HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity of Rexbug Parks PlanCITY OF REXBURG PARKS PLAN
Adopted May 16, 2018
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The current City and County leaders are to be commended
for their commitment to developing a master plan for
parks, trails, and open spaces for recreation, wellness and
quality of life. Under the leadership of Mayor Jerry L. Merrill,
citizens, local businesses and staff have made strides to
improve the current inventory and future of parks and trails
at the City and County level.
The dedication of City of leadership, advisory boards,
business leaders and volunteers is greatly appreciated, for
without their insights and hard work, this plan would not
have emerged. More than 1,951 households in the City
of Rexburg and 506 households in surrounding Madison
County areas also deserve thanks for their resounding
response to the parks and trails needs assessment
survey and for their input and support for these important
community resources.
City of Rexburg Leadership
Jerry L. Merrill, Mayor
Sally Smith, Councilmember
Mikel Walker, Councilmember
Christopher J. Mann, Councilmember
Jordan Busby, Councilmember
Tisha Flora, Councilmember
Brad Wolfe, Councilmember
City Staff
Craig Rindlisbacher, City Planner
Scott Johnson, Economic Development Director
Daniel Torres, Assistant Economic Developer
Greg McInnes, Parks Director
Cole Hibbard, GIS
Jeff Crowther, Recreation Director
Planning Consultants
MGB+A
Jay Bollwinkel, AICP, ASLA, LEED ND
Kathryn Knight Sonntag, MLA
CRSA
Kevin DeKold, AIA, NCARB
Kelly Gillman, ASLA, AICP
Melissa Fryer
Zions Public Finance, Inc.
Susie Becker
Scott Aylett, Financial Analyst
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................1
ORGANIZATION OF THE PLAN DOCUMENT.....................................................................................................2
STATEMENTS OF PURPOSE.........................................................................................................................3
WELLNESS STATEMENT..................................................................................................................3
PARKS STATEMENT........................................................................................................................3
RECREATION STATEMENT...............................................................................................................3
VISION & GOALS........................................................................................................................................3
RELATIONSHIP TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN............................................................................................3
RELATIONSHIP TO ENVISION MADISON........................................................................................................4
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN THE PLANNING PROCESS.......................................................................................5
2. PARKS & RECREATION DEMAND: CURRENT & FUTURE CONDITIONS......................9
CURRENT & FUTURE DEMOGRAPHICS........................................................................................................10
PARKS....................................................................................................................................................17
TRAILS...................................................................................................................................................26
RECREATION PROGRAMS..........................................................................................................................28
3. PARKS & RECREATION TRENDS........................................................................33
NATIONAL WELLNESS TRENDS..................................................................................................................34
NATIONAL TRENDS IN RECREATION PARTICIPATION.....................................................................................34
YOUTH TRENDS IN RECREATION PARTICIPATION..........................................................................................37
STATE-WIDE TRENDS IN RECREATION PARTICIPATION.................................................................................37
4. PARKS & RECREATION NEEDS..........................................................................41
LEVEL OF SERVICE & PARK NEEDS ANALYSIS..............................................................................................42
PARK SERVICE AREA & DISTRIBUTION ANALYSIS.........................................................................................43
PARK SERVICE AREA GAPS.......................................................................................................................43
PARK & TRAIL CONNECTIONS....................................................................................................................44
WINTER RECREATION...............................................................................................................................44
5. POLICIES & GOALS..........................................................................................47
GOALS....................................................................................................................................................48
6. ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, MANAGEMENT & OPERATION NEEDS...................51
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR SPECIFIC NEEDS...................................................................................................52
MAINTENANCE COSTS..............................................................................................................................52
PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION FACILITY NEEDS..........................................................................................54
FUNDING NEEDS......................................................................................................................................55
7. ACTION PLAN.................................................................................................67
STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION PLAN..........................................................................................................68
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS & PRIORITIES.........................................................................................68
Prepared by:
APPENDIX..........................................................................................................73
DEFINITIONS...........................................................................................................................................74
DRAFT PLAN OPEN HOUSE MEETING - COMMENTS & NOTES.......................................................................74
RESULTS FROM INFORMAL INTERNET SURVEY............................................................................................82
LIST OF MAPS
Map 1. EXISTING REXBURG PARKS - PUBLIC & PRIVATE..............................................................................19
Map 2. EXISTING REXBURG PARKS WITH SERVICE AREAS............................................................................21
Map 3. EXISTING & PROPOSED REXBURG PARKS WITH SERVICE AREAS........................................................23
Map 4. PARK SERVICE AREA GAPS - REXBURG...........................................................................................25
Map 5. PROPOSED REXBURG PARKS - MADISON COUNTY............................................................................27
Map 6. EXISTING & PROPOSED TRAILS - REXBURG.....................................................................................29
Map 7. EXISTING SIDEWALKS & BIKE LANES - REXBURG.............................................................................30
Map 8. EXISTING & PROPOSED TRAILS - COUNTY-WIDE..............................................................................31
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: EXISTING MINI PARKS..................................................................................................................18
Table 2: EXISTING NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS.................................................................................................20
Table 3: EXISTING COMMUNITY PARKS.......................................................................................................22
Table 4: EXISTING SPECIAL USE PARKS......................................................................................................24
Table 5: ALL EXISTING PUBLIC PARKS COMBINED.......................................................................................77
Table 6: COST TO UPGRADE EXISTING MINI PARKS......................................................................................52
Table 7: COST TO UPGRADE EXISTING NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS.....................................................................53
Table 8: COST TO UPGRADE EXISTING COMMUNITY PARKS..........................................................................53
Table 9: SUMMARY COSTS TO UPGRADE EXISTING PARKS...........................................................................53
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 1
1. INTRODUCTION
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 32 | INTRODUCTION
ORGANIZATION OF THE
DOCUMENT
The City of Rexburg Parks Plan (2018-2038) is organized
into seven chapters, as follows:
1. Introduction provides background and baseline data,
as well as a summary of the master plan process and
purpose.
2. Parks & Recreation Demand: Current and Future
Conditions addresses existing and future park needs,
beginning with an analysis of existing conditions. The
chapter includes maps and tables to illustrate the data.
3. Parks & Recreation Trends provides snapshots of
national trends in recreation, youth trends in recreation
participation, and Idaho trends in recreation participation.
4. Parks & Recreation Needs summarizes communi-
ty-identified needs gathered through an online survey and
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The City of Rexburg has developed a vision for commu-
nity wellness. The City believes that being active is be-
ing healthy. All Rexburg residents should have access to
high-quality, clean and safe park and recreation facilities.
(2020 Vision).
COMMUNITY WELLNESS STATEMENT
The City of Rexburg believes in working with
community health partners and private and
public entities to promote healthy habits and
lifestyles. Opportunities for promoting healthy
behaviors and practices can contribute to the
overall quality of life for our citizens. A healthy
population, with lower health costs, with less
days lost to illness, means greater worker and
student productivity, higher wages, higher edu-
cational attainment, and makes Rexburg a more
competitive city.
The City of Rexburg’s commitment to community health
is seen in its active engagement with community part-
ners: Brigham Young University-Idaho, Madison Memorial
Hospital, Madison School District, non-profits, and many
others. The City has invested time and money into a first-
class park system and trail system, and in its Recreation
Department which has a mission to provide family-centric
recreational classes, events and races.
PARKS & TRAILS STATEMENT
Being active depends on living healthy. All
Rexburg residents should have access to
high-quality, clean and safe park and recre-
ation facilities (2020 Vision). The City supports
the development of an integrated trail network
connecting Rexburg neighborhoods to parks,
recreation areas, and community amenities to
provide residents with the tools to be active
and thrive. Living well is being well.
RECREATION MISSION STATEMENT
The Rexburg Recreation Department fulfills the com-
munity’s recreational needs by offering high quality
programs, events and facilities to enhance residents’
quality of life. The recreation department will work
with residents and community partners to ensure the
success of recreation and to stay current on recre-
ational trends.
VISION & GOALS
The purpose of this plan is to integrate the Madison County,
Sugar City, and City of Rexburg Survey, Open House
meeting and Master Plan Committee input with proposed
staff short- and long-term goals, including the findings
from Envision Madison. The survey and meetings identify
critical community needs in recreational or fitness activities,
parks and trails, the types of venues that are being used
or could be built, and how to pay for both the building and
long-term operation and maintenance costs.
Along with industry standards for parks and recreation,
citizen input is critical to identifying areas in the community
where trails, parks, athletic venues and open space are
needed. (A complete list of goals for the City to achieve
during the 20-year planning period is found in 5. Goals.)
RELATIONSHIP TO THE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Chapter 10: Parks, Recreation, and Open Space of the
Rexburg Vision 20/20 Comprehensive Master Plan out-
lines goals and objectives for parks, recreation and open
space. This parks master plan provides the recommen-
dations, identification, and action plan for parks, trails and
recreational facilities yet to be developed.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Goal 1: Aspire to a goal for all Rexburg residents to
have adequate access to high-quality, clean, and safe
park and recreation facilities.
Objective 1.1: Maintain, and when possible, further de-
velop existing parks and green space areas throughout
the City.
• Policy: When appropriate, identify and prioritize
park space needs and include them in a City-wide
Capital Improvements Plan.
Objective 1.2: Plan for the development of additional
park spaces as the City grows to ensure all Rexburg
residents have convenient access to parks.
• Policy: When appropriate, develop and adopt a
open house and follows with an analysis of need, a deter-
mination of Level of Service (LOS) for Rexburg’s current
and projected population in 2038. The chapter includes
maps and tables to illustrate the data, and concludes with
recommendations.
5. Goals outlines a parks and trails vision that extends
from a detailed analysis of the City of Rexburg to regional
connections throughout Madison County.
6. Acquisition, Construction, Management & Opera-
tion Needs outlines base construction costs for materi-
als, management and operations. A detailed list of fund-
ing options, ranging from small to larger projects, is given.
7. Action Plan lays out specific projects, policies and
programs that fit within a 5-, 10- and 20-year time frame,
based on funding accessibility and community-identified
needs.
Sunrise at Henrys Fork of the Snake River.
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 54 | INTRODUCTION
Parks and Recreation Plan for Rexburg that inven-
tories all parks and recreational facilities available
and assesses and plans for future parks.
• Policy: As appropriate, identify and acquire sites for
future parks and recreational facilities in areas of
the city currently not well-served by parks.
• Policy: Encourage developers to set aside park
space in areas of new development.
• Policy: Collect and balance the use of park impact
fees to help ensure that new demand for a range of
park and recreation facilities are addressed.
Objective 1.3: Encourage and support the develop-
ment and maintenance of regional park and recreation-
al facilities.
• Policy: Consider entering into discussions with
Madison County and Sugar City to identify and se-
cure funding for a regional community recreation
center, and other recreation facilities
Goal 2: Support the development of an integrated trail
network connecting Rexburg neighborhoods to parks,
recreation areas, and community amenities such as
the Teton River corridor, BYU-I and downtown.
Objective 2.1: Support and encourage the develop-
ment of a “green grid” plan identifying key pedestrian
and bicycle routes throughout the City.
• Policy: Encourage developers to set aside land for
trails as new development occurs.
• Policy: When appropriate, the City should identify
and prioritize alignments for future bicycle routes
to be included in a City-wide Capital Improvement
Plan.
• Policy: Cooperate with the Trails of Madison Coun-
ty organization to implement the Madison County
Trails Master Plan and Greenbelt Plan.
• Policy: Explore options for funding sources for the
development of future trails systems, as identified
in the Trails of Madison County Trails Master Plan,
and in this Comprehensive Plan Chapter, at the ap-
propriate time.
RELATIONSHIP TO ENVISION
MADISON
The Envision Madison public opinion process was instru-
mental in creating an understanding of user needs and
desires concerning parks, open space, recreation facili-
ties and trails throughout the county. The Recreation Task
Force sought input from a broad spectrum of stakehold-
ers, including mothers, athletic directors, sports league
representatives, local business owners, and others in-
volved in recreation throughout the county. The goals of
the task force were:
• Bring together representatives of the different recre-
ational associations to provide better coordination of
public events and facility use.
• Identify and promote future and existing recreational
events in our community.
• Ensure the public has input on what, when, how, and
where to build or upgrade recreational facilities.
The key takeaways of the task force are listed below:
There is a lack of awareness in the community of cur-
rent events and publicly available facilities. Possible
solutions include:
• Use social media to coordinate efforts of various or-
ganizations putting on events.
• Create a free application where users can choose
what events they would like to be notified about and
how.
• A Facebook page was created in order to create
more public awareness. It is called Envision Madi-
son-Recreation.
Build sports complexes in the future.
A four-plex softball/baseball field (outdoor) would en-
hance the County’s ability to offer tournaments, which
have economic and social benefits to the community.
(This is currently being built.)
The County severely lacks opportunities for indoor
recreation and should build an indoor facility that will
accommodate year-round participation of sports that
are typically seasonal, including swimming, basketball/
volleyball, soccer, etc.
Preserve and expand the open green belt area along
the River for recreation purposes.
When appropriate, the City and County should
consider moving the Fairgrounds.
The specific needs and desires for sports, facilities, parks,
trails and open space inform the recommendations and
Action Plan of this Parks Plan, which is a continuation
of the Envision Madison process (see Appendix, p.80).
The Parks Plan incorporates the inventory data gathered,
assessed potential park and facility locations, the under-
standing of user priorities and values, and further devel-
ops specifications toward parks and recreation goals and
objectives by placing specific user needs to a timeline
with established costs and funding tools in place.
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN
THE PARKS PLAN PROCESS
PUBLIC INPUT OPPORTUNITIES
INFORMAL INTERNET SURVEY - SUMMARY OF
RESULTS
Community needs were assessed at one Open House
meeting, held on February 8, 2018, along with an online
survey hosted on SurveyMonkey which ran from December
12, 2017 to February 23, 2018. Several work meetings
were also held with the Master Plan Committee to gather
their insights. These efforts brought to light what activities
are being provided for and which are inadequate.
The survey portion was designed to gather information
about (1) current use of parks and recreation facilities,
(2) participation in specific recreation activities, and (3)
improvements needed in City parks, trails, and facilities.
A full summary of survey results can be found on page 82
of the Appendix.
Some of the key survey findings include the following:
• The majority of respondents (79%) were residents of
Rexburg.
• 32% of respondents were BYU-I students.
• 35% of all respondents had members of his/her house-
hold enrolled in the Madison County School District.
• Over 91% of respondents agreed that having access
to parks that facilitate participation for young chil-
dren, older children and adults is important.
• Over 87% of respondents said they or members of
their household would participate in outdoor winter
recreational activities if more options or opportunities
were available.
• 43% of respondents said they would support an an-
nual user fee for the purchase of park land and park
improvements in the range of up to $25 a year.
Winter activities with high participation (in descending
frequency, top 5 from survey):
• Sledding/snow tubing
• Ski/snowboarding
• Indoor basketball
• Ice skating
• Cross Country skiing
Improvements and/or amenities wanted in parks in the
next five years (in descending order, top 5 from survey):
• Walking paths
• Water fountains
• Ice rink
• Jungle gyms and/or swings
• Benches
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 76 | INTRODUCTION
Winter activities or opportunities you or your household
would participate in if they were more readily available (in
descending order, top 5 from survey):
• Sledding
• Ice skating in a covered rink
• Ice skating
• Indoor running/jogging
• Toddler/child indoor play and learning area
PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE MEETING – SUMMARY OF
INPUT RECEIVED
A public open house meeting was held on February 8, 2018
at City Hall. The purpose of the meeting was to provide an
opportunity for the public to express ideas and concerns
in regards to parks and recreation.
The following is a summary of key issues, ideas and ques-
tions by general category (see Appendix for the full list of
comments):
EXISTING PARK NEEDS
• The City’s emphasis should be on building Community
Parks.
• The City should strengthen and increase the variety of
amenities in Community Parks.
PROPOSED PARK NEEDS
• There is a need for park space and access to parks
on the south side of Rexburg.
PARK AMENITIES/ELEMENTS
• The City and University should have better wayfinding
and park signs.
TRAILS
• Long continuous trails/connectivity is the number one
priority for trails.
• Trails should connect neighborhoods to places where
people want to go.
• City trails should link to County and regional systems.
• Rexburg needs a traffic-free bike path on the outskirts
of town.
• The trail system should connect to the Yellowstone
railroad trail system.
• Recreational trails should have a more natural feeling
and “loop” around the City.
• Trails should be part of a comprehensive system that
connects all parts of the community.
MISCELLANEOUS/GENERAL FEEDBACK
• Wayfinding signs should be put in place to identify
trailheads.
CITY STAFF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Representatives from the City of Rexburg staff met and
spoke frequently with the consultants to help guide the
planning process and to provide valuable information and
insight. The group met three times during the planning
process, and was available for less formal discussions
throughout the planning process.
PUBLIC HEARINGS & PLAN ADOPTION
The City adopted the plan on May 16, 2018 following a
public hearing held on the same date.
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 9
2. PARKS & RECREATION DEMAND: CURRENT & FUTURE CONDITIONS
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 1110 | PARKS & RECREATION DEMAND: CURRENT & FUTURE CONDITIONS
CURRENT & FUTURE
DEMOGRAPHICS
The City of Rexburg estimated a 2018 population of
36,095 which serves as the baseline for this project. The
population is projected to increase by nearly 17,647 peo-
ple to 53,742 in 2038, which is the assumed twenty-year
planning horizon for the project (2018 to 2038).
POPULATION GROWTH
Population growth projections were determined using
traffic analysis zone (TAZ) data prepared by Horrocks En-
gineers as part of the Transportation Master Plan. Any
TAZ intersecting Rexburg city limits was included in the
citywide estimate and projections. According to the TAZ
projections, the estimated population in Rexburg in 2016
was 35,093. (Population estimates were calculated using
all TAZ intersecting city limits.) Using an average annual
growth of 523 persons per year between 2016 and 2020,
as show in Table 1, the estimated population in 2018 is
36,139.
Rexburg’s population is expected to increase by more
than 22,000 persons by 2040, with an average popula-
tion increase of 917 persons per year. This equates to an
average annual growth rate of 2 percent. The majority of
growth is expected to occur after 2030. As shown in the
table below, the average annual population increase be-
tween 2016 and 2030 is 658 persons per year, compared
to 1,280 persons per year between 2030 and 2040.
Population growth in Rexburg is projected to occur pri-
marily near downtown along Main Street between 2nd
North and 2nd South and between 5th West and 2nd
East, as well as in areas near the city limits through phys-
ical annexation.
Generally, areas with greater growth projections also
have significant amounts of vacant land. This is reflected
in relatively higher growth projections found in portions
of the Impact Area that are largely vacant. On the other
hand, areas of downtown and near BYU-Idaho are also
projected to have significant population growth; howev-
er, these areas lack large amounts of vacant land. Pop-
ulation growth in these areas will be possible because
of greater population densities (i.e., student and other
multi-family housing).
Table __: Total Population Change (Source: TAZ; Horrocks Engineers)
2016-2020 2020-2025 2025-2030 2030-2035 2035-2040 2016-2030 2030-2040 2016-2040
Per Period 2,092 3,148 3,978 5,282 7,514 9,218 12,796 22,014
Per Year 523 315 398 528 751 658 1,280 917
1
Current population densities are greatest in the area
around the BYU-Idaho campus, as shown on the follow-
ing map. This is reflected in the number of student and
other multi-family units located around campus com-
pared to other areas of the City.
Population densities south of Main Street and near the
BYU-Idaho campus are generally expected to remain high-
er than other areas of the City as the population grows
through 2040.
SECONDARY EDUCATION & BYU-IDAHO
STUDENT ENROLLMENT
Students at BYU-Idaho make up a large portion of Rexburg’s
population. According to the 2016 American Community
Survey (ACS), approximately 34 percent of Rexburg’s pop-
ulation is enrolled at a private college or graduate school.
Table __: Total College Enrollment (Source: ACS 2016)
Total Percent of Population
Over 15
Percent of Total
Population
Public college or graduate school:1,712 8%6%
Private college or graduate school:9,282 44%34%
Not enrolled in college or graduate school:10,281 48%38%
Total Population Over 15 21,275
Total Population 27,114
2
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 1312 | PARKS & RECREATION DEMAND: CURRENT & FUTURE CONDITIONS
BYU-Idaho estimates that their current enrollment is ap-
proximately 15,000 students per track, with approximate-
ly 34,117 unique students enrolled each year. (BYU-Idaho
uses a three-track system in which students are enrolled
in two of three semesters each year, and are off track for
the third semester.) The University estimates that by 2022
the per semester enrollment will reach approximately
23,550, with 45,600 unique students per year.
AGE
According to the 2016 ACS, nearly a quarter of the Rexburg
population is below the age of 18, making it the youngest
Table __: Total Population by Age (Source: ACS 2016)
Total Percent of Total
Under 18 6,525 24%
18 to 24 10,646 39%
25 to 44 6,311 23%
45 to 64 2,357 9%
Over 65 1,275 5%
TOTAL 27,114 100%
3
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 1514 | PARKS & RECREATION DEMAND: CURRENT & FUTURE CONDITIONS
The following map shows, by Census Block Group, the percent of population under the age of 18
(Source: 2016 ACS). The areas immediately around campus have smaller proportions of minors.
HOUSING
Housing Types
Housing types in Rexburg are grouped into three categories:
• Single Family
• Multifamily: Not BYU-Idaho Single Student Approved Housing
• Student Housing: BYU-Idaho Single Student Approved Housing. (BYU-I requires single students to
live in University-approved housing complexes.)
Student housing is typically located adjacent to the BYU-Idaho campus. According to the map, multi-family
housing is generally located north and west of campus.
