be open for other uses in summer and winter months.

Brenda and Steve informed them how the park’s process works to apply for uses within the master plan and the BLM. The board shared their concerns about this use mentioning lead shot’s environmental issues, proximity, shooting/hunting regulations, archeological reviews and typical timelines for approval from the park’s leadership, the county, and the BLM. The Board offered suggestions for documentation and strategies and awareness of the hurdles they will encounter. Brenda will send them the initial request form.

Weed Abatement: Steve reported he has dedicated a full workday with the Tri-county weed crew (5 rigs and staff) for weed-abatement in the park and a focus on causeways. Rust skeleton weed is the biggest offender and where they will focus. They have already sprayed the disc golf course including each hole landing and launch spots. Bare ground spraying is ahead of schedule and more expensive this year due to newly added areas.

Shooting Range: John shared the proposal to build an archery range on the parcel between Golf Course Road and Blue Lakes Grade with one entrance through BLM’s gate at the well house. The second entrance is 100 yards down Golf Course Road and could incorporate a parking lot. He envisions two archery ranges with one including animals and bullseyes, and the second with strictly archery bullseyes. It could include a walk around for one-half to three-quarters of a mile, and it would be the only one like it throughout the state. Estimated layout is less than $10k and he thinks the three archery clubs in the area would help with outlay. He estimates using 30 acres and Brenda will send John the proposal form and will help him with the form and mapping. Project would include gravel, use of the container for storage, and a parking lot. Jim motioned to approve the archery concept, Mark seconded, motion carried.

Grants: Lisa Callen said the grant application results will be announced in October. She is working on paperwork with the National Guard Armory Readiness Training to help make trailheads. She believes they can be a valued partner for future projects.

Don Zuck Arbor Parking Lot: Jim suggested getting gravel for the lot and getting volunteers to spread it. Brenda will send Jim the BLM’s request form.  

Trail from Bridge to Overlook: Bill’s vision is to pursue this project; he mentioned the IDL’s proposed 10-year lease and estimates a $200k investment needed to create the trail.

IDL Permits: Bill informed that any use occurring on IDL property needs to have a permit submitted.

Other: Lisa asked about timelines, getting additional bids on signage and gating and Mark anticipates another quote coming in. Lisa offered to work with Larry on moving things forward.

With no further business the meeting was adjourned at 1:25 p.m.  

Next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Blue Lakes Country Club and a Special Meeting will be scheduled for later in April.