TWIN FALLS • First Federal Savings Bank launched its second century in business Friday by announcing plans to build a full-access park at Sunway Soccer Complex west of town.p:BC BCJ1 Body Copy Justified Dateline
“This is so awesome,” said Christine Miller, whose 8-year-daughter, Hannah, has cerebral palsy. “We usually avoid parks and find other things to do.”
Hannah’s grin spread ear to ear as her mother talked about the park, which will feature 13,000 square feet of fun for all children, plus a 3,000-square-foot splash park.
When she takes Hannah and daughters Hailey, 5, and Harper, 2, to a typical park, Miller said, she ends up packing Hannah around while the other two play.
Hannah misses out on so much, she said.
“Besides, it’s exhausting. It’s not something we do too often.”
But by Memorial Day, Hannah can expect to get out of her wheelchair and experience the thrill of splashing in a pool or cruising a zip line, instead of watching others play.
“Imagine the freedom these (disabled) kids will feel,” Mayor Don Hall said Friday after the announcement at First Federal’s corporate headquarters.
The park will cater to disabled parents and grandparents too, with its mobility-assistance devices and a wheelchair-friendly surface. Play stations will include a roller table, a 10-foot slide and 66-foot zip line with a bucket seat.
The closest full-access parks are in Boise and Pocatello, too far, said Miller.
City Councilman Shawn Barigar, president and CEO of the Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, said the project will benefit Twin Falls and the Magic Valley by enhancing the area’s tourism portfolio.
“What a way to be a part of the greater good,” said Barigar.
Months ago, the bank was looking for a way to commemorate its 100th anniversary, said spokesman Jeff Jardine. The park idea was the brainchild of Marketing Director Ashley Terry.
Unbeknownst to First Federal employees, the city was considering a similar park but needed funds, Jardine said. Then the bank went to the city with its plan.
“It was tough keeping it secret at first,” said Jardine, “but once everyone got on board, it was easy.”
The city owns the soccer complex — on 2700 East, halfway between Falls Avenue and Pole Line Road West — and will maintain the park, said Parks Director Dennis Bowyer.
Asked what the park will cost First Federal, President and CEO Alan Horner just smiled. “It’s a gift,” he said.
Source: magicvalley.com