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 1716 | PARKS & RECREATION DEMAND: CURRENT & FUTURE CONDITIONS
EXISTING CITY & COUNTY
PARKS
The City of Rexburg is fortunate to have a range
of parks to help meet existing and future park and
recreation needs. Map 1 shows the type, size and
location of the City’s existing parks (both public and
private) and Map 2 shows the service area for the
same. Existing private parks were considered, be-
cause they often help meet the recreational needs
of the subdivisions for which they were created. This
is often an important consideration, especially if the
surrounding area is underserved by public parks.
However, private parks are not generally available
for use by residents outside the subdivision they
serve, and, therefore, do not have a service area
beyond the limits of subdivision for which they were
created. The following is a summary description
of the City’s existing parks. The descriptions be-
gin with Mini Parks, continuing by size to address
Neighborhood Parks and Community Parks, and
concluding with Special Use Parks, which are not
necessarily classified by size. A complete invento-
ry of County parks and their amenities is found on
pages 78-79 of the Appendix.
18 | PARKS & RECREATION DEMAND: CURRENT & FUTURE CONDITIONS REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 19
MINI PARKS
Mini Parks serve local neighborhoods with amenities
specifically targeted to the demographics and interests of
the nearby surroundings. There are three (3) public Mini
Parks in the City at present, encompassing a total of 2.12
acres. In addition, there are several private Mini Parks of
similar size and characteristics. Although these facilities
are generally not available for public use, they neverthe-
less serve the subdivision where they are situated.
Mini Parks are intended to be located within walking dis-
tance of local neighborhoods, and should include grassy
play areas, playgrounds, sport courts, benches, and
other small scale amenities such as pavilions and shade
structures. Mini Parks have a typical service area of up
to 0.25 miles (one-quarter mile), or a 5 to 7 minute walk
time, and are generally one (1) acre in size or smaller, al-
though there may be small variances. Existing Public Mini
Parks are illustrated on Maps 1 and 2, and their specific
characteristics and amenities are indicated in Table 1.
EXISTING PUBLIC AND PRIVATE
PARK TYPES & AMENITIES
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MINI PARKS (approx. 0-1 acres)
REXBURG CITY
Rotary Park 235 Rodney Drive 0.55 No 1 No
Park Street Park 500 West Park Street 0.69 No 3 Yes
North Gate / South Gates Park 7th South and 4th West 0.88 No 1 Yes (2)Yes
Rexburg City Total 2.12 1 4
0 0.25 0.5 0.75 10.125 Miles
Existing Rexburg Parks — Public & Private
Rexburg City
Parks Master Plan
Map 1
1
89
10
11
5
6
7
0 0.25 0.5 0.75
Miles
1
Public Private
Eagle Park
Nature Park
Riverside Park
Rotary Park
Community Fields
Evergreen Park
Smith Park
Porter Park
Park Street Park
Hidden Valley Park
North Gate/South Gate Park
Rexburg Municipal Golf Course
Madison County Fairgrounds
Teton Lakes Golf Course
Madison Jr. High
Adams Elementary
Madison School District
Kennedy Elementary
Lincoln Elementary
Burton Elementary
Madison District Administration Building
LDS Church- 845 W 7th S
LDS Church- 590 Summerwood Dr
LDS Church- 314 N 2nd Ave
Thomas E Ricks Demonstration Gardens
BYU-Idaho Sport Fields
1
8
2
2
9
3
3
10
4
4
11
12
12
13
13
14
14
5
6
7
Public Park
School (Park)
Church (Park)
Residential - Existing & Proposed
Table 1
Mini parks meet a specific need in a neighborhood and
tend to be used mainly by preschool children as long as
they are accessible from a neighborhood (Rotary Park).
As the neighborhood around a Mini Park grows older and
children mature, these parks tend to get less use.
Park Street Park
20 | PARKS & RECREATION DEMAND: CURRENT & FUTURE CONDITIONS REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 21
0 0.25 0.5 0.75 10.125 Miles
Existing Rexburg Parks with Service Areas
Rexburg City
Parks Master Plan
Map 2
0 0.25 0.5 0.75
Miles
1
Public Private
1
Public Park
School (Park)
Church (Park)
Residential - Existing & Proposed
Mini Park (1/4 Mile Radius)
Neighborhood Park (1/2 Mile Radius)
Community Park (3/4 Mile Radius)
Park Service Area
Neighborhood Park (1/2 Mile Radius)
Community Park (3/4 Mile Radius)
Park Service Area
1
89
10
11
5
6
7
Eagle Park
Nature Park
Riverside Park
Rotary Park
Community Fields
Evergreen Park
Smith Park
Porter Park
Park Street Park
Hidden Valley Park
North Gate/South Gate Park
Rexburg Municipal Golf Course
Madison County Fairgrounds
Teton Lakes Golf Course
Madison Jr. High
Adams Elementary
Madison School District
Kennedy Elementary
Lincoln Elementary
Burton Elementary
Madison District Administration Building
LDS Church- 845 W 7th S
LDS Church- 590 Summerwood Dr
LDS Church- 314 N 2nd Ave
Thomas E Ricks Demonstration Gardens
BYU-Idaho Sport Fields
1
8
2
2
9
3
3
10
4
4
11
12
12
13
13
14
14
5
6
7
Table 2
EXISTING PUBLIC
PARK TYPES & AMENITIES
PA
R
K
A
D
D
R
E
S
S
TO
T
A
L
A
C
R
E
S
PA
R
K
I
N
G
BA
S
K
E
T
B
A
L
L
VO
L
L
E
Y
B
A
L
L
TE
N
N
I
S
BA
S
E
B
A
L
L
/
SO
F
T
B
A
L
L
SO
C
C
E
R
FO
O
T
B
A
L
L
RE
S
T
R
O
O
M
S
PI
C
N
I
C
T
A
B
L
E
PL
A
Y
G
R
O
U
N
D
E
Q
U
I
P
M
E
N
T
PA
V
L
I
O
N
TR
A
I
L
A
C
C
E
S
S
OT
H
E
R
A
M
E
N
I
T
I
E
S
NEIGHBORHOOD PARK (approx. 1-5 acres)
REXBURG CITY
Evergreen-Kiwanis Park 801 West Main 7.66 Yes 1 2 Yes(Various) 2 1 Yes
Hidden Valley Park Palmer Circle 2.81 No Yes (2) 2 No
Rexburg City Total 10.47 1 2 4 1
NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
Neighborhood Parks serve the broader neighbor-
hood with large amenities or local amenities that
reflect the specific demographics and interests of
the neighborhood. Occasionally, these parks may
include a regional draw, such as a skate park or
splash pad. More typical amenities include grassy
play areas, restroom, pavilions, playgrounds, sport
courts (basketball, volleyball and tennis), sports
fields (baseball, soccer, football and similar sports),
picnic areas, seating and walking paths that are
connected to other trails and open space. Neigh-
borhood Parks have a service area of 0.5 mile, or
a 15 minute walk time, and are generally two to 5
acres in extent. As illustrated in Map 1 and 2 and
described in Table 2, there are two (2) Neighbor-
hood Parks in Rexburg at present, encompassing a
total of 10.47 acres.
Evergreen Park
Neighborhood Parks are becoming more and more import-
ant to the success of a city’s park and recreational program.
They are the place where soccer, baseball, football and
other field sports occur. They are also places where people
gather for family reunions, neighborhood and religious
parties and many other activities.
22 | PARKS & RECREATION DEMAND: CURRENT & FUTURE CONDITIONS REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 23
COMMUNITY PARKS
Community Parks serve the City and often the re-
gion with special amenities and features. Typical
amenities include a restroom, sports fields, active
and passive recreation areas, picnic facilities, play-
grounds, gathering areas, recreation/community
centers, and special facilities such as skate parks,
cycling tracks, fishing ponds, equestrian facilities,
space for hosting special events, tennis courts,
basketball courts, volleyball courts and other rec-
reation facilities. Community Parks generally have
a service area of 0.75 mile, or a 20-25 minute walk
time, and are 5-25 acres in size. The five existing
Community Parks in Rexburg are shown in Maps 1
and 2 and described in Table 3. They encompass a
total 89.26 acres.
Mini Park (1/4 Mile Radius)
Neighborhood Park (1/2 Mile Radius)
Community Park (3/4 Mile Radius)
Park Service Area
Neighborhood Park (1/2 Mile Radius)
Community Park (3/4 Mile Radius)
Neighborhood Park Proposed (6 Total)
Community Park Proposed (2 Total)
Park Service Area
0 0.25 0.5 0.75 10.125 Miles
Existing & Proposed Rexburg Parks with
Service Areas
Rexburg City
Parks Master Plan
Map 3
0 0.25 0.5 0.75
Miles
1
Public Private
1
Public Park
Residential - Existing & Proposed
1
89
10
11
5
6
7
Eagle Park
Nature Park
Riverside Park
Rotary Park
Community Fields
Evergreen Park
Smith Park
Porter Park
Park Street Park
Hidden Valley Park
North Gate/South Gate Park
Rexburg Municipal Golf Course
Madison County Fairgrounds
Teton Lakes Golf Course
Madison Jr. High
Adams Elementary
Madison School District
Kennedy Elementary
Lincoln Elementary
Burton Elementary
Madison District Administration Building
LDS Church- 845 W 7th S
LDS Church- 590 Summerwood Dr
LDS Church- 314 N 2nd Ave
Thomas E Ricks Demonstration Gardens
BYU-Idaho Sport Fields
1
8
2
2
9
3
3
10
4
4
11
12
12
13
13
14
14
5
6
7
Table 3
EXISTING PUBLIC AND PRIVATE
PARK TYPES & AMENITIES
PA
R
K
A
D
D
R
E
S
S
TO
T
A
L
A
C
R
E
S
PA
R
K
I
N
G
BA
S
K
E
T
B
A
L
L
VO
L
L
E
Y
B
A
L
L
TE
N
N
I
S
BA
S
E
B
A
L
L
/
SO
F
T
B
A
L
L
SO
C
C
E
R
FO
O
T
B
A
L
L
RE
S
T
R
O
O
M
S
PI
C
N
I
C
T
A
B
L
E
PL
A
Y
G
R
O
U
N
D
E
Q
U
I
P
M
E
N
T
PA
V
L
I
O
N
TR
A
I
L
A
C
C
E
S
S
OT
H
E
R
A
M
E
N
I
T
I
E
S
COMMUNITY PARK (approx. 5-25 acres)
REXBURG CITY
Nature Park 300 N 5th West 18.3 Yes1111Yes (Various) 3 4 Yes
Riverside Park 50 West 1st North 31.76 Yes 6 Yes
Community Fields 450 East 2nd North 16.75 Yes 632 Yes
Smith Park 300 E Main 11.07 No 11221 1Yes (4) 3 3 Yes Grass Amphitheater
Porter Park 100 South 2nd West 11.38 No 1121 Yes (Various) 4 2 Yes Carousel, Splash Park, Walking Path
Rexburg City Total 89.26 2 3 10 7 10 2 10 9
Porter Park
The larger multi-service Community Parks have become
popular because they provide a wide range of activities for
all seasons, especially the ones with indoor facilities and
large sports fields.
24 | PARKS & RECREATION DEMAND: CURRENT & FUTURE CONDITIONS REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 25
1 Eagle Park
Nature Park
Riverside Park
Rotary Park
Community Fields
Evergreen Park
Smith Park
Porter Park
Park Street Park
Hidden Valley Park
North Gate/South Gate Park
Rexburg Municipal Golf Course
Madison County Fairgrounds
Teton Lakes Golf Course
1
8
2
9
3
10
4
11
12
13
14
5
6
7
Mini Park (1/4 Mile Radius)
Neighborhood Park (1/2 Mile Radius)
Community Park (3/4 Mile Radius)
Park Service Area
0 0.25 0.5 0.75 10.125 Miles
Park Srevice Area Gaps — Rexburg
Rexburg City
Parks Master Plan
Map 4
0 0.25 0.5 0.75
Miles
1
Public Private
1
Public Park
School (Park)
Church (Park)
Residential - Existing & Proposed
Neighborhood Park (1/2 Mile Radius)
Community Park (3/4 Mile Radius)
Park Service Area
Park Service Area Gap
1
Park Service AreaPark Service Area
1
8
9
10
11
5
6
7
Madison Jr. High
Adams Elementary
Madison School District
Kennedy Elementary
Lincoln Elementary
Burton Elementary
Madison District Administration Building
LDS Church- 845 W 7th S
LDS Church- 590 Summerwood Dr
LDS Church- 314 N 2nd Ave
Thomas E Ricks Demonstration Gardens
BYU-Idaho Sport Fields
1
2
3
4
12
13
14
SPECIAL USE PARKS
Special Use Parks typically range from very small to large
and tend to serve a special interest or use, such as a
large sports complex or a non-traditional park. These
parks typically have large parking lots to accommodate
special events and needs, such as the Fairgrounds,
which encompasses 27.12 acres of land. A very different
use park is the Rexburg Municipal Golf Course and the
Teton Lakes Golf Course, situated on 50 and 181 acres
of land. Please note that the acreage of Teton Lakes Golf
Course and of Rexburg Municipal Legacy Golf Course is
not included in the LOS due to the skewing effect these
parks have on park land that is consistently available for
public use.
EXISTING PUBLIC AND PRIVATE
PARK TYPES & AMENITIES
PA
R
K
A
D
D
R
E
S
S
TO
T
A
L
A
C
R
E
S
PA
R
K
I
N
G
BA
S
K
E
T
B
A
L
L
VO
L
L
E
Y
B
A
L
L
TE
N
N
I
S
BA
S
E
B
A
L
L
/
SO
F
T
B
A
L
L
SO
C
C
E
R
FO
O
T
B
A
L
L
RE
S
T
R
O
O
M
S
PI
C
N
I
C
T
A
B
L
E
PL
A
Y
G
R
O
U
N
D
E
Q
U
I
P
M
E
N
T
PA
V
L
I
O
N
TR
A
I
L
A
C
C
E
S
S
OT
H
E
R
A
M
E
N
I
T
I
E
S
SPECIAL USE PARK (approx. 25-50 acres)
REXBURG CITY
Rexburg Municipal Golf Course 26 Airport Rd.50 Yes 1 No Golf
Madison County Fairgrounds 460 West 2nd North 27.12 yes 1 Yes
Eagle Park 450 W 3rd North 18 Yes 2 Yes (24)Yes BMX Biking, Camp Area, Fire Pit, Fishing, Camping
Teton Lakes Golf Course 722 N 12th W 181.51 Yes 1 No Golf
Rexburg City Total 276.63 5
Table 4
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 2726 | PARKS & RECREATION DEMAND: CURRENT & FUTURE CONDITIONS
TRAILS
Trails offer both aesthetic and recreational opportunities,
as well as commuter options for traveling to and from
destinations within Rexburg. Residents who wish to walk
or bike to work, go for family outings, travel to school or
the University, will benefit from safe, connecting trails. Re-
search has shown that trails often help raise property val-
ues, provide common space for social interactions, im-
prove community safety and encourage healthy lifestyles.
A high-quality trail system is a marker of a great commu-
nity. The Rexburg Trails Plan (adopted alongside the Rex-
burg Parks Plan) uses the term “trail” to describe shared
use paths, multi-use paths, multi-use trails, sidewalks,
and hiking pedestrian paths designed for non-motorized
usage. Sidewalks or paths directly adjacent to roadways
are included when they provide a link between trails or
between a trail and a destination. Trail users may include
but are not limited to: bicyclists, non-motorized scoot-
ers, in-line skaters, users of other wheeled devices like
Segways or electric assist-bicycles, roller skaters, wheel-
chair users (both non-motorized and motorized), walkers,
and runners.
SUMMARY OF EXISTING CONDITIONS
At a little over 10 square miles, Rexburg is geographical-
ly compact. However, within these boundaries is one of
the more densely populated cities in Idaho. Established
neighborhoods provide an excellent foundation for the
development of a comprehensive trail system connecting
the Teton River corridor with civic and private destina-
tions.
The City currently has a small system of trails, located
mainly in its parks and along portions of the Teton River.
The most established trails are located within Porter Park,
Smith Park, Riverside Park and Nature Park. Many of
these trails provide pleasant walking opportunities, par-
ticularly in small loops. But there are many gaps that need
to be addressed, as connections remain to be made be-
tween these trails and homes, schools, churches and
places of business.
Many of the existing paved trails are in great condition
and feel safe and inviting to trail users; but they do not
provide larger community connections. Topography, and
private land ownership, presents a challenge to trail de-
velopment along the Teton River.
The existing trail system poorly serves bicyclists, as there
are few striped bicycle lanes and many of the paved
paths in the parks are narrow, limiting shared pedestrian
and bicycle use.
GROWTH
Rapid population growth, due primarily to the growth of
Brigham Young University-Idaho, presents both challeng-
es and opportunities. Rexburg’s population grew 48%
between 2000 and 2018 (from 17,779 to 36,950). With
few exceptions, single family housing has been suburban
in nature. While several new residential neighborhoods
have been built around the City, most of this growth has
been in multi-family community housing mostly within in
the historic street grid system. Single-student dormitory
housing, supporting the University student population,
has been concentrated around the University in the Pe-
destrian Emphasis Area.
EXISTING TRAILS
There are several types of trails in Rexburg: on-road
shoulders, sidewalks, on-road bicycle lands, paved park
trails, access-ways and informal “demand” pedestrian
trails.
There are pathways in some sections of Rexburg that are
designed as on-road shoulders, characterized by a 3’ to
6’ wide shoulder, on one or the other side of the roadway.
The shoulder is demarcated by a wide fog line.
Sidewalks are distinguished from shoulder pathways in
that they usually have a curb and are physically elevated
from the roadway. Sidewalk connections for pedestrians
are fairly comprehensive in the downtown and in new
neighborhoods. In older sections of the city, sidewalks
are absent in many locations, as well as on the fringe of
the community.
Bicycle lanes are located sporadically on roadways. Bi-
cycle lanes currently exist on: Pioneer Road, 2nd North;
portions of: 1st West, 2nd West, 1st North, 5th West, and
2nd East. Rexburg residents have indicated they wish to
see improved and additional bicycle lanes on identified
routes through town.
Paved trails are found in City Parks like: Nature, Porter,
Riverside, and Smith Parks; and along the Teton River.
Access-ways provide direct connections to local roads,
schools, parks and other community destinations. Cur-
rently there is no requirement for dedicated access-ways
for new development. However, these can be found at
Madison Jr. High School and Evergreen Park between
the Henderson Subdivision and Kennedy Elementary
School.
Proposed Rexburg Parks —
Madison County
Rexburg City Parks
Master Plan
Map 6
Beaver Dick
Twin Bridges
County Parks
City Parks
Miles
0 1057.5
Map 5
Proposed Rexburg Parks -
Madison County
Proposed Parks
28 | PARKS & RECREATION DEMAND: CURRENT & FUTURE CONDITIONS REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 29
!H
!H!H !H
!H
!H
!H!H
!H
!H
!H
0 0.25 0.5 0.75 10.125 Miles
Existing & Proposed Trails — Rexburg
Rexburg City
Parks Master Plan
Map 6
0 0.25 0.5 0.75
Miles
1
Existing Trail
Proposed Trail
Proposed Trailhead
Public Park
School (Park)
Church (Park)
Residential - Existing & Proposed
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Residents of Rexburg have indicated, in Envision Madi-
son and again in 2017’s trail studies, that they wish to see
an expansion of the current trail system to better connect
the community. Schools, parks and commercial nodes
should be connected to neighborhoods and apartments.
ACCESS
There are several small trail systems located in parks and
along the Teton River in the City of Rexburg. However,
much of the sidewalk and bicycle lane network is incom-
plete or nonexistent, making it difficult to walk or bicycle
to these trails. Many of the existing trails lack amenities
like lighting, signage, and benches to invite users.
LIMITED PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY AND
ENCROACHMENT
The City of Rexburg, like many well-established com-
munities, has the challenge of accommodating and bal-
ancing the needs of different roadway uses within lim-
ited public rights-of-way. Pedestrians and bicyclists are
often left without proper facilities. Even more problem-
atic is the issue of private property encroachment into
the public right-of-way, such as a property owner placing
trees, shrubs, fences, or walls in the public right-of-way.
This is particularly true in older residential areas without
sidewalks, where there is no visual delineation between
private property and the public right-of-way. Although it
is within the City’s right to reclaim this space, it can be
politically challenging to do so, particularly if the residents
perceive that a trail or improved facility will bring more
people through the area.
RECREATION PROGRAMS
NRPA standards recommend one softball/baseball field
per 5,000 residents. NRPA also recommends one (1)
per 5,000 residents for a soccer/football/lacrosse field.
Based on these standards, the recommended number of
baseball fields for Rexburg’s current population of 36,095
would be seven (7). Rexburg currently has seven (7) mu-
nicipal Baseball fields. The number of recommended
soccer/football/lacrosse fields is also seven (7). Rexburg
currently has 10. Based on this analysis and the number
of proposed new fields in the next few years, the City is
comfortable with the current balance of supply and de-
mand.
Facility
Softball/Baseball
fields
Soccer/Football/
Lacrosse fields
Public Quanity
7
10
NRPA Recommended Supply
(Based on 1/1,000 residents)
5
7
The City of Rexburg currently meets the NRPA recommended
number of softball and soccer fields for a population of 367,095.
30 | Rexburg Parks Master Plan REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 30
0 0.25 0.5 0.75 10.125 Miles
Existing Sidewalks & Bike Lanes — Rexburg
Rexburg City
Parks Master Plan
Map 7
0 0.25 0.5 0.75
Miles
1
Existing Sidewalks
Existing Bike Lane
Public Park
School (Park)
Church (Park)
Residential - Existing & Proposed
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 31
Existing & Proposed Trails —
County-Wide
Rexburg City Parks
Master Plan
Map 8
Beaver Dick
Twin Bridges
County Parks
Existing Trail
Proposed Trail
Miles
0 1057.5
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 3332 | PARKS & RECREATION DEMAND: CURRENT & FUTURE CONDITIONS
3. PARKS & RECREATION TRENDS
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 3534 | PARKS & RECREATION TRENDS
791 million visitors in 2016, 373 million of which were fee-
collecting areas.
