New shade structures coming to park as part of grant
Holding a check presented to the Friends of the Soda Springs City Park are Carlie Clark, Brandi Carroll, Melanie Birch, Simon Borch, Laura Lind, and Alana Burns.
Alana Burns, Soda Springs broker and owner of Guardian Realty, applied for and was awarded a $5,000 grant from the Idaho Realtors Association from their grant program to help afford the materials and construction of new shade structures that will be installed at the new playground at the Soda Springs City Park. City Engineer Alan Skinner is working with Justin Hansen, Director of City Services, to finalize the specifications for the structure, but the group anticipates that the project will be completed in 2024. This grant was one of three $5,000 grants that were awarded throughout the state by the IRA.
Burns explained, “I love this community and the time I get to spend meeting people at the playground when I take my children there to play. Soon we’ll all be able to converse and play more comfortably once these shade structures are installed!” The group had looked at several projects as possibilities for the grant, and ultimately decided on the shade structures as something that would directly and practically improve the experience of visiting the park.
As one of the central locations within the city for gathering and meeting, especially for those with younger children, it can always benefit from improvements to its accessibility and accommodation. The shade provided by the new materials will certainly be welcome as temperatures soar later in the summer. Burns expressed her appreciation for those who have already worked to make the park a great facility, as well as her satisfaction at being able to contribute to that effort. “I am proud to be a REALTOR and even more proud to present this money to The Friends of the Soda Springs City Park group who made this playground dream a reality. The city has also generously offered to provide the labor necessary to install and design these structures. We couldn’t have done this without them either!” Burns said.
Once the city finalizes the design of the new shade structures, Laura Lind and Alana Burns will be calling area providers to gather bids, finalize a budget and timeline, and commence fundraising efforts. If people would like to support this project or contribute to the ongoing fundraising for these shade structures, they can reach out to Laura Lind at 208-604-0885.