More and more, the importance of state parks and
their growing attendance is being recognized by state
legislatures, with total capital expenditures for state park
operations increasing by $580 million. This is a result
of increased funds and bonds thanks to the recovering
economy.
VEHICLE SALES
The RV industry’s shipments are expected to continue
rising through 2018, according to a new Recreation Vehicle
Industry Association (RVIA) forecast. RV shipments are
expected to total 479,700 in 2017, an 11.38% gain over
2016, the best year on comparable record. The largest
unit gains in 2016 and 2017 are expected in conventional
travel trailers.
CAMPING
KOA – the nation’s largest private campground system
– reports a very strong year across the board, with
an increase of 4.5%. According to KOA’s 2017 North
American Camping Report, camping remains one of the
most popular, affordable and accessible pastimes in North
America. An estimated 13 million U.S. households planned
to camp more in 2017 than they did in 2016, and more
than 1 million new households have started camping each
year since 2014. Millennials are driving this growth as they
take to the outdoors in greater numbers, and they have
no intention of letting up.
Camping is becoming a more social activity, and outdoor
recreation-while-camping is shifting to more physically
active activities. In this year’s results, hiking outranked
fishing as the most popular type of camping recreation
for the first time. Kayaking and mountain biking also saw
significant increases.
In an even more promising outlook for the future of camping
and outdoor recreation in America, Generation Z teens
(ages 13-17) are highly enthusiastic about camping and
place a great deal of importance on people their age
spending time outdoors. The findings indicate that teens
share their adult counterparts’ feelings about the benefits
and emotional connections to camping. This finding
suggests that as more families experience the outdoors,
they are more likely to continue those activities and
consequently, this trend will result in continued increased
overall incidence of camping nationally, and particularly
among families.
FISHING
Fishing participation increased by 1.5 million in 2016,
according to the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation
(RBFF) and the Outdoor Foundation’s 2017 Special Report
on Fishing. While fishing is still the second-most-popular
outdoor activity among adults, it’s gaining ground on the
number one spot – jogging.
Perhaps most importantly, RBFF’s work to target youth,
women and Hispanics is working. Youth participation rose
3% while Hispanic participation increased by 11%. Not
only are more Hispanics taking up fishing, but they go
on six more outings per year than anglers in the general
market. Newcomers to the sport accounted for 5.3% of
total participants and tended to be young and female.
BIKING
According to a study commissioned by PeopleForBikes,
103 million Americans rode a bike at least once in 2014.
Bike riding in large U.S. cities has doubled in the last 15
years. Safer bike infrastructure and onset of bike-sharing
systems (in at least 70 U.S. cities) are key factors in this
growth, a trend that is expected to continue. While the
number and percentage of children who bike to school
NATIONAL WELLNESS
TRENDS
Many park and recreation sites are becoming not just
places to improve health through physical activity, but lo-
cations to participate in evidence-based programs that
measurably improve health. NRPA-sponsored programs
with local park and recreation agencies range from Ac-
tive Living Every Day for sedentary adults to Walk With
Ease low-impact, weekly walking programs to arthritis
intervention programs such as Fit and Strong! for those
with osteoarthritis. 155 agencies representing 45 states
and American Samoa have already made commitments
to implement arthritis evidence-based physical activity
programs in parks.
NRPA AGENCY
PERFORMANCE REVIEW
On average, Americans visit their local park and recreation
facilities twice a month. Seven in 10 Americans can walk
to a local park, open space or recreation center (Source:
NRPA Americans’ Engagement with Parks Survey, 2017).
Easy access to parks is associated with increased park
use. Park visitation is much more frequent and physical
activity levels are much higher for those who live within
walking distance to a park (Source: National Recreation
and Park Association, 2016). Recreation is a strong part
of our personal, family, and civic lives. The City of Rexburg
places significant value on its recreational opportunities and
has seen how parks and trails increase property values as
well as quality of life. The City of Rexburg also takes pride
in its strong sense of community.
In 2016, nearly half of all Americans — 48.6% — reported
participating in at least one outdoor activity. On a national
level, there is typically one park for every 2,266 residents.
The typical park and recreation agency has 9.6 acres of
park land for every thousand residents in the jurisdiction
(source: National Recreation and Park Association, 2017).
Rexburg currently has 2.87 acres of park land for every
thousand residents.
The City of Rexburg has developed a number of parks,
trails and recreation facilities over the years. Key to their
successful implementation and upkeep will be this first
Parks Master Plan, which will pave the way for the
successful implementation and maintenance of trails,
parks, and recreation facilities.
This master plan is a vision that reflects the “big picture”
expectations of active Rexburg residents. The purpose of
this plan is to guide future decisions that will be made to
stay ahead of demand for sports, parks, recreation and
trails. The execution of each project, policy, and program
listed in this plan is subject to the effects of the economy,
politics and fiscal policy, as much as it is to planning. This
Master Plan should, therefore, be updated regularly - every
5 to 10 years - to keep current with the changing needs
and actualities of the City.
Over the last year (2017), Idaho was the nation’s fastest
growing state, with a population increase of 2.2 percent.
Madison County’s population grew to 49,406. It also
experienced a growth rate of 2.7 percent in the last year.
The City of Rexburg’s population is currently 36,095. It
is expected to grow to approximately 53,742 by 2038
(Source: TAZ, Horocks Engineers).
NATIONAL TRENDS IN
RECREATION
PARTICIPATION
NATIONAL PARKS
Overall, year-to-date visitation to the National Park System
(NPS) units is up 7.7% over 2016, an increase of 23.7
million visits. Many units, including Yellowstone National
Park, Grand Teton National Park and Craters of the Moon,
have seen significant attendance increases.
More and more, the importance of state parks and
their growing attendance is being recognized by state
legislatures, with total capital expenditures for state park
operations totaling $580 million. This is a result of increased
funds and bonds thanks to the recovering economy.
According to the Annual Information Exchange (AIX)
Report, operating expenditures for state parks added
up to $2.46 billion, less than 50% of which comes from
states’ general funds.
STATE PARKS
America’s state parks are one of the fastest growing venues
for outdoor recreation on public lands and waters. More than
10,000 areas, including more than 9,000 trails over 38,000
miles in total length, provide outdoor recreation experiences
and unique education opportunities. Their 18.5 million
acres provide for great diversity and were enjoyed by nearly
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 3736 | PARKS & RECREATION TRENDS
archery participants are male, and 36% are female. Overall,
archery participants are typically younger and from rural
communities. Of the more than 21 million archers in the
U.S., 76% shoot as recreational archers, while 35% identify
strictly as bowhunters.
YOUTH TRENDS IN
RECREATION
PARTICIPATION
The following data on youth trends in recreation come from
the Outdoor Recreation and Participation Topline Report
2017 and report 2016 numbers.
Most Popular Youth Outdoor Activities
by Participation Rate, Ages 6 to 24
1. Running, Jogging and Trail Running
25.3% of youth, 20.3 million participants
2. Bicycling (Road, Mountain and BMX)
22.6% of youth, 18.2 million participants
3. Fishing (Fresh, Salt and Fly)
19.5% of youth, 15.6 million participants
4. Camping (Car, Backyard and RV)
19.0% of youth, 15.3 million participants
5. Hiking
15.5% of youth, 12.5 million participants
Favorite Youth Outdoor Activities
By Frequency of Participation, Ages 6 to 24
1. Running, Jogging and Trail Running
81.3 average outings per runner, 1.7 billion total outings
2. Bicycling (Road, Mountain and BMX)
58.0 average outings per cyclist,
1.1 billion total outings
3. Fishing (Fresh, Salt and Fly)
16.1 average outings per fishing participant, 251.4 million
total outings
4. Skateboarding
46.8 average outings per skateboarder,
212.2 million total outings
5. Camping (Car, Backyard and RV)
12.4 average outings per camper,
189.0 million total outings
STATE-WIDE TRENDS IN
RECREATION
PARTICIPATION
Idaho offers a variety of outdoor opportunities. A study
released by the Outdoor Industry Association of 2017
found that at least 79% of Idaho residents participate in
outdoor recreation, ranking the state third behind Alaska
and Montana. The study further found that outdoor recre-
ation in Idaho generates $7.8 billion in annual consumer
spending. These figures, along with the figures from other
studies highlighted below, show trends in specific sum-
mer and winter activities in Idaho, as well as the overall
impact of Idaho’s state park system.
Idaho Parks and Recreation (IDPR) determined:
Off-highway vehicle participants took nearly 1 million
trips 2012, spending $434 million in trip and capital ex-
penditures.
Powerboating participants took 411,559 trips in 2015,
spending $335.3 million in trip and capital expenditures.
This spending increased employment by more than
3,000 jobs.
Snowmobiling participants took 190,675 trips in 2015,
spending $197.5 million in trip and capital expenditures.
This spending increased employment by more than
4,000 jobs.
Idaho’s State Parks received 5,460,780 visits in 2016,
contributing $119.1 million in trip related spending.
Spending by visitors and park staff sustains 2,732.5 jobs
across the state. (Preliminary Report)
There has not been a detailed report on outdoor recreation
participation in Idaho sine the 2004-2005 Idaho Outdoor
Recreation Needs Assessment. The past SCORP (2013-
2017) used participation information from the National
Survey on Recreation and the Environment 2011 (NSRE).
The lack of current statistically-valid, Idaho-specific infor-
mation impedes assessment of recreation demand.
HUNTING AND FISHING
Hunting and fishing license sales are managed by the
Idaho Department of Fish and Game. The charts below
has fallen dramatically during the last 40 years, overall kids
riding remains strong. Children now ride more often with
parents instead of unsupervised.
Also, many new bike parks have been built coast to
coast. These parks provide safe and appealing bike riding
opportunities for children and adults of all ages and abilities.
Many more will be built in the coming years.
Bicycle-related tourism is growing. State governments
increasingly recognize that they can attract residents and
visitors to appealing bike-riding destinations. States are
spending more money on bike tourism promotion, maps,
signage, and some are even hiring full-time liaisons with
outdoor recreation businesses.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SPORTS
Active and adventure travel outfitters experienced a very
strong year in 2017 as industry diversification continues to
offer new experiences in the outdoors. Demand for lodging,
particularly cabins packaged with outdoor recreation
activities, continues to outpace other services. That trend
is expected to continue through 2018. Other strong activity
segments include water-based day trips near urban areas
or near-destination attractions. Guided hiking, jeep tours,
horseback riding and iconic multi-day trips, such as rafting
the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, continue
to experience strong demand, trends which should prevail
through 2018. Late summer fires in Montana and California
created some disruptions, but many land-based outfitters
were able to relocate their trips to other locations.
SKIING
U.S. ski areas tallied 54.8 million skier and snowboarder
visits during the 2016-17 season, up 3.7% from last
season. This past season, ski areas in the Northeast region
experienced an impressive rebound, as skier visits grew by
28% to 11.9 million visits. In addition, the Rocky
Mountain region had its second-best winter in terms of
skier visits (21.7 million). Visits were up from last winter in
the Southeast region, but down slightly in the Midwest,
Pacific Northwest, and Pacific Southwest regions.
The traditional ski holiday periods of Christmas and Spring
Break were busy at resorts across the country, contributing
to the overall positive season. Skier visits were up 29% in
December and up 35% in April, relative to the 2015-16
season.
Encouragingly, the number of open and operating U.S. ski
areas rose to 481 in the 2016-17 season, up from 463 last
season. The Northeast region has witnessed a rebirth of
several formerly defunct ski areas in the past few seasons
– a positive sign for skiers and snowboarders seeking out
new places to visit and for local populations who want to
learn to slide on snow.
The number of lessons taught at U.S. ski areas increased
this season, indicative of the growing appetite to learn to
ski and snowboard. Average resort snowfall increased
by 40% nationally, which contributed to ski areas being
open an extra week, on average, compared to the 2015-
16 season. The increased length of the operating season
was most pronounced in the Southeast (23 days longer)
and Northeast (17 days longer) regions.
Following the 2011 passage of the Ski Area Recreational
Opportunity Enhancement Act (SAROEA) authorizing
summer uses on Forest Service lands, summer visitation
at ski areas has jumped by 20%, with resorts investing in
non-skiing related infrastructure such as zip lines, ropes
courses, mountain coasters, alpine slides, mountain bike
trails and parks and other amenities. The percent of annual
revenue attributable to summer operations has increased
from 7%, 15 years ago, to 12.7% in the 2016/17 fiscal year,
with a particular rise noted in the past four years. Eighty
percent of all ski areas now operate during the non-winter
months, and 34% of resorts offer a summer season pass.
SNOWMOBILING
Sales of new snowmobiles in 2017 declined slightly due
to poor snow cover and higher-than-normal temperatures
in the Northeast region of the United States, according to
the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association.
Annual registration of snowmobiles remains constant
at 1.36 million. There was a decline in snowmobile
registrations in the Northeast US with an increase in
registrations in the West. Average use of snowmobiles
remained steady with a slight increase in the Western
snowmobile states.
Fall shows for the 2018 sales year are reporting large,
enthusiastic crowds with sales increasing 10% compared
to last year’s shows. The winter weather forecast for
Winter 2018 calls for above average snowfall and seasonal
temperatures. The Mountain regions of the country are
receiving record levels of early snowfall and the industry’s
customers are responding positively to the initial snow
cover.
ARCHERY
Archery participation in America climbed over 20% from
2012 to 2015, boosting the number of archers to 23.8
million, an increase that can partially be attributed to the
prominence of archery in pop culture. According to a
study from the Archery Trade Association (ATA), 64% of
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 3938 | PARKS & RECREATION TRENDS
8. Docks or boardwalks for fishing
9. Multi-use trails (unpaved, non-motorized)
10. Skate parks (outdoor)
STATE/FEDERAL PROVIDERS
1. Mountain biking (unpaved)
2. Multi-use trails (unpaved, non-motorized)
3. UTV/Jeep Trails
4. ATV Trails
5. Hiking trails (unpaved)
6. Outdoor shooting ranges
7. Multi-use trails (paved, non-motorized)
8. Motorbike trails (singletrack)
9. Cabins or yurts
10. Outdoor archery ranges
Project applications by local governments of the com-
munities they serve to the Land and Water Conservation
Fund, managed in Idaho by IDPR, provide insight into
the demands and needs at a local level. A review of all
applications reported in the 2018 SCORP showed some
trends in recreational facilities. The most frequently re-
quested amenities were playgrounds, followed by shel-
ters, splash pads/spray parks, pathways, restrooms and
skate parks. Additionally, these amenities were requested
from regions across the state and by cities of all sizes,
showing trends that are not specific to a certain region or
population base. The requested projects on this list gen-
erally correspond with the facilities where local providers
considered demand to be exceeding supply (Source:
2018 Idaho Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recre-
ation Plan).
provide an overview of hunting and fishing license sales
between 2015 and 2016. In general, resident hunting li-
cense sales have seen a slight decrease, while resident
fishing and combo (hunting and fishing) license sales
have seen an increase. The most significant growth in
sales have come from resident fishing licenses. Non-res-
ident license sales show overall growth, with the most
popular being the one-day fishing license.
IDAHO RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
Idaho recreational vehicle (RV) registrations have shown
a steady growth over a ten-year period. The Idaho Visitor
Report (2015) determined that travelers in Idaho are more
likely to use an RV/camper than the national average.
MOTORIZED BOAT AND SNOWMOBILE
Registrations in Idaho have declined slightly in total reser-
vations over the past 10 years. Trends suggest that reg-
istrations began falling around the time the United States
experienced the Great Recession (2007-2009) and have
not fully recovered. Additionally, snowmobile registrations
may be impacted by winter snow conditions. Off-High-
way Vehicle (OHV) registrations have slowly grown over
the past ten years, but have had a considerable increase
in registration (nearly 20,000) between 2014 and 2016.
OUTDOOR NEEDS AND TRENDS AS IDENTIFIED
BY PROVIDERS
IDPR conducted a survey of local, state and federal land
managers and recreation providers to inform the Idaho
Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. The
responses gathered were not statistically valid, however,
they provide insight into the perceived recreational needs
across the state.
As part of the survey, public recreation providers and land
mangers were given a list of outdoor recreation facilities
and asked to compare the supply to the demand in their
regions. Listed below are the top facilities which providers
determined that the demand exceeds the supply:
LOCAL PROVIDERS
1. Mountain biking trails (unpaved)
2. Developed trailheads (parking, restrooms and informa-
tion)
3. Dog parks
4. Multi-use trails (paved, non-motorized)
5. Picnic shelters
6. Hiking trails (unpaved)
7. Playgrounds
Source: 2017 Idaho Outdoor Recreation Provider Online Survey
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 41
4. PARKS & RECREATIONNEEDS
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 4342 | PARKS & RECREATION NEEDS
IMPLICATIONS OF THE SELECTED LOS &
PROPOSED PARKS
The addition of 104 additional acres of proposed parks
exceeds future need for the next 25 years, assuming a
LOS of 3.5 is the goal. In order to ensure the long-term
need for new parks is met, future park sites should be
identified and reserved as soon as possible.
PARK SERVICE AREA &
DISTRIBUTION ANALYSIS
The need for parks was also analyzed based on park dis-
tribution. As illustrated in Maps 2 and 3, service areas are
portrayed as circles, with the radius of the circles cor-
responding to the service area of each park type. Mini
Parks serve an area up to a 0.25 mile radius, Neighbor-
hood Parks serve an area of with a radius of approxi-
mately 0.25 mile, and Community Parks serve an area
with a .75 mile radius. It should be noted that this analysis
was modified to reflect the fact that freeways, large road-
ways and rail lines restrict access to parks from one side
to the other.
Further review of Maps 2 and 3 indicate that most north-
ern and central residential areas of Rexburg have ade-
quate access to existing parks within .25 mile, .5 mile and
.75 mile radii, and that the southern portion of Rexburg
will be better served by new parks during the 20-year
planning horizon. New parks proposed for this area will
help provide better access to parks and eliminate some
of the existing gaps.
PARK SERVICE AREA GAPS
Map 4 illustrates that the southern portion of Rexburg
has park service gaps once the distribution of existing
and recommended park areas have been accounted
for. In order to ensure that access to parks is balanced,
attempts should be made to locate future parks in this
southern portion, thereby “filling the gap.”
This plan suggests that Neighborhood Parks and Com-
munity Parks should be developed in the future, as such
facilities better serve the community as they offer more
facilities and recreational opportunities for the community
as a whole. This is supported by the public comments
received through the survey and the Public Open House
Meeting, which indicate Community Parks are preferred
as they provide a greater range of services.
Fortunately, there appear to be many sites large enough
to accommodate such parks in the areas where gaps ex-
ist.
LEVEL OF SERVICE & PARK
NEEDS ANALYSIS
Communities vary dramatically in the Level of Service
(LOS) they provide for City residents, and they should,
since no two communities are alike. In the past, stan-
dards developed by the National Recreation and Parks
Association (NRPA) were used to develop LOS, although
this approach has fallen out of favor since it has proven
difficult to address the unique qualities of an individual
community using this model. The City of Rexburg has a
young population and a large household size, which is
significantly different from other communities across the
nation.
In addition to local demographic differences and unique
community characteristics, other factors may also affect
LOS. These include recreational resources that are avail-
able to residents outside of the City or on public lands,
private parks and recreation facilities that are available,
and the preferences of residents that require specific re-
sources to meet special needs.
PRELIMINARY LEVEL OF SERVICE
Currently, NRPA research shows that cities within
the City of Rexburg’s population range (20,000-
49,999 residents) have a median of 9.6 acres of
park land per 1,000 residents.
The current Level of Service (LOS) for Rexburg was
determined by dividing the acreage of existing pub-
lic parks (103.64) by the 2018 population (36,095),
which was then divided by 1,000 to reflect the
number of acres of park currently provided for ev-
ery 1,000 residents. The resulting level of service is
2.87 acres per 1,000 population. (103.64 / 36,095 x
1,000 = 2.87). In order to maintain this LOS through
the 2038 planning period, approximately 50 acres
will be needed, which equates to approximately
twelve (12) typical Neighborhood Parks or five (5)
Community Parks, for example. Current proposed
parks in Rexburg City far exceed this requirement.
SELECTED LEVEL OF SERVICE
Discussions with the Master Plan Management
Committee indicate that a LOS of 3.5 better reflects
expectations in Rexburg, and should be maintained
as the standard.
Applying the logic described above, approximate-
ly 24.36 total acres of public parks are required in
2018 to meet a LOS of 3.5.
A total of 85 acres of public park land is necessary
to meet a LOS of 3.5 through 2038 (53,742/1,000
x 3.5 = 189). Subtracting the 103.64 acres of exist-
ing public park land from this figure, an additional
85 acres are required to meet projected needs by
the end of the twenty-year planning horizon. This
equates to approximately 17 Neighborhood Parks
or 5 Community Parks, or the creation of a Regional
Park.
(Please note that this is a LOS for park planning
purposes, not a LOS to help determine impact
fees.)
THE ROLE OF PRIVATE PARKS AND
SCHOOL PARKS FOR MEETING THE
SELECTED LOS
As illustrated on Maps 1 and 2 and detailed in Ta-
ble 4, 12 Private Parks are located in Rexburg,
encompassing approximately 102 acres of land.
These include numerous Mini Parks, a handful of
Neighborhood Parks and a single Community Park.
Since Private Parks are typically not accessible by
the general population, they were not included when
calculating the LOS. Likewise, park acreage relat-
ed to public schools was omitted when calculating
the existing LOS, since it is assumed that school
facilities are not intended to meet local park and
recreation needs, and are not necessarily available
for public use. Nevertheless, both private parks and
school yards can play a role in the provision of park
services, and can be particularly important in areas
of the city where gaps exist and new park sites are
not readily available.
CURRENTLY PROPOSED PARKS
The public has indicated that the area around the
Teton River should be preserved and made avail-
able for public use. An area that has been identi-
fied as a possible location for a regional park is the
property around Walter’s Pond. Acquiring this area
for a park would add approximatively 104 acres to
Rexburg’s park inventory, and allow a contiguous
green belt from the Teton Lakes Golf Course to
the Eastern City Limits along the Teton River. This
would connect Nature, Eagle and Riverside Parks
and preserve land along the Teton River. There may
be opportunities to work with the current land own-
ers to mitigate environmental clean up of this loca-
tion once it has ceased to be commercially viable.
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 4544 | PARKS & RECREATION NEEDS
Trail ID Trail Name From-To Status Trail Type Length (miles)
R-1 12th West Trail University Blvd to 1000 North Proposed Community Trail 1.49
R-2 2nd East Trail Poleline Road to Sugar City/Rexburg Trail Existing Community Trail 3.12
R-3 2nd North Trail Madison Jr. High to 5th West Existing Community Trail 1.56
R-4 7th South Trail Madison Middle School (Yellowstone Hwy) to South Millhollow Road Existing Community Trail 2.27
R-5 Adams to Jr. High Adams Elementary to Madison Jr. High School Existing City Trail 0.47
R-6 Barney Dairy Park Trail 1.58
R-8 Eagle Park Trail Within Eagle Park Proposed/Existing Natural Trail 0.58
R-9 Evergreen to Kennedy Trail Evergreen Park to Kennedy Elementary School Existing City Trail 0.57
R-10 Fat Cat's Trail Connection Fat Cat's to Teton River Trail Proposed Access Way 0.02
R-11 Hidden Valley Park Trail North Hill Loop through Hidden Valley Park and its neighborhood Proposed/Existing City Trail 0.17
R-12 Hidden Valley to Jr High Trail North Hill Road (Hidden Valley) to Madison Jr. High School Proposed/Existing City Trail 0.17
R-13 Hidden Valley Trail 7th South Trail Head to South Hidden Valley Road Proposed Natural Trail 0.81
R-14 University Blvd Trail 7th South (University Blvd) to Madison High School Proposed/Existing Community Trail 2.34
R-15 Madison Jr. High Trail Teton River Trail. Barney Dairy Road to Madison Jr. High School Proposed City Trail 0.37
R-16 Main Street Proposed/Existing Historic Trail 0.49
R-17 2nd South Trail Millhollow Road to Pioneer Road Existing Community Trail 1.97
R-18 Moody Road to Walmart Moody Road and North Yellowstone Hwy to Walmart Proposed/Existing Community Trail 0.25
M-19 Moody Trail North Yellowstone Hwy to South 7th East Proposed Community Trail 0.25
R-20 Nature Park Trail Trail is within the Nature Park City Trail 1.51
R-21 Pioneer Trail Main Street (Hwy 33) to 7th South Existing Community Trail 1.15
R-22 Poleline Road Trail South Yellowstone Hwy to Walker Siding Road Proposed Community Trail 3.27
R-23 5th West Trail Poleline Road to Nature Park Proposed/Existing Community Trail 2.53
R-24 Poleline to Moody Meadows Poleline to Moody Meadows Proposed Community Trail 6.88
R-25 Porter Park Trail Within Porter Park Existing City Trail 0.47
R-26 Rexburg Rails to Trails Along the Railroad right of way from Poleline Road to 2nd E Proposed Community Trail 3.58
R-27 Rexburg Sugar Trail Rexburg (2nd East) to Sugar City (Rail Road Ave)Existing Community Trail 2.51
R-28 Riverside Park Trail With in Riverside Park Existing City Trail 0.86
M-29 Snake River Trail Twin Bridges Park to South Menan Butte Proposed Natural Trail 14.85
R-30 Teton Lakes Connecting Trail Teton River Trail under the US 20 bridge to 12th West Proposed Natural Trail 0.58
R-31 Teton River Bottom Trail 12 West (Teton Lakes Golf Course) to Beaver Dick Park Proposed Natural Trail 3.73
R-32 Teton River Trail East 9th South Trail Head to Teton Lakes Golf Course Proposed/Existing Natural Trail/Community Trail 1.50
R-33 University to Poleline University Blvd to Poleline Road Proposed Community Trail 0.22
R-34 2nd West Trail University Blvd to Riverside Park Existing Community Trail 1.45
R-35 Walmart to 5th West Walmart along Moody Road and then South along Proposed 5th West Extension Proposed Community Trail 0.01
R-36 Walters Pond Along the Teton River Proposed Natural Trail 0.68
R= Rexburg
S= Sugar City
M= Madison County
City of Rexburg Trails
OPEN SPACE
The City of Rexburg should do the following;
• Preserve views of existing open space
• Preserve open space that is important to the com-
munity
• Preserve access to State and Federally owned open
space
• Acquire open space where possible along water
ways
WINTER RECREATION
As expressed in the county-wide online survey, which ran
from December 12, 2017 to February 23, 2018, a major
desire of residents of Rexburg and respondents were in
favor of more recreational opportunities during the winter
months. Some of these activities require additional facilities,
while others, such as sledding and cross-country skiing,
require a natural outdoor setting with some grooming.
PARK AND TRAIL
CONNECTIONS
Map 6 illustrates the existing and proposed Rexburg trail
system, and how the various trail segments link with the
existing and proposed park system. The City’s existing
parks are generally well-connected by trails, and future
parks should be as well.
RECOMMENDED TRAIL
NETWORK
RECOMMENDED STRATEGY
The recommended trail network, herein proposed, fulfills
the vision and goals of this Plan as well as the City of
Rexburg Trails Plan. It provides a comprehensive net-
work of trails that connects to schools, parks, communi-
ty centers, business districts, historical sites and natural
resources. It connects to Rexburg’s immediate neighbor,
the City of Sugar City, and to portions of unincorporated
Madison County.
The following details of the network should be noted:
• The Conceptual Trails Plan Map includes both exist-
ing (shown as solid lines) and recommended trails
(shown as dashed lines). Many trail projects call for
improvements to existing trails with substandard fa-
cilities.
• Some trails shown are largely conceptual. These
conceptual trails need to be further studied and de-
signed. The location of the trail may change as a re-
sult.
• Some sidewalks are shown as part of the trail system
because they fulfill the needs of pedestrian circulation
and connections in an already “built” environment.
DEVELOPMENT
Many of the trails shown on the Conceptual Trails Map,
particularly local trails located along roadways or intend-
ed as accessways, will be developed over time by City of
Rexburg, property owners and new development, much
like the sidewalk system that has been developed. In
some cases, the City will be able to require the property
owner to construct the trail as part of the development
review process. In other cases, the City will need to work
with the property owner to ensure the City can develop
the trail itself in the future.
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 47
5. GOALS
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 4948 | GOALS & POLICIES
GOAL 9
Provide sports and recreation programs which adequately
meet community needs.
• Continually update need analysis through various
methods including surveys, end-of-program
questionnaires, and observing industry trends.
• Continue awareness of various groups of participants
in non-traditional activities.
GOAL 10
Provide adequate recreation, wellness and fitness facilities
to fulfill needed community programs.
• Evaluate facilities’ needs of programs on a regular
basis and estimate trends.
• Provide facilities for senior citizens, special needs
individuals, and youth at risk.
GOAL 11
Adequately inform public of programs and activities
available.
• Continue informing the public through social media
and the Mayor’s newsletter.
GOAL 12
Connect paths on the City trail system and bike master
plan.
• Encourage use of non-motorized vehicles as modes
of transportation.
• Promote bike trail system on existing streets with future
developments.
• Encourage City-wide planning of work locations close
to trails and residential areas.
• Establish a policy for Multi-Modal Transportation
Studies (looking at pedestrians and biking in addition
to vehicle traffic.
• Establish a subdivision policy for granting trail and bike
right-of-ways to the city when subdivisions are platted.
GOAL 13
Implement innovative recruitment and marketing of major
events.
• Look for events that can be run by outside entities in
the off-season (from October through May).
• Generate relationships with relevant sports
organizations and marking groups.
• Consider the creation of a future recreaion district to
fund the building of a recreation center. This would
allow the City to market more recreation events.
GOAL 14
Find new revenue sources to achieve goals.
• Aggressively seek funding from state, federal and
private foundations or sports organizations.
• Investigate bonding opportunities.
• Utilize local tax revenues such as impact fees, RAP,
TRT Tax, grants, public-private partnerships.
• Look for opportunities to engage the private sector
(public/private partnerships).
GOAL 15
Create a City of Rexburg Open Space Plan that supports
the goals and vision of the Parks Master Plan by integrat-
ing existing and proposed open space identified herein.
The goals listed below are a result of public input, Master
Plan Committee recommendations, and the inventory
and analysis of parks and recreation facilities. They are
part of the larger set of recommendations for park growth
and development over the next 20 years (see Chatper 7.
Action Plan).
GOAL 1
Connecting Madison county and Sugar City’s parks and
facilities;
• Formally adopt an updated Trails of Madison County
trail and path plan to be formally adopted by the City
of Rexburg (see City of Rexburg Trails Plan).
• Update Park Impact Fee Study and Ordinance.
• Help staff understand how to direct developers who
want to give park space to the city, and how these
effects the park system as a whole;
• Create a 20-year capital improvement plan, consistent
with a revised park impact plan that will:
A. Plan for additional park space and park
amenities in an organized, data driven approach;
B. Taking into account current and anticipated
park and recreation trends;
GOAL 2
Rexburg neighborhoods shall have adequate park, trail
and open space access or distribution.
• Identify neighborhood/community park locations to
address current and future park needs.
• Based on growth patterns, prioritize park development.
• Connect parks and neighborhoods with trails.
• Trails should also connect schools and commercial
nodes to neighborhoods and parks.
• Realize the development of an integrated trail
network connecting rexburg neighborhoods to parks,
recreation areas, and community amenities such as
the Teton River Corridor, BYU-Idaho and downtown.
GOAL 3
Create a good first impression into the City through
specified gateway areas.
• Continue efforts in beautifying City entryways with
continuity in signage.
• Redo City entry presentation with new landscaping
and/or urban artwork that requires less maintenance.
• Plan and place pleasing and intuitive signage for all
venues including park entry signs.
• Work with ITD to ensure the beautification of the South
and Center Interchange, soon to be redone.
GOAL 4
Beautify and enhance the urban appearance and
environment.
• Identify aesthetic standards for public facilities.
• Encourage private property maintenance through
existing ordinances.
• Maintain a progressive Urban Forestry and Community
Beautification Program.
GOAL 5
Develop concept plans for new venues or venues to be
renovated.
• Evaluate and master plan existing parks, trails or
athletic venues.
• Seek innovative and high-quality designs for park and
recreation areas.
• Update existing venues to appropriate City-adopted
standards.
GOAL 6
Ensure public venues are safe, cost effective, functional
and desired facilities.
• Inspect public venues weekly when practical, with
weekly safety checks to ensure maintenance and
safety guidelines are being met as well as compliance
with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Continue to evaluate better park maintenance
methods and best practices.
GOAL 7
Establish maintenance standards of recreation facilities
and equipment.
• Plan for obsolescence of facility equipment and
schedule repair or replacement.
• Ask for appropriate levels of staffing and equipment.
• Ensure staff commitment through training and staff
participation in determining standards.
• Evaluate anticipated level of maintenance after each
new park is added to ensure standards can be
achieved.
GOAL 8
Encourage relationship building and coordination among
government and nonprofit entities.
• Continue regular meetings with Madison County,
BYU-I/Outdoor Recreation, school districts, State
and Federal agencies, Chamber of Commerce, and
Tourism Bureau.
• Provide appropriate promotional support to groups
for leisure activities (Little League softball/baseball,
American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), and
others).
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 51
6. ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, MANAGEMENT & OPERATION NEEDS
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 5352 | ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, MANAGEMENT & OPERATION NEEDS
UNIT COST
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B
L
E
BE
N
C
H
E
S
&
FU
R
N
I
S
H
I
N
G
S
SK
A
T
E
P
A
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K
/
SP
L
A
S
H
P
A
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TR
E
E
S
RE
S
T
R
O
O
M
PA
R
K
S
I
G
N
DR
I
N
K
I
N
G
FO
U
N
T
A
I
N
FI
R
E
P
I
T
DI
S
C
CO
S
T
O
F
IM
P
R
O
V
E
M
E
N
T
S
NEIGHBORHOOD PARK (approx. 1-5 acres)
REXBURG CITY
Evergreen-Kiwanis Park 801 West Main 7.66 0 0010501000 2,250$
Hidden Valley Park Palmer Circle 2.81 1 0320201000 56,100$
Rexburg City Total 10.47 1 0 3 3 0 7 0 2 0 0 0 58,350$
UNIT COST
52
,
0
0
0
45
,
0
0
0
80
0
5,
0
0
0
50
0
,
0
0
0
35
0
12
5
,
0
0
0
0 0 0 0
COMMUNITY PARK PROPOSED AMENITIES
EXISTING PUBLIC
PARK TYPES & AMENITIES
PA
R
K
A
D
D
R
E
S
S
TO
T
A
L
A
C
R
E
S
PA
V
I
L
I
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N
PL
A
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G
R
O
U
N
D
PI
C
N
I
C
T
A
B
L
E
BE
N
C
H
E
S
&
FU
R
N
I
S
H
I
N
G
S
SK
A
T
E
P
A
R
K
/
SP
L
A
S
H
P
A
D
TR
E
E
S
RE
S
T
R
O
O
M
PA
R
K
S
I
G
N
DR
I
N
K
I
N
G
FO
U
N
T
A
I
N
FI
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E
P
I
T
DI
S
C
CO
S
T
O
F
IM
P
R
O
V
E
M
E
N
T
S
COMMUNITY PARK (approx. 5-25 acres)
REXBURG CITY
Nature Park 300 N 5th West 18.3 21080519402 315,750$
Riverside Park 50 West 1st North 31.76 0 2 0 12 0 35 10000 287,250$
Community Fields 450 East 2nd North 16.75 01040502100 66,750$
Smith Park 300 E Main 11.07 10061003300 582,000$
Porter Park 100 South 2nd West 11.38 00090602100 47,100$
Rexburg City Total 89.26 3 4 0 39 1 51 2 16 9 0 2 1,298,850$
UNIT COST
52
,
0
0
0
45
,
0
0
0
80
0
5,
0
0
0
50
0
,
0
0
0
35
0
12
5
,
0
0
0
0 0 0 0
SUMMARY PARKS EXISTING AMENITIES PROPOSED AMENITIES
EXISTING PUBLIC
PARK TYPES & AMENITIES
PA
R
K
A
D
D
R
E
S
S
TO
T
A
L
A
C
R
E
S
PA
V
I
L
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N
PL
A
Y
G
R
O
U
N
D
PI
C
N
I
C
T
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L
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BE
N
C
H
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S
&
FU
R
N
I
S
H
I
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G
S
SK
A
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P
A
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K
/
SP
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A
S
H
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S
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S
T
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M
PA
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S
I
G
N
DR
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K
I
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FO
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N
T
A
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N
FI
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P
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DI
S
C
CO
S
T
O
F
IM
P
R
O
V
E
M
E
N
T
S
SUMMARY PARKS
REXBURG CITY
Eagle Park 450 W 3rd North 18 0 0040000000 20,000$
Nature Park 300 N 5th West 18.3 2 1080519402 315,750$
Riverside Park 50 West 1st North 31.76 0 201203510000 287,250$
Rotary Park 235 Rodney Drive 0.51 1210201000 104,300$
Community Fields 450 East 2nd North 16.75 0 1040502100 66,750$
Evergreen-Kiwanis Park 801 West Main 7.66 0 0010501000 6,750$
Smith Park 300 E Main 11.07 1 0061003300 582,000$
Porter Park 100 South 2nd West 11.38 0 0090602100 47,100$
Park Street Park 500 West Park Street 0.69 0 1010001000 50,000$
Hidden Valley Park Palmer Circle 2.81 1 0320201000 65,100$
North Gate / South Gates Park 7th South and 4th West 0.88 0 0120100020 11,150$
Rexburg City Total 119.8 5 6 6 50 1 61 2 20 9 2 2 1,556,150$
UNIT COST
31
,
0
0
0
45
,
0
0
0
80
0
50
0
50
0
,
0
0
0
35
0
12
5
,
0
0
0
0 0 0 0
MINI PARKS PROPOSED AMENITIES
EXISTING PUBLIC
PARK TYPES & AMENITIES
PA
R
K
A
D
D
R
E
S
S
TO
T
A
L
A
C
R
E
S
PA
V
I
L
I
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N
PL
A
Y
G
R
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N
D
PI
C
N
I
C
T
A
B
L
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BE
N
C
H
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S
&
FU
R
N
I
S
H
I
N
G
S
SK
A
T
E
P
A
R
K
/
S
P
L
A
S
H
PA
D
TR
E
E
S
RE
S
T
R
O
O
M
PA
R
K
S
I
G
N
DR
I
N
K
I
N
G
F
O
U
N
T
A
I
N
FI
R
E
P
I
T
DI
S
C
CO
S
T
O
F
I
M
P
R
O
V
E
M
E
N
T
S
MINI PARKS (approx. 0-1 acres)
REXBURG CITY
Rotary Park 235 Rodney Drive 0.55 1 1210201000 78,800$
Park Street Park 500 West Park Street 0.69 0 1010001000 45,500$
North Gate / South Gates Park 7th South and 4th West 0.88 0 0120100020 2,150$
Rexburg City Total 2.12 1 2 3 4 0 3 0 2 0 2 0 126,450$
The Master Plan Committee would like to emphasize how
important the accurate estimates for construction, on-go-
ing operation and maintenance and staffing are to identify.
While the recommended timelines for proposed capital
projects can be accelerated, or decelerated, depending
on the influx or lack of funding availability or community
desire, it is advised that no project be started until costs
are adequately vetted. Part of that vetting process includes
more than cost estimations, it may also include identifying
community champions, area of concern, or any backlog
of existing maintenance issues.
Whatever the source, whether it be fundraising or a por-
tion of team fees set into a building account, or any of
the other funding sources to be outlined in this Chapter, a
Community Recreation Foundation or Sports/Recreation
Commission could be established to identify community
champions and extra funding for projects that are needed
the most.
The recommended prioritization in determining funds is
as listed below:
• Mitigating life safety issues
• Imminent structural failure
• Increasing efficiency (by decreasing reoccurring
repairs).
• Increasing capacity to accommodate demand and
generate revenue and community branding.
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR SPECIFIC NEEDS
The costs of building a parks and recreation system
includes land and construction (capital costs) as well as
maintenance. These costs, adjusted for average Rexburg
prices, are shown in the following tables.
MAINTENANCE COSTS
In tandem, an annual budget must be allocated to provide
quality maintenance of these places. In 2016, the main-
tenance budget for the Parks Division was $974,847. As
the City’s inventory of parks grows, its maintenance and
personnel budget should grow commensurately.
Beaver Dick Park
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 5554 | ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, MANAGEMENT & OPERATION NEEDS
Zions Public Finance, Inc. | April 2018
City of Rexburg | Parks and Recreation Funding Options Year Acres 2021 129 2022 131 2023 133 2024 136 2025 138 2026 141 2027 143 2028 146 2029 149 2030 153 2031 156 2032 160 2033 164 2034 167 2035 171 2036 175 2037 180 2038 184
The additional park acreage will result in additional capital costs to purchase land, as well as increased
operating costs for park maintenance. Based on discussions with the City, a typical 5 to 10-acre park will
cost just over $1 million to build.
Table 5: Typical Park Construction Capital Costs – 5-Acre Community Park
Units 5-10 Acre Park Cost/Unit Total Cost Cost per Acre
5 Land $ 40,000 $ 200,000 $ 40,000
1 Restroom with Storage 125,000 125,000 25,000
1 Large Shelter 52,000 52,000 10,400
0 Small Shelter 31,000 - -
1 Playground Equipment 45,000 45,000 9,000
10 Picnic Tables 800 8,000 1,600
10 Trash Receptacles 400 4,000 800
5 Benches 500 2,500 500
1.25 Drinking Fountains 2,200 2,750 550
1 Pathway 10' wide 77,000 77,000 15,400
10 Lighting 3,000 30,000 6,000
5 Leveling/Earth Work 1,000 5,000 1,000
5 Irrigation 17,000 85,000 17,000
5 Turf (Hydro Seeding) 2,500 12,500 2,500
80 Parking Stalls-small lot 1,000 80,000 16,000
100 Trees 350 35,000 7,000
1 Curb & Gutter 65,000 65,000 13,000
1 Street Costs 75,000 75,000 15,000 Total before Design/Engineering 903,750 180,750 Design 180,750 36,150 Total $ 1,084,500 $ 216,900
The additional park acreage will result in additional capital
costs to purchase land, as well as increased operating
costs for park maintenance. Based on discussions with
the City, a typical 5 to 10-acre park will cost just over $1
million to build.
PARKS, TRAILS &
RECREATION FACILITY
NEEDS
The City needs to plan for adequate funding for ongoing
maintenance and operating costs, as well as the addition
of new capital facilities. New capital facilities will be re-
quired due to the demands of new growth in the area, as
well as the desires of the City to expand existing services
and programs to higher levels of service. New capital fa-
cilities may also be desired due to changing trends in the
popularity of various recreation programs and amenities,
as well as changing demographics in the community.
The City currently has 103.64 park acres. With a 2018
population of 36,094, this results in a service level of 2.87
park acres per 1,000 persons. In order to keep this ser-
vice level constant in the future, Rexburg will need to in-
crease its park acres as follows:
Zions Public Finance, Inc. | April 2018
City of Rexburg | Parks and Recreation Funding Options
Year Acres
2021 129
2022 131
2023 133
2024 136
2025 138
2026 141
2027 143
2028 146
2029 149
2030 153
2031 156
2032 160
2033 164
2034 167
2035 171
2036 175
2037 180
2038 184
The additional park acreage will result in additional capital costs to purchase land, as well as increased
operating costs for park maintenance. Based on discussions with the City, a typical 5 to 10-acre park will
cost just over $1 million to build.
Table 5: Typical Park Construction Capital Costs – 5-Acre Community Park
Units 5-10 Acre Park Cost/Unit Total Cost Cost per Acre
5 Land $ 40,000 $ 200,000 $ 40,000
1 Restroom with Storage 125,000 125,000 25,000
1 Large Shelter 52,000 52,000 10,400
0 Small Shelter 31,000 - -
1 Playground Equipment 45,000 45,000 9,000
10 Picnic Tables 800 8,000 1,600
10 Trash Receptacles 400 4,000 800
5 Benches 500 2,500 500
1.25 Drinking Fountains 2,200 2,750 550
1 Pathway 10' wide 77,000 77,000 15,400
10 Lighting 3,000 30,000 6,000
5 Leveling/Earth Work 1,000 5,000 1,000
5 Irrigation 17,000 85,000 17,000
5 Turf (Hydro Seeding) 2,500 12,500 2,500
80 Parking Stalls-small lot 1,000 80,000 16,000
100 Trees 350 35,000 7,000
1 Curb & Gutter 65,000 65,000 13,000
1 Street Costs 75,000 75,000 15,000 Total before Design/Engineering 903,750 180,750 Design 180,750 36,150 Total $ 1,084,500 $ 216,900
Zions Public Finance, Inc. | April 2018
City of Rexburg | Parks and Recreation Funding Options
Parks, Trails and Recreation Facility Needs
The City needs to plan for adequate funding for ongoing maintenance and operating costs, as well as the
addition of new capital facilities. New capital facilities will be required due to the demands of new growth
in the area, as well as the desires of the City to expand existing services and programs to higher levels of
service. New capital facilities may also be desired due to changing trends in the popularity of various
recreation programs and amenities, as well as changing demographics in the community.
The City currently has 103.64 park acres. With a 2018 population of 36,139, this results in a service level
of 2.87 park acres per 1,000 persons. Rexburg desires to increase its service level to 3.5 acres per 1,000
residents in the future. In order to reach this proposed level of service, Rexburg will need to increase its
park acres as follows:
Table 4: Park Acres Required to Meet Desired Service Levels of 3.5 Acres per 1,000 Residents
Year Acres
2018 104
2019 125
2020 127
Zions Public Finance, Inc. | April 2018
City of Rexburg | Parks and Recreation Funding Options
The per-acre park cost changes with the type and size of the park, generally due to the reduced amenities
found in smaller parks or in neighborhood parks.
Table 6: Typical Park Construction Capital Costs – 5-Acre Neighborhood Park
Units 5-10 Acre Park Cost/Unit Total Cost Per Acre
5 Land 40,000 200,000 40,000
1 Restroom with Storage 125,000 125,000 25,000
1 Large Shelter 52,000 52,000 10,400
0 Small Shelter 31,000 - -
1 Playground Equipment 45,000 45,000 9,000
10 Picnic Tables 800 8,000 1,600
10 Trash Receptacles 400 4,000 800
5 Benches 500 2,500 500
1.25 Drinking Fountains 2,200 2,750 550
1 Pathway 10' wide 77,000 77,000 15,400
10 Lighting 3,000 30,000 6,000
5 Leveling/Earth Work 1,000 5,000 1,000
5 Irrigation 17,000 85,000 17,000
5 Turf (Hydro Seeding) 2,500 12,500 2,500
0 Parking Stalls-small lot 1,000 - -
100 Trees 350 35,000 7,000
1 Curb & Gutter 65,000 65,000 13,000
0 Street Costs 75,000 - - Total before Design/Engineering 748,750 149,750 Design 149,750 29,950 Total $898,500 $179,700
Table 7: Typical Park Construction Capital Costs – 2.5-Acre Neighborhood Park
Units 2.5- Acre Park Cost/Unit Total Cost Per Acre
2.5 Land 40,000 40,000
0 Restroom with Storage 125,000 - -
0 Large Shelter 52,000 - -
1 Small Shelter 31,000 31,000 12,400
1 Playground Equipment 45,000 45,000 18,000
5 Picnic Tables 800 4,000 1,600
5 Trash Receptacles 400 2,000 800
2.5 Benches 500 1,250 500
0.625 Drinking Fountains 2,200 1,375 550
0 Pathway 10' wide 77,000 - -
0 Lighting 3,000 - -
2.5 Leveling/Earth Work 1,000 2,500 1,000
2.5 Irrigation 17,000 42,500 17,000
2.5 Turf (Hydro Seeding) 2,500 6,250 2,500
0 Parking Stalls-small lot 1,000 - -
50 Trees 350 17,500 7,000
1 Curb & Gutter 65,000 65,000 26,000
0 Street Costs 75,000 - - Total before design/engineering 218,375 127,350 Design $ 43,675 $ 25,470 Total 262,050 152,820
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 5756 | ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, MANAGEMENT & OPERATION NEEDS
OPERATING REVENUES
Estimates of operating revenues have been provided by
the City and are based on historical growth rates of ap-
proximately 7.61 percent per year in property tax reve-
nues.
Zions Public Finance, Inc. | April 2018
City of Rexburg | Parks and Recreation Funding Options
The cost of future park development will depend on the type and size of future parks developed by the
City. Impact fees can be charged to offset the capital costs associated with park development, but only
to the existing level of service. The City has indicated that it has a desire to raise its service levels from
the current 2.87 acres per 1,000 residents to 3.5 acres per 1,000 residents. While impact fees can be
charged to maintain existing service levels, they cannot be charged to make up existing deficiencies.
A detailed chart of anticipated parks and recreation capital improvements is shown in Appendix A. While
these costs vary from year to year (from a low of $55,000 to a high of $1,885,000), the average annual
cost is just over $380,000.
Funding Needs
Operating and Maintenance Funding Needs
In order to make projections regarding future operating costs, expenses were divided into fixed and
variable costs. Fixed costs are those expenses that remain constant as growth occurs. For example, only
one administrative department head is needed; or, park administrative building maintenance costs will
not change with growth. On the other hand, variable costs increase with growth, such as with increasing
park acres in the City. Based on a detailed review of the City’s parks and recreation budget, along with
discussions with City staff, the following division was made between fixed and variable costs:
Table 8: 2018 Operating Budget – Fixed and Variable Costs
Amount
Fixed Costs $249,660
Variable Cost $529,740
Total $779,400
A detailed breakout of the determination of fixed and variable costs is shown in Appendix B.
For the purpose of projecting expenses, fixed costs are grown at an inflationary rate of 2.5 percent per
year. Variable costs are grown by two factors: 1) an inflationary rate of 2.5 percent per year; and 2) the
increased costs associated with the increased facilities.
Table 9: Estimated Operating Costs
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Variable Cost per Acre $5,111 $5,239 $5,370 $5,504 $5,642
Desired Acres 104 125 127 129 131
Total Variable Costs $529,740 $657,202 $683,947 $711,781 $740,747
Fixed Costs $249,660 $255,902 $262,299 $268,857 $275,578
Total Costs $779,400 $913,103 $946,246 $980,637 $1,016,325
Total Cost/Acre (Fixed and Variable) $7,520 $7,279 $7,430 $7,583 $7,741
Operating expense projections through 2038 are shown in Appendix C.
Operating Revenues
Estimates of operating revenues have been provided by the City and are based on historical growth rates
of approximately 7.61 percent per year in property tax revenues.
Zions Public Finance, Inc. | April 2018
City of Rexburg | Parks and Recreation Funding Options The per-acre park cost changes with the type and size of the park, generally due to the reduced amenities found in smaller parks or in neighborhood parks. Table 6: Typical Park Construction Capital Costs – 5-Acre Neighborhood Park Units 5-10 Acre Park Cost/Unit Total Cost Per Acre 5 Land 40,000 200,000 40,000 1 Restroom with Storage 125,000 125,000 25,000 1 Large Shelter 52,000 52,000 10,400 0 Small Shelter 31,000 - - 1 Playground Equipment 45,000 45,000 9,000 10 Picnic Tables 800 8,000 1,600 10 Trash Receptacles 400 4,000 800 5 Benches 500 2,500 500 1.25 Drinking Fountains 2,200 2,750 550 1 Pathway 10' wide 77,000 77,000 15,400 10 Lighting 3,000 30,000 6,000 5 Leveling/Earth Work 1,000 5,000 1,000 5 Irrigation 17,000 85,000 17,000 5 Turf (Hydro Seeding) 2,500 12,500 2,500 0 Parking Stalls-small lot 1,000 - - 100 Trees 350 35,000 7,000
1 Curb & Gutter 65,000 65,000 13,000
0 Street Costs 75,000 - - Total before Design/Engineering 748,750 149,750 Design 149,750 29,950 Total $898,500 $179,700
Table 7: Typical Park Construction Capital Costs – 2.5-Acre Neighborhood Park
Units 2.5- Acre Park Cost/Unit Total Cost Per Acre
2.5 Land 40,000 40,000
0 Restroom with Storage 125,000 - -
0 Large Shelter 52,000 - -
1 Small Shelter 31,000 31,000 12,400
1 Playground Equipment 45,000 45,000 18,000
5 Picnic Tables 800 4,000 1,600
5 Trash Receptacles 400 2,000 800
2.5 Benches 500 1,250 500
0.625 Drinking Fountains 2,200 1,375 550
0 Pathway 10' wide 77,000 - -
0 Lighting 3,000 - -
2.5 Leveling/Earth Work 1,000 2,500 1,000
2.5 Irrigation 17,000 42,500 17,000
2.5 Turf (Hydro Seeding) 2,500 6,250 2,500
0 Parking Stalls-small lot 1,000 - -
50 Trees 350 17,500 7,000
1 Curb & Gutter 65,000 65,000 26,000
0 Street Costs 75,000 - - Total before design/engineering 218,375 127,350 Design $ 43,675 $ 25,470 Total 262,050 152,820
The cost of future park development will depend on the
type and size of future parks developed by the City. Im-
pact fees can be charged to offset the capital costs as-
sociated with park development, but only to the existing
level of service. The City has indicated that it has a desire
to raise its service levels from the current 2.87 acres per
1,000 residents to 3.5 acres per 1,000 residents. While
impact fees can be charged to maintain existing service
levels, they cannot be charged to make up existing defi-
ciencies.
A detailed chart of anticipated parks and recreation cap-
ital improvements is shown in Appendix A. While these
costs vary from year to year (from a low of $55,000 to a
high of $1,885,000), the average annual cost is just over
$380,000.
FUNDING NEEDS
OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE FUNDING
NEEDS
In order to make projections regarding future operating
costs, expenses were divided into fixed and variable
costs. Fixed costs are those expenses that remain con-
stant as growth occurs. For example, only one admin-
istrative department head is needed; or, park adminis-
trative building maintenance costs will not change with
growth. On the other hand, variable costs increase with
growth, such as with increasing park acres in the City.
Based on a detailed review of the City’s parks and recre-
ation budget, along with discussions with City staff, the
following division was made between fixed and variable
costs: Comparison with Operating Budgets of Other Mu-
Comparrererererer with Operating Budgets of Other Mu-
nicipalities.
For the purpose of projecting expenses, fixed costs are
grown at an inflationary rate of 2.5 percent per year. Vari-
able costs are grown by two factors: 1) an inflationary
rate of 2.5 percent per year; and 2) the increased costs
associated with the increased facilities.
Zions Public Finance, Inc. | April 2018
City of Rexburg | Parks and Recreation Funding Options The cost of future park development will depend on the type and size of future parks developed by the City. Impact fees can be charged to offset the capital costs associated with park development, but only to the existing level of service. The City has indicated that it has a desire to raise its service levels from the current 2.87 acres per 1,000 residents to 3.5 acres per 1,000 residents. While impact fees can be charged to maintain existing service levels, they cannot be charged to make up existing deficiencies. A detailed chart of anticipated parks and recreation capital improvements is shown in Appendix A. While these costs vary from year to year (from a low of $55,000 to a high of $1,885,000), the average annual cost is just over $380,000. Funding Needs Operating and Maintenance Funding Needs In order to make projections regarding future operating costs, expenses were divided into fixed and variable costs. Fixed costs are those expenses that remain constant as growth occurs. For example, only one administrative department head is needed; or, park administrative building maintenance costs will not change with growth. On the other hand, variable costs increase with growth, such as with increasing park acres in the City. Based on a detailed review of the City’s parks and recreation budget, along with discussions with City staff, the following division was made between fixed and variable costs: Table 8: 2018 Operating Budget – Fixed and Variable Costs Amount
Fixed Costs $249,660
Variable Cost $529,740
Total $779,400
A detailed breakout of the determination of fixed and variable costs is shown in Appendix B.
For the purpose of projecting expenses, fixed costs are grown at an inflationary rate of 2.5 percent per
year. Variable costs are grown by two factors: 1) an inflationary rate of 2.5 percent per year; and 2) the
increased costs associated with the increased facilities.
Table 9: Estimated Operating Costs
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Variable Cost per Acre $5,111 $5,239 $5,370 $5,504 $5,642
Desired Acres 104 125 127 129 131
Total Variable Costs $529,740 $657,202 $683,947 $711,781 $740,747
Fixed Costs $249,660 $255,902 $262,299 $268,857 $275,578
Total Costs $779,400 $913,103 $946,246 $980,637 $1,016,325
Total Cost/Acre (Fixed and Variable) $7,520 $7,279 $7,430 $7,583 $7,741
Operating expense projections through 2038 are shown in Appendix C.
Operating Revenues
Estimates of operating revenues have been provided by the City and are based on historical growth rates
of approximately 7.61 percent per year in property tax revenues.
Zions Public Finance, Inc. | April 2018
City of Rexburg | Parks and Recreation Funding Options
Table 10: Projected Property Tax Revenues to Parks Department
Year Total Increase Parks Share Available Funding
2018 $ 4,557,100 $ 779,400
2019 4,903,882 346,782 22,638.94 $ 802,038.94
2020 5,277,053 373,171 24,361.69 $ 826,400.63
2021 5,678,621 401,568 26,215.55 $ 852,616.17
2022 6,110,747 432,126 28,210.47 $ 880,826.64
2023 6,575,757 465,010 30,357.20 $ 911,183.85
2024 7,076,152 500,396 32,667.30 $ 943,851.15
2025 7,614,626 538,474 35,153.18 $ 979,004.33
2026 8,194,077 579,451 37,828.23 $ 1,016,832.56
2027 8,817,622 623,545 40,706.85 $ 1,057,539.41
2028 9,488,617 670,995 43,804.52 $ 1,101,343.93
2029 10,210,672 722,056 47,137.92 $ 1,148,481.85
2030 10,987,674 777,002 50,724.97 $ 1,199,206.82
2031 11,823,804 836,129 54,584.99 $ 1,253,791.81
2032 12,723,560 899,756 58,738.75 $ 1,312,530.56
2033 13,691,785 968,225 63,208.59 $ 1,375,739.15
2034 14,733,690 1,041,904 68,018.58 $ 1,443,757.73
2035 15,854,880 1,121,190 73,194.59 $ 1,516,952.32
2036 17,061,389 1,206,509 78,764.48 $ 1,595,716.80
2037 18,359,710 1,298,321 84,758.23 $ 1,680,475.03
2038 19,756,830 1,397,120 91,208.08 $ 1,771,683.10 $ 15,199,730 $ 992,283
Net Operating Revenues
Revenues are then matched against expenses to project net revenues on an annual basis. The table below
shows five years of projections. Projections extending through 2038 are included in Appendix D. The
analysis shows that given current revenue patterns, the City cannot afford to raise service levels from 2.87
park acres per 1,000 persons to 3.5 acres per 1,000 persons. While the City could conceivably find ways
to fund the capital costs associated with the higher level of service, the ongoing maintenance costs would
prove too expensive for the City in coming years, without a significant increase in revenues.
Table 11: Net Revenue Projections
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Revenues $779,400 $802,039 $826,401 $852,616 $880,827
Expenses $779,400 $913,103 $946,246 $980,637 $1,016,325
Net Revenues - $ (111,064) $(119,846) $(128,021) $(135,498)
Operating revenues are generally funded through property tax revenues, while capital costs are generally
funded through a wide variety of sources.
Comparison with Operating Budgets of Other Municipalities
A comparative analysis of parks and recreation budgets in other cities shows that Rexburg’s budget, on a
per capita basis, is the smallest of the comparison cities in the table below. This may be another reason
why it is difficult for the City to raise existing service levels.
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 5958 | ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, MANAGEMENT & OPERATION NEEDS
NET OPERATING REVENUES
Revenues are then matched against expenses to proj-
ect net revenues on an annual basis. The table below
shows five years of projections. Projections extending
through 2038 are included in Appendix D. The analy-
sis shows that given current revenue patterns, the City
cannot afford to raise service levels from 2.87 park acres
per 1,000 persons to 3.5 acres per 1,000 persons. While
the City could conceivably find ways to fund the capi-
tal costs associated with the higher level of service, the
ongoing maintenance costs would prove too expen-
sive for the City in coming years, without a significant
increase in revenues.
Zions Public Finance, Inc. | April 2018
City of Rexburg | Parks and Recreation Funding Options Table 10: Projected Property Tax Revenues to Parks Department Year Total Increase Parks Share Available Funding 2018 $ 4,557,100 $ 779,400 2019 4,903,882 346,782 22,638.94 $ 802,038.94 2020 5,277,053 373,171 24,361.69 $ 826,400.63 2021 5,678,621 401,568 26,215.55 $ 852,616.17 2022 6,110,747 432,126 28,210.47 $ 880,826.64 2023 6,575,757 465,010 30,357.20 $ 911,183.85 2024 7,076,152 500,396 32,667.30 $ 943,851.15 2025 7,614,626 538,474 35,153.18 $ 979,004.33 2026 8,194,077 579,451 37,828.23 $ 1,016,832.56 2027 8,817,622 623,545 40,706.85 $ 1,057,539.41 2028 9,488,617 670,995 43,804.52 $ 1,101,343.93 2029 10,210,672 722,056 47,137.92 $ 1,148,481.85 2030 10,987,674 777,002 50,724.97 $ 1,199,206.82 2031 11,823,804 836,129 54,584.99 $ 1,253,791.81
2032 12,723,560 899,756 58,738.75 $ 1,312,530.56
2033 13,691,785 968,225 63,208.59 $ 1,375,739.15
2034 14,733,690 1,041,904 68,018.58 $ 1,443,757.73
2035 15,854,880 1,121,190 73,194.59 $ 1,516,952.32
2036 17,061,389 1,206,509 78,764.48 $ 1,595,716.80
2037 18,359,710 1,298,321 84,758.23 $ 1,680,475.03
2038 19,756,830 1,397,120 91,208.08 $ 1,771,683.10 $ 15,199,730 $ 992,283
Net Operating Revenues
Revenues are then matched against expenses to project net revenues on an annual basis. The table below
shows five years of projections. Projections extending through 2038 are included in Appendix D. The
analysis shows that given current revenue patterns, the City cannot afford to raise service levels from 2.87
park acres per 1,000 persons to 3.5 acres per 1,000 persons. While the City could conceivably find ways
to fund the capital costs associated with the higher level of service, the ongoing maintenance costs would
prove too expensive for the City in coming years, without a significant increase in revenues.
Table 11: Net Revenue Projections
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Revenues $779,400 $802,039 $826,401 $852,616 $880,827
Expenses $779,400 $913,103 $946,246 $980,637 $1,016,325
Net Revenues - $ (111,064) $(119,846) $(128,021) $(135,498)
Operating revenues are generally funded through property tax revenues, while capital costs are generally
funded through a wide variety of sources.
Comparison with Operating Budgets of Other Municipalities
A comparative analysis of parks and recreation budgets in other cities shows that Rexburg’s budget, on a
per capita basis, is the smallest of the comparison cities in the table below. This may be another reason
why it is difficult for the City to raise existing service levels.
COMPARISON WITH OPERATING BUDGETS OF
OTHER MUNICIPALITIES
A comparative analysis of parks and recreation budgets
in other cities shows that Rexburg’s budget, on a per
capita basis, is the smallest of the comparison cities in
the table below. This may be another reason why it is
difficult for the City to raise existing service levels.
Zions Public Finance, Inc. | April 2018
City of Rexburg | Parks and Recreation Funding Options
Table 12: Comparative Parks and Recreation Budgets
City Population Parks and Recreation
Budget Per Capita Notes
Logan, UT 50,676 $3,677,256 $72.56
Provo , UT 116,868 $10,282,924 $87.99
Pocatello , ID 54,746 $2,033,088 $37.14
Moscow, ID 25,322 $2,893,637 $114.27
Cedar City , UT 31,223 $1,343,355 $43.02 includes cemetery
Bozeman, MT 46,000 $2,028,480 $44.10
Idaho Falls, ID 60,211 NA NA NA - includes cemetery
and zoo
Twin Falls, ID 48,260 $1,518,076 $31.46
Post Falls, ID 31,865 $1,424,374 $44.70 includes cemetery
Blackfoot, ID 11,890 $701,181 $58.97 Not including swimming
pool or golf course
Rexburg, ID 36,139 $779,400 $21.57
Funding of Capital Costs
The City has provided an estimate of future capital costs, as well as revenue sources that could be used
to pay for future capital facilities. A detailed spreadsheet, including timing of these costs, is included in
Appendix E. The primary funding sources shown in the spreadsheet include impact fees and urban
renewal funds. A variety of other funding sources is discussed later in this report.
Based on the detailed spreadsheet shown as Appendix E, revenues for capital purposes should total $6.4
million over the next 20 years, while capital expenditures should total approximately $7.4 million,
leaving a deficit of approximately $1 million over the 20-year period.
Funding Sources
Multiple funding sources are available for funding parks, trails and recreation facilities. The primary
options include grants, impact fees, taxes, user fees, urban renewal, developer contributions and the
issuance of debt (bonds). The following sections discuss each revenue source, along with the
appropriateness of each source to various capital or operating needs.
Potential funding sources are discussed in more detail in this report and are organized as follows:
• User Fees
• General Obligation Bonds
• Lease Revenue Bonds
• Recreation District
• Urban Renewal
• Impact Fees
• Grants, Foundations, Donations
FUNDING OF CAPITAL COSTS
The City has provided an estimate of future capital costs,
as well as revenue sources that could be used to pay for
future capital facilities. A detailed spreadsheet, including
timing of these costs, is included in Appendix E. The pri-
mary funding sources shown in the spreadsheet include
impact fees and urban renewal funds. A variety of other
funding sources is discussed later in this report.
Based on the detailed spreadsheet shown as Appendix
E, revenues for capital purposes should total $6.4 million
over the next 20 years, while capital expenditures should
total approximately $7.4 million, leaving a deficit of ap-
proximately $1 million over the 20-year period.
FUNDING SOURCES
Multiple funding sources are available for funding parks,
trails and recreation facilities. The primary options include
grants, impact fees, taxes, user fees, urban renewal, de-
veloper contributions and the issuance of debt (bonds).
The following sections discuss each revenue source,
along with the appropriateness of each source to various
capital or operating needs.
Potential funding sources are discussed in more detail in
this report and are organized as follows:
• User Fees
• General Obligation Bonds
• Lease Revenue Bonds
• Recreation District
• Urban Renewal
• Impact Fees
• Grants, Foundations, Donations
USER FEES
User fees are generally charged for recreation facilities,
recreation programs or, in some cases, for access to
specific trails and facilities. The major issue with user fees
is that of cost recovery. Most communities do not recov-
er all costs through user fees. The amount of subsidy
is often dependent on the level of perceived community
benefit from various programs, with youth and senior citi-
zen programs generally more subsidized than other types
of programs. The table below describes potential cost
recovery percentages based on benefits.
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 6160 | ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, MANAGEMENT & OPERATION NEEDS
Zions Public Finance, Inc. | April 2018
City of Rexburg | Parks and Recreation Funding Options User Fees User fees are generally charged for recreation facilities, recreation programs or, in some cases, for access to specific trails and facilities. The major issue with user fees is that of cost recovery. Most communities
do not recover all costs through user fees. The amount of subsidy is often dependent on the level of
perceived community benefit from various programs, with youth and senior citizen programs generally
more subsidized than other types of programs. The table below describes potential cost recovery
percentages based on benefits.
Table 13: Potential Community Cost Recovery Levels
Level Benefits Activity Description Cost Recovery %
1 Community Benefit
Drop in non-monitored facility access
(non-instructional) basic
Special events
0-20%
2 Community/Individual
Benefit
Senior and youth sports
Senior and youth non-sports
beginner/intermediate
Youth camps and after-school
programs
Permits non-profit
20-50%
3 Individual/Community
Benefit
Adult sports and recreational
programs
Adult non-sports
beginner/intermediate
50-75%
4 Mostly Individual Benefit Adult, senior and youth
advanced/competitive leagues 75-100%
5 Highly Individual Benefit
Permits for profit groups and private
individuals
Concession and vending
Merchandise for resale
Private lessons
100%+
Rexburg may want to review its current fee levels to see if there are opportunities to recover additional
costs. However, if similar programs and facilities are available in the community from other providers,
then the City will also need to assess fees in the competitive market. If fees charged by the City are higher
than those charged by other providers, then the City could likely lose participants, thus precipitating
declining revenues.
General Obligation Bonds
General obligation bonds are a common resource for funding major capital facilities, such as a recreation
center or sports park, that benefits all of the community. Often, several communities will join together
to join their resources (i.e., tax base) to build a joint facility that serves several communities.
Rexburg may want to review its current fee levels to see if
there are opportunities to recover additional costs. How-
ever, if similar programs and facilities are available in the
community from other providers, then the City will also
need to assess fees in the competitive market. If fees
charged by the City are higher than those charged by
other providers, then the City could likely lose partici-
pants, thus precipitating declining revenues.
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
General obligation bonds are a common resource for
funding major capital facilities, such as a recreation cen-
ter or sports park, that benefits all of the community.
Often, several communities will join together to join their
resources (i.e., tax base) to build a joint facility that serves
several communities.
General obligation bonds, commonly referred to as “G.O.
bonds,” are generally the least costly form of financing
for capital facilities. They attract the lowest interest rates
in the market because they are secured by the “full faith
and credit” - the unlimited pledge of the taxing ability of
the community and therefore have the least credit risk to
investors. However, any bonded indebtedness secured
by property tax levies must be approved by voters in a
bond election called for that purpose.
It is our experience that if the recreation improvements
being considered for funding through the G.O. bond have
broad appeal to the public and proponents are willing to
assist in the promotional efforts, G.O. bonds for recre-
ation projects can meet with public approval. However,
due to the fact that some constituents may not view them
as essential-purpose facilities for a local government or
may view the government as competing with the private
sector, obtaining positive voter approval may be a chal-
lenge.
Advantages of G.O. Bonds:
• Lowest cost form of borrowing
• ‘New’ source of revenues identified
Disadvantages of G.O. Bonds:
• Timing issues; limited date to hold required G.O.
election
• Risk of a “no” vote while still incurring costs of hold-
ing a bond election
• Possibility of election failure due to lack of perceived
benefit to majority of voters
• Must levy property tax on all property even if some
properties receive limited or no benefit from the pro-
posed improvements
• Can only bond for physical facilities, not ongoing or
additional operation and maintenance expense
LEASE REVENUE BONDS
Another financing mechanism that can be used to finance
recreation facilities is a Lease Revenue Bond issued by
the Local Building Authority of the City. This type of bond
would be secured by the recreation center property and
facility itself, not unlike real property serving as the secu-
rity for a home mortgage. Lease revenue bonds are re-
paid by an annual appropriation of the lease payment by
the City Council. Generally, this financing method works
best when used for an essential public facility such as city
halls, police stations and fire stations. Interest rates on a
lease revenue bond would be higher than on general obli-
gation bonds and would be somewhat dependent on the
market’s assessment of the “essentiality” of the facility.
As this type of bond financing does not generate any new
revenue source, the City Council will still need to identify
revenue sources sufficient to make the lease payments to
cover the debt service.
URBAN RENEWAL
Urban renewal funds are another potential funding source
for parks and recreation. Funds from this source are lim-
ited and are based on the actual amount of tax incre-
ment generated. Discussions with the City suggest that
there may be the possibility of a one-time allocation of
$875,000 from this source.
IMPACT FEES
Impact fees are one-time fees charged to new devel-
opment to offset the capital costs associated with new
development. Impact fees would be a good source of in-
come to pay for the added park acres and accompanying
improvements necessary to maintain existing service lev-
els as development occurs. Impact fees cannot be used
to raise existing service levels, for repair or replacement,
or to cure existing deficiencies. Based on discussions
with the City it is estimated that the City could receive
approximately $250,000 per year from parks and recre-
ation impact fees. However, impact fees are subject to
fluctuations in economic and building cycles.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
FUNDS
The use of CDBG funds is governed by HUD which allows
funds to be used for public facilities and public improve-
ments. HUD’s guidelines state “public improvements”
include “streets, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, parks,
playgrounds, water and sewer lines, flood and drainage
improvements, parking lots, utility lines, and aesthetic
amenities on public property such as trees, sculptures,
pools of water and fountains and other works of art”
(https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_17133.
PDF). However, HUD makes clear that funds can only be
used for the above-listed capital costs and specifically
states that funds cannot be used for the costs of op-
erating or maintaining public facilities/improvements. In
order to qualify under the national objective of benefit to
low-to-moderate income (LMI) persons, in most cases
the facilities must serve a primarily residential area having
at least 51 percent LMI persons. HUD requires that the
LMI requirements are based on the entire area served by
the facility. This program is administered by the Idaho
Department of Commerce.
FOUNDATIONS AND DONATIONS
Creating a foundation has been a successful method for
many communities in expanding and maintaining trail fa-
cilities. One example of an area that has successfully
done this is the Mountain Trails Foundation (MTF) for Park
City. MTF has five membership options, ranging from $10
to $300+. The most popular options are the $50 and
$100 donations per year. Membership results in various
coupons, discounts, and gifts (depending upon the $ lev-
el - maps, socks, vests, jackets, etc.). Memberships rep-
resent 60% of the Foundation’s annual revenues, while
races, grants, and corporate sponsorships provide the
rest of the revenue.
Recently, MTF spent $130,000 for summer trail mainte-
nance and an additional $30,000 for winter trail groom-
ing. Since its inception in 1994, MTF has been able to
increase trail miles from 40 to over 400. Annual member-
ship averages close to 4,000 members. Several mem-
bers interviewed indicate that Marmot is a major sponsor
and provides its “gear” at significantly lower prices to the
Foundation. Therefore, many people join MTF because
they are rewarded with athletic gear to offset the cost of
their annual donation. Car window stickers for MTF are
also viewed as something of a status symbol by some
Park City residents.
Revenue generated through memberships (representing
roughly 60% of total revenues) is supplemented by cor-
porate sponsorships and races.
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 6362 | ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, MANAGEMENT & OPERATION NEEDS
facilities. Other for-profit organizations such as Home
Depot and Lowes are often willing to partner with local
communities in the development of playground and other
park and recreation equipment and facilities. Again, the
key is a motivated individual or group who can garner the
support and funding desired.
Another potential partnership with service organizations
is through an Adopt-A-Trail program where various orga-
nizations assist with maintenance of City open space and
thereby reduce operating costs.
TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM
(TAP)
The federally-funded Recreational Trails Program (RTP)
has helped with non-motorized and motorized trail de-
velopment and maintenance, trail educational programs,
and trail-related environmental protection projects. The
Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act reau-
thorized the RTP for Federal fiscal years 2016 through
2020 as a set-aside of funds from the Transportation Al-
ternatives (TA) Set-Aside under Surface Transportation
Block Grant Program (STBG).
The national total is divided among States based on each
State’s proportionate share of FY2009 Transportation
Enhancements funding. Unless a Governor opts out, an
amount equal to the State’s FY 2009 RTP apportionment
is to be set aside from the State’s TAP funds for the RTP.
PRIVATE AND PUBLIC PARTNERSHIPS
The Parks and Recreation Department or a group of
communities acting cooperatively, and a private develop-
er or other government or quasi-government agency may
often cooperate on a facility that services the public, yet
is also attractive to an entrepreneur or another partner.
PRIVATE FUNDRAISING
While not addressed as a specific strategy for individ-
ual recreation facilities, it is not uncommon for public
monies to be leveraged with private donations often in
concert with a foundation (see Foundations and Dona-
tions above). Private funds will most likely be attracted
to high-profile facilities such as a swimming complex or
sports complex, and generally require aggressive promo-
tion and management on behalf of the park and recre-
ation department or city administration.
DEDICATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT
AGREEMENTS
The dedication of land for parks and park development
agreements has long been an accepted development
requirement and is another valuable tool for implement-
ing park development. The City can require dedication
of park land through review of projects such as Planned
Units Developments (PUDs). Many cities have received
park dedications and trail easements.
SERVICE ORGANIZATION PARTNERS
Many service organizations and corporations have funds
available for park and recreation facilities. Local Rotary
Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs, and other service organizations of-
ten combine resources to develop park and recreation
JOINT FUNDING PARTNERSHIPS
Joint funding opportunities may also occur between mu-
nicipalities and among agencies or departments within
a municipality. Cooperative relationships between cities
and counties are not uncommon, nor are partnerships
between cities and school districts. Often, small cities in
a region are able to cooperate and pool resources for rec-
reation projects. There may be other opportunities as well
which should be explored whenever possible in order to
maximize recreation opportunities and minimize costs. In
order to make these kinds of opportunities happen, there
must be constant communication between residents,
governments, business interests and others.
GRANTS AND OTHER FUNDING SOURCES
The following sources may serve as a supplement to,
though not a replacement for, the previous funding sourc-
es. The availability of these funds may change annually
depending on budget allocations.
LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND
The LWCF state assistance program provides matching
grants to help states and local communities protect parks
and recreation resources. Running the gamut from wil-
derness to trails and neighborhood playgrounds, LWCF
funding has benefited nearly every county in America,
supporting over 41,000 projects. This 50:50 matching
program is the primary federal investment tool to ensure
that families have easy access to parks and open space,
hiking and riding trails, and neighborhood recreation facil-
ities. Allocation amounts have decreased over time and
LCWF reports a backlog of needs for these funds.
IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(IDOT) SAFE TRAILS TO SCHOOL
The Office of Highway Safety manages the bicycle and
pedestrian safety program and administers funding to
support and promote bicycle and pedestrian safety
through enforcement, training and education.
AMERICAN HIKING SOCIETY – NATIONAL
TRAILS FUND
These are small, micro-grants (value between $500 and
$3,000) to improve hiking access or hiker safety on a par-
ticular trail.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Community Transformation
Grants are available. Rexburg has already been award-
ed one of these grants and therefore it may prove more
difficult to obtain additional funding from this source.
The grant covers a three-year period (2017-2019) and
funds are used to support projects aimed at improving
the health of youth in the areas of physical activity and
access to healthy, affordable foods.
TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM
(TAP)
Contracting services manages this program which is a
set-aside from the Surface Transportation Block Grant
Program (STBGP). It provides funds to plan, design and
construct local projects for pedestrians, bicyclists and
other non-motorized forms of transportation. The pro-
gram also supports Safe-Routes-to-School activities and
coordination (http://itd.idaho.gov/alt-programs/).
IDAHO RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM
The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation admin-
isters this program for the construction, maintenance
and restoration of both new and existing trails and
trailhead facilities including the purchase or lease of re-
quired equipment (http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/
about-parks-recreation).
U.S. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE RIVERS, TRAILS
AND CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The U.S. National Park Service program partners with
community groups, non-profits, tribes and state and lo-
cal governments to design trails and parks, conserve and
improve access to rivers, protect special places and cre-
ate recreation opportunities (http://www.nps.gov/orgs/
rtca/index.htm).
DOPPELT FAMILY TRAIL DEVELOPMENT FUND
The Rails-Trails Conservancy has a grant program to
support organizations and local governments that are im-
plementing projects to build and improve rail trails (http://
www.railstotrails.org/our-work/doppelt-family-trail-devel-
opment-fund/).
MOUNTAIN BIKE SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATE
FUND
The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation adminis-
ters this grant program to preserve, maintain or expand
recreational trails on which mountain biking is permitted
(http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/grants-and-fund-
ing).
MAP·21 CURRENT (REPLACES SAFETEA ·LU)
The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century
(Map-21) includes a number of substantial changes to
the transportation enhancement (TE) activities defined in
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 6564 | ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, MANAGEMENT & OPERATION NEEDS
APPENDIX B
Account Description
2016
Actual
2017
Actual
2018
Budget
1801
Actual
33%
YTD
2018
Forecast
**PARKS
****PERSONNEL
01‐438.10 SALARIES ($78,893) ($82,597) ($95,500) ($30,231)31 ($95,500)
01‐438.15 PART‐TIME WAGES ($142,862) ($170,715) ($165,000) ($36,120)21 ($165,000)
01‐438.152 BUILDING MAINTENANCE LABOR ($229) ($83) ($600)($600)
01‐438.19 ACC LEAVE/VAC BUYOUT/W‐C REFND ($1,311) ($1,624) ($2,000) ($2,134) 106 ($2,000)
01‐438.20 BENEFITS ($60,824) ($67,719) ($75,700) ($22,591)29 ($75,700)
01‐438.25 WORKMANS COMP CLAIMS SURCHARGE ($481) ($242) ($200)($200)
01‐438.251 WORKMAN'S COMP REFUND $2,579 $2,596 $1,800 $1,800
01‐438.26 UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS $88 $8 ($200)($200)
01‐438.27 UNIFORMS ($1,948) ($3,674) ($3,000) ($227)7 ($3,000)
01‐438.29 WELLNESS/RECREATION PROGRAMS ($417) ($449) ($300) ($45)15 ($300)
TOTAL PERSONNEL ($284,298) ($324,499) ($340,700) ($91,348)26 ($340,700)
****OPERATIONS
01‐438.30 SUPPLIES ($12,447) ($16,716) ($13,300) ($3,217)24 ($13,300)
01‐438.301 SUPPLIES ‐SOFTFALL/TOPSOIL/SOD ($1,022) ($7,466) ($2,300) ($107)4 ($2,300)
01‐438.302 SOCCER/FTBALL FIELDPREP SUPPLY ($2,172) ($4,186) ($2,800)($2,800)
01‐438.303 SUPPLIES‐ FLOWERS ($3,009) ($1,304) ($4,700)($4,700)
01‐438.32 PRIDE/REXBURG DAYS SUPPLIES ($600) ($608) ($600)($600)
01‐438.35 GAS & OIL ($14,953) ($15,044) ($17,000) ($2,119)12 ($17,000)
01‐438.39 SMALL TOOLS ($5,334) ($5,541) ($5,000) ($464)9 ($5,000)
01‐438.391 BBQ GRILLS/TRASH CANS ($8,000)($8,000)
01‐438.392 PARK SIGNAGE ($10,000)($10,000)
01‐438.40 DRUG TEST & BACKGROUND CHECKS ($1,035) ($808) ($800) ($25)3 ($800)
01‐438.42 TREE REMOVAL/REPLACEMENT ($2,183) ($3,935) ($7,000) ($40)($7,000)
01‐438.43 HIRED WORK & RENTALS ($9,577) ($3,875) ($2,500) ($1,490)59 ($2,500)
01‐438.44 WEED KILLING‐FERTILIZER ($42,561) ($45,969) ($46,000) ($671)1 ($46,000)
01‐438.45 PUBLISHING ($44) ($21) ($100)($100)
01‐438.46 INSURANCE ($4,957) ($5,188) ($4,700) ($2,368)50 ($4,700)
01‐438.47 TRAINING, TRAVEL & MEETINGS ($7,647) ($6,279) ($7,200) ($3,323)46 ($7,200)
01‐438.48 CREDIT CARD CHARGES ($190) ($1,434) ($200) ($6)3 ($200)
01‐438.51 TELEPHONE & INTERNET ($1,544) ($1,872) ($2,900) ($636)21 ($2,900)
01‐438.52 HEAT & LIGHTS ($17,966) ($17,170) ($18,000) ($7,412)41 ($18,000)
01‐438.58 WATER/SEWER/GARBAGE ($18,366) ($16,976) ($18,000) ($4,924)27 ($18,000)
01‐438.59 IRRIGATION PUMP REPAIR ($1,893) ($2,000)($2,000)
01‐438.60 BLDG‐SHLT/COURT/PARKLOT REPAIR ($4,123) ($3,677) ($9,000) ($1,040)11 ($9,000)
01‐438.61 REPAIRS‐EQUIPMENT ($14,045) ($14,936) ($17,000) ($3,091)18 ($17,000)
01‐438.62 IRRIGATION REPAIRS ($14,745) ($13,476) ($12,000) ($1,793)14 ($12,000)
01‐438.64 COMPUTER PROGRAM MAINTENANCE ($3,243) ($2,388) ($3,600) ($5,019) 139 ($3,600)
01‐438.69 MISCELLANEOUS ($777)
TOTAL OPERATIONS ($181,763) ($191,539) ($214,700) ($37,745)17 ($214,700)
****CAPITAL
01‐438.703 RIDING LINE PAINTER ($12,994)
01‐438.704 LAWN MOWERS ($20,160)($21,000)($21,000)
01‐438.710 SKATE PARK‐SEC.CAMERA/NEW LINE ($5,644)
01‐438.716 SIGN‐RIVERSIDE‐REPLACE OTHERS ($9,300)
01‐438.717 VEHICLES ($29,000)($29,000)
01‐438.726 BEEHIVE PAVILLION‐CONTRIBUTED ($105,000)
01‐438.737 FIELD/POWER RAKE
01‐438.741 SHOP ADDITION/PARKING AREA ($10,000)($10,000)
TOTAL CAPITAL ($38,798) ($114,300) ($60,000) $0 ($184,000)
****OTHER
01‐438.95 SHOP EXPENSES ($26,879) ($25,748) ($40,000) ($13,333)33 ($40,000)
TOTAL OTHER ($26,879) ($25,748) ($40,000) ($13,333)33 ($40,000)
TOTAL PARKS ($531,738) ($656,086) ($655,400) ($142,426)21 ($779,400)
APPENDIX A
Projects 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036 2037 2038
Park Street Park Rebuild 100,000
Park‐Trail Study Plan 75,000
Restroom‐Evergreen 120,000
Add Playground Structure‐Nature North 33,000
Parks Shop Addition‐Storage 30,000
Parks Impact Fee Study Update 10,000
Final Payment of Field Lights Riverside (total cost $402,500)175,000
Dog Park
Community Quad 1,600,000
Bathroom/Shelter Behind Kmart at Riverside 150,000
Parking Lot for soccer field/Skate Park at Nature Park 80,000
Add Bathroom‐Eagle Park 80,000
Developer Built Park (5 Acre)‐Summerfield
Developer Built Park (5 Acre)‐Pine Brook
Neighborhood Park (2.5 Acre)‐Hidden Valley South Area
Neighborhood Park (5 Acre)‐Rainbow Lake/Burton Area
Neighborhood Park (5 Acre)‐Cemetary/Moody Area
Barney Dairy Area (10 Acre)1,715,400
5th West Area (10 Acre)1,715,400
Regional Park (Greenbelt?)1,000,000
Additional Trails/Connections‐No Maintenance 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000
Trail Maintenance‐From General Fund Transfer 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000
Total Expenses 543,000$ 1,885,000$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 135,000$ 1,770,400$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 1,770,400$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 1,055,000$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 55,000$
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 6766 | ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, MANAGEMENT & OPERATION NEEDS
APPENDIX C
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036 2037 2038
Variable Cost per Acre $4,650 $4,767 $4,886 $5,008 $5,133 $5,261 $5,393 $5,528 $5,666 $5,808 $5,953 $6,102 $6,254 $6,411 $6,571 $6,735 $6,903 $7,076 $7,253 $7,434 $7,620
Desired Acres 114 116 119 121 124 127 129 131 134 136 138 142 145 148 152 155 159 163 167 171 175
Total Variable Costs $530,378 $555,214 $581,213 $608,430 $636,920 $666,745 $695,608 $725,720 $757,136 $789,911 $824,106 $864,570 $907,021 $951,557 $998,280 $1,047,296 $1,098,720 $1,152,668 $1,209,265 $1,268,642 $1,330,933
Fixed Costs $249,660 $255,902 $262,299 $268,857 $275,578 $282,467 $289,529 $296,767 $304,186 $311,791 $319,586 $327,576 $335,765 $344,159 $352,763 $361,582 $370,622 $379,887 $389,384 $399,119 $409,097
Total Costs $780,038 $811,116 $843,512 $877,286 $912,498 $949,213 $985,137 $1,022,487 $1,061,322 $1,101,702 $1,143,692 $1,192,146 $1,242,786 $1,295,716 $1,351,043 $1,408,879 $1,469,341 $1,532,555 $1,598,650 $1,667,761 $1,740,030
Total Cost/Acre $6,839 $6,964 $7,091 $7,221 $7,354 $7,490 $7,638 $7,788 $7,942 $8,100 $8,261 $8,413 $8,569 $8,729 $8,893 $9,060 $9,232 $9,408 $9,588 $9,773 $9,962
APPENDIX D ‐ NET OPERATING
REVENUES
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036 2037 2038
Revenues $779,400 $802,039 $826,401 $852,616 $880,827 $911,184 $943,851 $979,004 $1,016,833 $1,057,539 $1,101,344 $1,148,482 $1,199,207 $1,253,792 $1,312,531 $1,375,739 $1,443,758 $1,516,952 $1,595,717 $1,680,475 $1,771,683
Expenses ($780,038) ($811,116) ($843,512) ($877,286) ($912,498) ($949,213) ($985,137) ($1,022,487) ($1,061,322) ($1,101,702) ($1,143,692) ($1,192,146) ($1,242,786) ($1,295,716) ($1,351,043) ($1,408,879) ($1,469,341) ($1,532,555) ($1,598,650) ($1,667,761) ($1,740,030)
Net Revenues ($638) ($9,077) ($17,112) ($24,670) ($31,672) ($38,029) ($41,286) ($43,483) ($44,490) ($44,163) ($42,348) ($43,664) ($43,580) ($41,925) ($38,512) ($33,139) ($25,584) ($15,603) ($2,933) $12,714 $31,653
APPENDIX E ‐ NET CAPITAL
REVENUES
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036 2037 2038
Total Expenses 543,000$ 1,885,000$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 135,000$ 1,770,400$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 1,770,400$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 1,055,000$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 55,000$
APPENDIX E ‐ NET CAPITAL
REVENUES
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036 2037 2038
Total Expenses 543,000$ 1,885,000$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 135,000$ 1,770,400$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 1,770,400$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 1,055,000$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 55,000$ 55,000$
Revenues
Impact Fees 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000
Urban Renewal ‐ 875,000 ‐ ‐ ‐
Trail Maintenance Transfer
From General Fund 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000
Developer Contributed Asset
(Land)‐25%‐ ‐
Other 8,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000
Total Revenues ‐$ 1,158,000$ 277,000$ 277,000$ 277,000$ 277,000$ 277,000$ 277,000$ 277,000$ 277,000$ 277,000$ 277,000$ 277,000$ 277,000$ 277,000$ 277,000$ 277,000$ 277,000$ 277,000$ 277,000$ 277,000$
Beginning Balance 1,032,900 934,400 207,400 429,400 651,400 793,400 (700,000) (478,000) (256,000) (34,000) 188,000 410,000 632,000 (861,400) (639,400) (417,400) (195,400) (973,400) (751,400) (529,400) (307,400)
Revenues 444,500 1,158,000 277,000 277,000 277,000 277,000 277,000 277,000 277,000 277,000 277,000 277,000 277,000 277,000 277,000 277,000 277,000 277,000 277,000 277,000 277,000
Expenses (543,000) (1,885,000) (55,000) (55,000) (135,000) (1,770,400) (55,000) (55,000) (55,000) (55,000) (55,000) (55,000) (1,770,400) (55,000) (55,000) (55,000) (1,055,000) (55,000) (55,000) (55,000) (55,000)
Ending Balance 934,400 207,400 429,400 651,400 793,400 (700,000) (478,000) (256,000) (34,000) 188,000 410,000 632,000 (861,400) (639,400) (417,400) (195,400) (973,400) (751,400) (529,400) (307,400) (85,400)
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 69
7. ACTION PLAN
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 7170 | ACTION PLAN
STRATEGIC
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
The following chapter outlines a course of action for the
City and the Recreation Department to achieve the goals
of the Master Plan recommended here. This timeline as-
sumes a build-out population of approximately 53,742
by 2038 (Source: TAZ). The actual rate of population
growth may result in an earlier or later buildout. This time-
line should be adjusted to match the rate of growth and
pressing needs.
At the completion and adoption of this plan:
• Publish it widely and make it available on the Internet,
in City offices, etc.
• Create a realistic budget for capital improvements
and operation and maintenance for the next 20 years.
• Create a plan for fundraising/finding funds for the
next 20 years to meet this budget.
• Begin fundraising efforts: call for changes in fees,
donations and/or taxes (if possible), pinning down
matching funds, and getting funding commitments
from partners, or holding a bond election.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS &
PRIORITIES
Mini Park Conclusions and Recommendations:
The development of Mini Parks is not encouraged. On a
per acre basis, Mini Parks are very expensive to construct
and maintain and generally serve a very limited population.
However, it may be the last option for open space in some
cases such as the more developed central portion of Rex-
burg City. Mini Parks may be implemented after careful
evaluation by the City Council.
Mini Parks may also be implemented in new housing
developments if negotiations for a neighborhood park are
unsuccessful. These Mini Parks need to be developed in
conjunction with the trail system to make them an effective
part of the park system.
When Mini Parks are necessary, incorporate as many
diverse activities as the space will allow. For example,
the addition of a basketball court or volleyball court would
not occupy much more space. However, it would increase
the ages of potential users and, therefore, the longevity
of the park.
Neighborhood Park Conclusions and Recommenda-
tions: Neighborhood Parks serve the broader neighbor-
hood with large amenities or local amenities that reflect the
specific demographics and interests of the neighborhood.
Neighborhood Parks are within walking, biking, or skating
distance of most of the neighborhood which it serves. The
close proximity and diversity offered by Neighborhood
Parks make them the core unit in the city park system and
a part of the neighborhood’s daily routines. Because they
are the core unit in any city park system, it is recommended
that Neighborhood Parks are first to be developed of all
the park types, in new residential areas and where current
service gaps exist. Some of these parks can be privately
owned and City-run, if funding options are limited.
Recommended City Policy: To accomplish the goal of
providing opportunities for park space for all residents,
the City should work with land owners and developers to
create private parks which will serve these new neighbor-
hoods, where identified on the proposed park map. The
City should also seek non-tradtional sources of funding for
parks including public-private partnerships.
Community Park Conclusions and Recommendations:
Community Parks are diverse in nature, serving a broader
purpose than the Neighborhood or Mini Parks. While Com-
munity Parks may include Neighborhood Park amenities,
and do act as Neighborhood Parks as well, the focus of a
Community Park is on meeting community-based recre-
ation, athletics and open space needs. In some cases, a
park with only a single athletic field that provides a venue
for community athletic organizations may fall into this
category regardless of its small size. It is recommended
to focus on adding Neighborhood Parks and Community
Parks through the 20-year planning period, as appropriate
to the specific needs of communities.
Recommended City policy: There are areas in the
southern portion of the City where potential park land is
available. We recommend that Rexburg continue to identify
land for Community Parks. Some of these parks can be
privately owned and City-run, if funding options are limited.
Suggestions include; conservation easements, transfer of
development rights, zoning, etc. to assist in making this
property available for Ceighborhood Parks.
Special Use Park Conclusions and Recommendations:
• Maintain existing.
• Add additional special-use items as needed.
• Look for opportunities to develop historical, cultural
and social special-use areas.
Open Space Conclusions and Recommendations:
The 2020 Comprehensive Plan identifies the open space
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 7372 | ACTION PLAN
• All of the elements found in Local Parks above
• Drinking fountains
• Restrooms
• Sport courts (basketball, volleyball and tennis)
• Sports fields (baseball, soccer, football and similar
sports)
• Walking paths that are connected to other trails and
open space
• Pavilions and shade structures
• A regional draw, such as a skate park or splash pad
• Local and regional trail linkages
• Parking
Community Parks should include, space permitting, at
least the following amenities:
• All of the amenities found in Local and Neighborhood
Parks above
• Additional restrooms sufficient for anticipated need
• Specialty complexes or features, such as a swimming
pool, arboretum, nature center or sports complex
.
Trail Development Priorities
A new Trails Committee should follow what is proposed
on the proposed trail map, focusing on opportunities to
create trails in and around the community. They are re-
sponsible for developing the high priority items listed be-
low:
• Develop a trail system along the Teton River, connect-
ing trails to Madison County and Sugar City Trails.
• Secure access along the East Idaho Railroad’s right-
of-way through Rexburg.
• Work with Madison County to develop the Poleline
Road Trail.
• A 100’ buffer along Teton River should be preserved
to maintain the integrity of the river corridor system
and to provide appropriately distanced commercial
and industrial actvitiy from the scenic area.
in the City of Rexburg (see p.71). The City will need to
Identify potential connectors to open parcels in currently
developing neighborhoods that are strategically located
with applicable service area radii and connect them to the
larger trail system (bike and walking/hiking trails).
Creating a continous trail along the Teton River corridor
is a major priority of Rexburg residents and should be
championed as an opportunity for maintaining a healthy
river corridor, regional connection and a recreation draw.
The recommended industry standard for a river corridor
width is 100’ from new development. This buffer should
be maintained where feasible.
Determination of the Open Space Standard: Preserving
open space serves many different purposes. It is essential
in maintaining a sense of place and in identifying a com-
munity. Available open space that has qualities such as
visual, habitat, water shed, etc. should receive first priority.
Recommended City Policy: The City needs to develop an
open space designation plan that supports the goal of con-
necting the trail system to park land and distributes open
space within a 1/4 to 1/2-mile walking distance radius.
Park Development Priorities
The City of Rexburg should create a Parks Committee
to further identify park priorities and to aid in their imple-
mentation.
• All existing parks should be upgraded as necessary
to meet the minimum requirements for amenities and
features in parks.
• Future parks should be designed and developed
from the outset with amenities and features that meet
these standards.
• If the opportunity for a regional park arises, it takes
precedent to the development of other parks.
The City is currently addressing the park priorities identi-
fied by the public in the online survey. Plans are underway
to develop a dog park and to create more indoor play
areas for children during the winter months, including the
creation of the new Kid Zone.
ZONING
Part of the success of a parks system that meets the
needs of a growing population has to do with identifying
them correctly in the zoning ordinances. Currently, de-
veloped parks are under the zoning development code
“Open Space”. Creating a new designation under the title
“public faciltiies” will more clearly designate developed
park land appropriately and classify them separately from
undeveloped open space land. (Please see City of Rex-
burg 3.26 Development Code.)
PRIVATE PARKS, CITY RUN
Based on the findings of this Parks Plan, the City rec-
ommends that Neighborhood Parks would be created by
the private sector, because it has found that it is not cost
effective for the City to build and maintain them. Neigh-
borhood Parks are a critical feature of the larger parks
system and they are effective at serving the neighbor-
hoods in which they are found. The City has also found a
beneficial relationship in working with developers to build
these parks.
GAPS
In order to meet future park needs, existing gaps must
be filled and proposed parks developed. This includes
the development of 104 additional park acres as currently
proposed park land. If possible, some of the additional
acreage should be located in areas where there are exist-
ing gaps in distribution.
In order to meet the need for future parks, existing gaps
must be filled and proposed parks developed as envi-
sioned. To summarize the findings from Chapter 4, this
includes the development of seven (7) additional parks
and the siting/reservation of 85 additional park acres to
meet the needs of people at build-out in 20 years, and a
LOS of 3.5 acres/1000 population. If possible, part of the
additional 85 acres should be earmarked for areas where
park distribution gaps currently exist.
MINIMUM STANDARDS
In order to ensure that existing and future parks meet
community needs, the establishment of minimum stan-
dards for park development are recommended for all
three types of parks. These standards should reflect the
needs and expectations of the public, as contained in the
2017-18 Park Survey and as provided during the Pub-
lic Open House meeting conducted in February 2018,
which are summarized below:
Mini Parks should include, space permitting, at least the
following amenities:
• Trees and shade
• Picnic tables and benches
• Grassy play areas
• Playgrounds
• Benches
• Other small scale amenities such as small pavilions
• Local trail connections
Neighborhood Parks should include, space permitting,
at least the following amenities:
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 75
APPENDIX
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 77
• Community Parks - more popular (amenities and va-
riety). Make some themed parks with parking.
Proposed Parks
• Parks on the South side of Rexburg
• Make Stonebridge a community park
• Long, continuous trails
• Linking to neighboring community trails
• Short-term: 25+ miles of continuous trails
• Long-term: link to Ashton-Tetonia Trail or Teton Valley
• Develop gravel pit
• Develop Teton Dam area
• Regional Park w/ Walter’s Redimix
• Smaller park in Robinson subdivision
Existing Trails
• Wayfinding for trailheads
Proposed Trails
• Connect bike lanes
• More signs/kiosks to find trailheads
• Traffic-free bike path (outskirts of town)
• Yellowstone Connection
• Big loop trails
• Safe trails going to Beaver Dick and Twin Bridge
• Sky bridge 7th South and University
• Connect areas on West together (Burton)
• Connecting schools with trails
• Trail along Archer/Lymanbench
• Connecting Barney Dairy trails
• Railroad path
• Highway crossings
Miscellaneous/Other
• Benches along trails for resting
76 | APPENDIX
DEFINITIONS
Open Space
Open Space is defined in this plan in terms of recreation
and includes:
• Land that is permanently protected and allows for
public access for recreational uses. Open space may
be preserved for developed parks or for outdoor rec-
reation. Land for outdoor recreation shall remain in its
natural condition and be left undeveloped except for
minor recreation improvements like trails, restrooms,
and picnic tables.
• Areas that are protected to allow access to other
protected public lands or open spaces.
• Recreation uses may also utilize land that is protected
for open space for other purposes, including utility
easements, rivers and stream corridors, detention
basins, trails and scenic highway corridors.
The City may also preserve open space for other reasons,
including resource conservation; agriculture and other
working landscapes; protecting public health and safety;
and enhancing scenery and the City’s cultural values.
Rexburg’s standard for open space designation is to have
a permanent, protective easement on the property and an
agreement for maintenance to retain its natural qualities
in an ecologically sound manner. Please refer to p. 60 of
this document for recommendations for City of Rexburg
open space.
Trails
The term ‘trail’ is used to describe shared use paths, multi-
use trails, sidewalks, and hiking pedestrian paths designed
for non-motorized usage.
Sidewalks
Sidewalks, or paths, are directly adjacent to roadways are
included when they provide a link between trails or between
a trail and a destination.
Trail users may include but are not limited to: bicyclists,
non-motorized scooters, in-line skaters, users of other
wheeled devices like Segways or electric assist-bicycles,
roller skaters, wheelchair users (both non-motorized and
motorized), walkers, runners, and, in some cases, eques-
trians and non-motorized water activities.
Rexburg’s standard for trails is an 10’ paved asphalt trails,
(3” asphalt over 6” roadbase) with a 1’ gravel shoulder on
each side, within a 12’ wide easement. Permanent signs
with a trail map shall be erected at each terminus of the
trail. Mileage and trail name signs shall be posted at 1/2
mile intervals facing both directions. Trails and signage
should integrate with Madison County trails standards.
(See City of Rexburg Trails Plan.)
Bikeable Community
Rexburg’s standard for bike lanes is a 4’ painted striped
lane on both sides of a road designated as a bike route. The
outside stripe shall be a minimum of 4’ from any parking
lane, and a minimum 2’ from the road shoulder or gutter.
Permanent bike route signs shall be posted at 1/4 mile
intervals facing both directions. Bicycle warning signs for
motorists shall be posted at 1/2 mile intervals.
Walkable Community
A walkable community is defined in this plan in terms of
recreation to mean integrated City design standards that
promote walking for recreation, as an alternative means
of transportation, and as a way to orient buildings and
uses toward the street to create a comfortable, attractive
streetscape.
Rexburg’s standard for a walkable community is to include
sidewalks (min. 5’ wide) on both sides of the street through
all new and existing development. Sidewalks and their
intersections with driveways and roads shall be ADA
(Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible and continuous
between intersections. Sidewalks shall not be allowed to
dead end into an unpaved surface or undeveloped area.
Buildings and parking shall be designed to welcome
pedestrians and make access to buildings safe. City blocks
shall be designed with numerous intersections and access
points for more direct routes.
OPEN HOUSE MEETING -
COMMENTS & NOTES
Existing Parks
• Improve safety at Mill Hollow
10' WIDTH
2.5" PLANT MIX ASPHALT
3.5" OF 3/4" CRUSH
12" GRANULAR BORROW
12' WIDTH
Scale
Project Name and Address
EXBURGR
Plot Scale
Date
Description
Sheet
Firm Name and Address
C I T Y O F
America's Family Community
CITY OF REXBURG
BARNEY DAIRY RD TO NORTH HILL RD
WALKWAY
FENCE DETAILS/ PATH CROSS SECTION
DETAILS
12/31/13
1 = 48 NO SCALE 6
PATH CROSS SECTIONA
END/ CORNER BRACING DETAIL
NO SCALEB
6'
-
0
"
158" O.D. BRACE(TYP.)
3'
-
6
"
(
T
Y
P
.
)
10" DIA. (TYP.)
3/8" GALVANIZED
TRUSS ROD (TYP.)
WIRE TIES
9 GA. (4) EQ. PLACEMENT
2"
(
N
.
T
.
S
.
)
7 GA. COILED SPRING
TENSION WIRE
END/CORNER POST
2 38" O.D. PIPE
(TYP.)
6"
(
T
Y
P
.
)
TOP RAIL 1 58" O.D.9 GAUGE TIE WIRES 18" O.C.BETWEEN LINE POSTS1 " O.D. LINE POSTS
5) 9 GAUGE GALVANIZED STEEL 2" DIAMOND
MESH CHAIN LINK (HOT DIP GALVANIZED
AFTER WEAVING MANUALLY)TO LATEST
ASTM AND FEDERAL SPECIFICATIONS
4) CONCRETE COMMERCIAL GRADE 28-DAY
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH @ 2500 PSI.
THOUROUGHLY COMPACTED AROUND
POSTS BY TAMPING OR VIBRATING.
10'-0"
NOTES:
1) LOCATION TO BE FIELD VERIFIED
BY OWNER DURING CONSTRUCTION
TROWELED FINISH SLOPED TO DRAIN AWAY
FROM POSTS
78
TYPICAL END/CORNER
POST FOOTING
2) ALL POSTS AND RAILS TO BE SCHEDULE 40
ATTACHED TO FENCEAT 12" INTERVALS
TENSIONBAND (5 TYP.)STANDARDBALL CAP
3) ALL UNDERGROUND UTILITIES TO BE
LOCATED PRIOR TO DIGGING
NO SCALE
78 | APPENDIX
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 79
EXISTING PUBLIC AND PRIVATE
PARK TYPES & AMENITIES
PA
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SO
C
C
E
R
FO
O
T
B
A
L
L
RE
S
T
R
O
O
M
S
PI
C
N
I
C
T
A
B
L
E
PL
A
Y
G
R
O
U
N
D
E
Q
U
I
P
M
E
N
T
PA
V
L
I
O
N
TR
A
I
L
A
C
C
E
S
S
OT
H
E
R
A
M
E
N
I
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I
E
S
COMBINED PARKS
REXBURG CITY
Eagle Park 450 W 3rd North Special Use 18 Yes Public 2 Yes (24)Yes BMX Biking, Camp Area, Fire Pit, Fishing, Camping
Nature Park 300 N 5th West Community 18.3 Yes Public 1 1 1 1 Yes (Various) 3 4 Yes
Riverside Park 50 West 1st North Community 31.76 Yes Public 6 Yes
Rotary Park 235 Rodney Drive Mini 0.5 No Public 1 No
Community Fields 450 East 2nd North Community 16.75 Yes Public 6 3 2 Yes
Evergreen-Kiwanis Park 801 West Main Neighborhood 7.66 Yes Public 1 2 Yes(Various) 2 1 Yes
Smith Park 300 E Main Community 11.07 No Public 11221 1Yes (4) 3 3 Yes Grass Amphitheater
Porter Park 100 South 2nd West Community 11.38 No Public 1121 Yes (Various) 4 2 Yes Carousel, Splash Park, Walking Path
Park Street Park 500 West Park Street Mini 0.69 No Public 3 Yes
Hidden Valley Park Palmer Circle Neighborhood 2.81 No Public Yes (2) 2 No
North Gate / South Gates Park 7th South and 4th West Mini 0.88 No Public 1 Yes (2)Yes
Rexburg Municipal Golf Course 26 Airport Rd.Special Use 50 Yes Public 1 No Golf
Madison County Fairgrounds 460 West 2nd North Special Use 27.12 yes Public 1 Yes
Teton Lakes Golf Course 722 N 12th W Special Use 181.51 Yes Private 1 Golf
Madsion Jr. High 134 Madison Ave. Community 8.8 Yes Public 1 1 1 Yes
Adams Elementary 110 North 2nd East Neighborhood 2.13 Yes Public 3 10 Yes
Madison Middle 573 West 7th South Community 7.66 Yes Public 3 2 11 Yes
Kennedy Elementary 60 South 5th West Community 6.76 Yes Public 1 1 7 Yes
Lincoln Elementary 358 East 2nd South Neighborhood 4.33 Yes Public 6 1 1 8 Yes
Burton Elementary 2211 West 1000 South Community 5.41 Yes Public 3 1 6 No
Madison District Administration Building 60 West Main Street Neighborhood 2.42 Yes Public No
LDS Church 7th South 845 West 7th South Community 8.53 Yes Private 3 No
LDS Church Summerwood Dr.590 Summer Dr. Neighborhood 2.42 Yes Private 1 No
LDS Church 2nd North 314 East 2nd North Neighborhood 2.16 Yes Private 1 No
Thomas E Ricks Demonstration Gardens 525 S Center St Community 6.83 Yes Private 1 No Demonstration Gardens
BYU- I Idaho Sport Fields South Center Street Community 16.11 Yes Private 4 2 Yes Ropes Corse
Rexburg City Total 451.99 15 3 10 21 22 1 7 60 11
SUGAR CITY
Smith Park Railroad Ave 10 Yes Public 1 2 2 1 1 2 Yes
Sugar Salem High 1 Digger Dr.11.54 Yes Public 2 1 No Running Track
Central Elementary 102 Park Ave 9.52 Yes Public 1 Yes No
Kershaw Elementary 610 East 3rd North 5 Yes Public 1 1 2 Yes No
Heritage Park Center Street 5 Yes Public 1 1 Yes (1) 3 1 No
Lyle H Moon Mayor's Park Railroad Ave.4 No Public Yes (1) 2 1 Yes
Neibaur Veteran's Park Center Street 2 No Public 1 2 1 Yes (Various) 3 No
Sugar Salem Jr. High 10 North Cutler Ave 1.21 Yes Public 1 No
Sugar City Total 48.27 3 4 7 5 1 2 10 2
MADISON COUNTY
Beaver Dick Park 6427 West Hwy 33 15 Yes Public 1 4 Yes (18) 2 4 No
Camp area, Fire Pit, Fishing, Boat Dock,
Wildlife Refuge Access, Walking Paths
Twin Bridges Park 10870 South 600 East 35 Yes Public 5 Yes (Various) 1 4 No Boat Dock, camping, Fire Pit, Walking
Madison County Total 50 1 9 3 8
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 81
80 | APPENDIX
ENVISION MADISON PARKS & RECREATION FINDINGS
PRESERVATION AND EXPANSION OF OPEN GREEN BELT AREA ALONG THE RIVER FOR
RECREATION PURPOSES
In order to expand and preserve the open green belt area along the Teton River in Rexburg, the task force recom-
mended that the public consider the following:
• Moving the Fairgrounds
• Acquiring, with public funds, the property along the river from Riverside Park to Airport Road
• Creating a trail system along the river from 2nd East to Golf Course and eventually to Beaver Dick Park
• Creating another river crossing at 5th West to accommodate access to the open space on both sides of the
river
• Preserving green space around the river
One question the task force would ask, is should public monies be spent to acquire property along the river from
Riverside Park to Airport Road?
NEW FAIRGROUNDS
The task force believed that the public should strongly consider moving the fairgrounds to a new location because
the current fairgrounds location is land-locked and lacks parking and other amenities that would allow it to accommo-
date larger rodeos and other events. It was recommended that if moved, we consider moving the fairgrounds out-
side city limits and rebuilding them as an Event Center/Fairgrounds Facility. If this was done, it would be necessary to
coordinate these efforts with neighboring counties if possible. It was also suggested that we choose a location that
has adequate room and a freeway presence. If the fairgrounds were relocated, the old arena could be repurposed
as a possible indoor arena or athletic complex that would be supported with user fees. A small portion of the old
fairgrounds along 2nd North could also be redeveloped to another use.
If it was suggested to move the Fairgrounds, where would you build a new Fairgrounds /Event Center?
A. Along Highway 33 West of Rexburg
B. Along Highway 20 north of the 2nd East Rexburg exit
C. Along Highway 20 between the Main Street and 2nd East Rexburg exits
D. Along Highway 20 near the future location of the Thornton Interchange
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 83
82 | APPENDIX
RESULTS FROM INFORMAL INTERNET SURVEY
The following is a summary charts and verbatim written comments. The results are not statistically valid, but the infor-
mation does outline general issues, preferences, and comments.
Q1: Do you currently live in Madison County?
Answered: 3,028 Skipped: 0
Q2: Are you a BYU-Idaho Student? Enrolled as a full-time student, either currently on track or off.
Answered: 2,458 Skipped: 570
91.97%
8.03%
Yes No
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
32.79%
67.21%
Yes No
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Q3: As a BYU-Idaho student, how frequently do you use City of Rexburg parks? If you are not
attending BYU-I, skip this question.
Answered: 1,366 Skipped: 1,662
Q4: Where do you live?
Answered: 2,458 Skipped: 570
4.10%
18.37%
25.70%
13.54%
2.71%
35.58%
Daily A few times a week A few times a month A few times a year Never There are no
students in my
household
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
79.41%
3.70%
16.88%
Within the City of Rexburg Within Sugar City Within Madison County (but not
within Rexburg or Sugar City)
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 85
84 | APPENDIX
Q5: How many people reside in your household?
Answered: 2,458 Skipped: 570
Q6: How many in your household are in the following age group:
Answered: 2,458 Skipped: 570
Q5 Comments
1. 9
2. 9
3. 13
4. 12
5. 10
6. 5
7. 10
8. 10
9. 11
10. 9
11. 9
12. 10
13. 11
14. 9
15. 9
16. 9
17. 9
18. 10
19. 9
20. 10
21. 1
15. 9
16. 9
17. 9
18. 10
19. 9
20. 10
21. 1
22. 10
23. 9
24. 9
25. 10
26. 9
27. 13
28. 10
29. 10
30. 10
31. 11
32. 9
2.89%
26.28%
15.58%16.03%
12.21%
17.05%
5.53%
3.13%
1.30%
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Other (please
specify)
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
Answer Choices
Younger than 2 33.52%824
2-5 37.02%910
6-8 27.18%668
9-13 29.17%717
14-18 24.49%602
19-25 50.24%1235
26-39 49.51%1217
40-54 25.83%635
55 Plus 15.13%372
Responses
Q7: What is your yearly house income?
Answered: 2,391 Skipped: 637
Q8: Are any of the individuals in your household attending one of the following:
Answered: 2,458 Skipped: 570
30.99%
23.46%
20.16%
12.42%12.97%
Less than $20,000 $21,000 to $44,000 $45,000 to $74,000 $75,000 to $99,000 $100,000 or more
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
35.96%
3.86%2.36%
59.03%
Madison School District Sugar-Salem School District Home School Does not apply
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 87
86 | APPENDIX
Q9: How long have you lived in Madison County?
Answered: 2,458 Skipped: 570
31.00%
19.57%
15.87%14.93%
18.63%
1-3 years 3-5 years 5-10 years 10-20 years 20+ years
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
1.02%
6.73%
1.73%
3.81%
1.23%
8.63%
9.94%
7.53%
17.01%
15.19%
6.35%
11.34%
4.78%
3.21%
1.52%
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
16%
18%
Q10: Please look at the map above and check the number that corresponds with your voting
precinct.
Answered: 2,364 Skipped: 664
Q11: On a scale from 1 to 10, please rate how important parks and/or outdoor recreational
opportunities are to you and your household (1 being least important).
Answered: 1,940 Skipped: 1,088
Q12: When considering the quality of life in your community, please indicate the importance of
each to you:
Answered: 1,974 Skipped: 1,054
Scale 1-10 12345678910
Percent 0.67% 0.13% 0.88% 0.98% 2.37% 4.69% 10.98% 22.11% 19.19% 40.82%
Participants 13 6 17 19 46 91 213 429 314 792
Creating
areas where
neighbors
can get to
know each
other
Providing
play areas for
youth
Offering
recreational
facilities for
adults
Preservation
of open
space
Making
neighborhood
s more
attractive and
safe
Provide
opportunties
that promote
healthy
lifestyles and
sociability
Support
events
attracting
visitors,
and/or
creating
economic
development
Not Important 3.30%1.42%1.62%2.08%1.42%1.02%3.20%
Slightly Important 11.05%2.28%7.11%6.91%4.21%3.20%7.72%
Moderately Important 27.99%7.60%20.41%18.45%13.34%14.57%25.15%
Important 38.29%33.05%39.19%39.23%37.19%40.71%35.67%
Very Important 19.37%55.65%31.68%33.33%43.84%40.51%28.25%
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 89
88 | APPENDIX
Q12: Comments
1. We desperately need a dog park that is fenced in and
open 24/7, or at least until dark. The 2 days a week for
2 hour dog parties are not enough. There are SO many
dogs in this town and having them all meet all at once at
a time that’s not always convenient is such a pain. I am
extremely grateful for the times we do get to go, but I
think the city needs to provide a real dog park.
2. Having a business friendly community and low tax rates.
3. We need so many more arts programs going on. Music,
theater, dance, opera, plays....
4. Providing areas where dogs can socialize and play freely,
yet safely.
5. A lengthy bicycle path would be well appreciated by my-
self and many cycling enthusiasts in Rexburg. Although I
attend BYU-I, Rexburg is home and will remain home for
years to come.
6. An indoor recreation complex is desperately needed in
Rexburg!! With winters being so long here, the commu-
nity would benefit greatly from a rec center. The facility
could be built adjoining to the existing Rexburg Rapids
and could include an indoor pool, indoor sports courts
(basketball, racquet ball, etc.), a rock climbing wall, an
ice rink, and excersice facilities. A perfect model of this
would be the Provo rec center that was built some years
ago. They built it adjoining an existing outdoor city pool
similar to Rexburg Rapids. They have experienced huge
success in selling memberships as well as attracting non
residents to come there. I feel that our community would
be very supportive of an indoor recreation center like I
have described.
7. Putting in a proper dog park would be HUGE! There is a
large dog owner population in Rexburg, and the nearest
proper dog park is in Idaho Falls
8. Keep streets well lit at night! So many dark streets
throughout the city.
9. More opportunities for sports tournaments which in
return impacts the community
10. Having safe roads. There are potholes through the city
that make it scary to drive in at night.
11. More dog parks!! fenced dog parks
12. Dog parks.
13. we need a indoor pool and fitness area.
14. Good shopping and well-kept roads
15. I would seriously just love a Rec/community center
16. The culture in Rexburg is quite friendly. However, very
few sit next to one another in theaters, talk to one anoth-
er, etc. This city, although it is small, could benefit a lot
from more social interaction.
17. Small business needs to be supported to increase the
economy. Competition increases the economy as were
less likely to drive to IF to get a good deal.
18. Need a Dog park.
19. Indoor recreational center
20. Having indoor recreation when it is too cold to go out-
side.
21. We need a pool. We need a rec center.
22. Indoor swimming pool
23. Places for dogs to play
24. Our children need more places to participate in physical
activities throughout the year. The Zone and Rexburg
Rapids are not enough.
25. Creating parking spaces available to those who already
live here. Parking in down town Rexburg specifically.
26. Because of our weather indoor recreation is very import-
ant and lacking.
27. Pet friendly places! I love to take my dog to parks
28. We need a rec center. It would make a lot of money for
the town and provide more job opportunities.
29. Dog parks or recreation areas where animals are wel-
come and catered to
30. Year round recreation opportunities
31. Creating more employment opportunities
32. It’s also very important to have specified grassy areas
where dogs can play. The lack of dog parks is some-
thing that is very upsetting for all of us dog owners in
Rexburg. Complexes have small, rock filled parks that
don’t offer adequate space for dogs to run. All the parks
here are not fenced which means dogs are required
to be on a leash. Again, not ideal for dogs to socialize
which is critical for all dogs.
33. Creating play areas for dogs.
34. Most important- creating an indoor recreation area that
can be used all year long.
35. I would like to see classes for adults either on a city or
county scale. Classes could be in dance, music, metal
working, writing, etc..
36. It is so important for the city of Rexburg to prosper
responsibly, including keeping up with the growth which
has been a “rob Peter to pay Paul” action thus far. The
university is not leaving and we welcome this institution,
but streets, lighting, and other public infrastructures are
continuously lagging to the point of harm to our commu-
nity and visitors.
37. There is already to many people in this county with all
the collage kids
38. We need bike trails that connect through town
39. Creating a space for family’s to be together with one
another.
40. I believe homes and neighborhoods should be decided
on by residents of each location. Parks and community
locations should meet the needs as best they can for
our climate and habits.
41. Fitness facilities
42. A community center would be awesome that could be
used all year long.
43. I would love a safe place for my dog to interact off leash
44. Having an indoor, year-round swimming pool.
45. Dog park
46. Of course I want clean and safe neighborhoods. I also
want my family protected from burdensome county tax-
es and invasive land use restrictions. I do not want any
more money spent on parks. No, more money toward
parks is not going to change my family’s happiness and
well being.
47. Dog parks!!!
48. We really need a good enclosed dog park. Also, we
feel neighborhood safety is very important but it was
grouped with attractive neighborhood and we feel like
neighborhoods are already nice.
49. A place for our dogs to get exercise also without limited
access.
50. More than “Very Important” - Providing safe and cleaned
roadways during winter months
51. Dog parks are a HUGE deal to us, if there are not dog
parks in that area we simply will choose not to reside in
that city.
52. build a year round enclosed swimming pool
53. An actual dog park for my dog to run around without a
leash. I can’t always make it to the dog parties Wednes-
days and Saturdays
54. DOG PARKS ARE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT FOR DOG
OWNERS
55. Access to a actual dog park, not one that is only avail-
able during certain hours of different days.
56. Way does Madison County care what long time resi-
dence want only what matters is the college and what
they ( students) need
57. Creaking spaces for dog owners to socialize their dogs
in enclosed parks: very important.
58. Promoting fitness and providing places to engage in
fitness activities.
59. Add a dog park!
60. Facilities for family activities like reunions, handicap
access
61. Dog park
62. I feel it’s vital to make planning decisions early to keep
parks, open spaces and natural landscape available.
Once neighborhoods are built, it’s near impossible to
reclaim the space (I learned this while living in AZ for a
few years.)
63. Persevering part of the area by Stonebridge and the
creek. Maybe building a park, walking paths, bridge
across the creek there for safety for the kids that like to
walk to school. A space for 4 wheeling or snowmobiling
or biking, shaded picnic. Many people in the community
would love an open place like that in that location. With
the Walmart being deserted and the apartments that
were built right up against the neighborhood, a place
like that in that location might help the area. The appeal
to fill the spaces on the Walmart strip will rise due to the
increase of beautification and traffic. The appartment
building won’t be a focal point and may even add to the
look. Depending on the look of the park, we may even
get people from sugar city. If we get traffic from sugar
city they may be more likely to spend their money here,
which could ultimately help with taxes.
64. indoor community pool rather than too crowded outdoor
one that it unusable during all but 3 months of year
65. Dog areas in parks
66. We need a set place to take our dogs!
67. “Providing access to recreational activities, and parks
with equal access equipment for children with special
needs, so they can be included in community events
and at social centers, the same as everyone else.
68. “
69. A dog park is important!!!
70. I need a place for my dog to run safely.
71. Dog park!! -- Very Extremely Important!
72. place where dogs are welcome and can play freely
73. Use Victor and Driggs as your example, bike trails paved
and unsaved, ice rink, climbing gym, etc
74. We need dog parks!
75. I think we should have a dog park!
76. I think it is very very important that our dogs have an
outdoor fenced area they can play off leash legally.
77. Providing a safe and enclosed environment for dog own-
ers to get together at any time for socialization of dogs
and owners and to be an outlet for dogs to exercise.
78. Dog parks! We have pretty much everything else. But
not one dog park. They need exercise and socialization
too.
79. Our family desperately wants a dog park for the commu-
nity.
80. Places for.dogs
81. You NEED a dog park.
82. I think that we need to have a place where our dogs can
get together and play, the city needs this kind of area
so that people are not having to go in random fields to
excessive their dogs.
83. Outdoor concerts. Outdoor festivals.
84. Dog park
85. We NEED a dog park that’s available everyday of the
week!
86. A dog park for dogs to run and play
87. “I feel we need a Rec. Center for all families, swim
lessons, fun swim pool and lap pools. Some place for
families to go play basketball, indoor tracks, ect. The
outdoor trails are great, but there’s always so much dog
poop everywhere. “
88. Best thing you can do is to help make more bike paths
in town for people that walk, stroller, and ride in town.
rexburg needs to be a bike and walking friendly city
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 91
90 | APPENDIX
some things have improved but with how fast drivers
drive in the city I will not let my kids bike without me.
89. Having an indoor community pool for our community to
stay healthy through the winter and safe around water in
the summer.
90. Would love to see more bike paths/running trails
91. “Area for pets to play off leash Impotant”
92. Indoor recreation for kids= VERY IMPORTANT
93. Having a dog park is important
94. WE NEED A PARK LIKE THEY ARE BUILDING IN SODA
SPRINGS
95. With making neighborhoods safer, I think that adding
more street lights would be a good idea.
96. I would like to see a dog park in Rexburg that can be
used at anytime and not on an old sewage pond.
97. Please create a more expanded bicycle path system.
There is a very limited one, which is much appreciated,
but it could be so much more.
98. I would appreciate more street lighting and more indoor
play facilities
99. I think it’s more important to have recreational opportuni-
ties for our youth and kids than adults
100. safety - i.e. plowed roads, stop lights, etc - in trans-
portation to get to events/locations mentioned above
101. Bike trails and walking paths!
102. I feel *very* strongly that it’s wrong to put sports
complexes (fields intended for more than just neighbor-
hood kids playing) near residences due to the noise
(from the sport itself, from cheering, from other noise),
the lights, the crowding, the late hours, and the disrup-
tion. These should be located *away* from residential
areas. I am *very* opposed to the proposed multi-plex
of baseball fields in the field west of the junior high.
103. Cycling paths and lanes are hugely important to me.
104. Recreational activities for winter and indoor options
also.
105. I think attracting good paying jobs with benefits
would be very helpful to Rexburg. My husband recently
had to start working in Utah because the company he
was a computer programmer for refused to give him a
raise. For the same job, he was making 49k here and
now makes 86k in Utah. Sadly, we will have to move
because there are almost no opportunities for profes-
sionals, here in Rexburg.
106. In door playground facilities or track, gymnasium for
kids to run and play during cold winter season
Q13: On a scale from 1 to 10, please rate how important is proximity (walkability) of parks to
your current residence? (1 being least important)
Answered: 2,458 Skipped: 570
Q14: On a scale from 1 to 10, please rate how eay it is to access the nearest park by walking
or biking (1 being very difficult):
Answered: 1,966 Skipped: 1,062
Scale 1-10 12345678910
Percent 5.79% 2.79% 5.03% 50.18% 11.43% 9.60% 12.65% 16.82% 9.20% 21.49%
Participants 114 55 99 102 225 189 249 331 181 423
Scale 1-10 12345678910
Percent 13.28% 5.19% 6.21% 5.60% 7.93% 6.36% 7.22% 12.21% 9.87% 26.14%
Participants 261 102 122 110 156 125 142 240 194 514
Q15: Is it important to you or members of your family household to have access to parks that
facilitate participation for young children, older children and adults?
Answered: 1,966 Skipped: 1,062
Q16: On a scale from 1 to 10, please rate how existing parks and park facilities are meeting the
needs of your household? (1 being least)
Answered: 1,967 Skipped: 1,061
91.45%
8.55%
Yes No
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Scale 1-10 12345678910
Percent 2.90% 2.39% 5.24% 6.51% 14.39% 14.13% 18.45% 18.20% 8.44% 9.35%
Participants 57 47 103 128 283 278 363 358 166 184
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 93
92 | APPENDIX
55.26%
24.50%
16.27%
3.97%
Yes No Don't know Other (please specify)
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Q17: In the past 12 months, how frequently have you or a member of your household used the
following parks:
Answered: 1,972 Skipped: 1,056
Q18: Outside of school hours, do you view playing fields and/or playground equipment owned
by school districts as available for public use?
Answered: 1,967 Skipped: 1,061
Beaver
Dick Park
(Madison
County)
Twin
Bridges
Park
(Madison
County)
Cress
Creek
Trail
Head
(Madison
County)
Madison
County
Fair
Grounds
Porter
Park
(Rexburg)
Splash
Pad at
Porter
Park
(Rexburg)
Smith
Park
(Rexburg)
Riverside
Park
(Rexburg)
Rexburg
Rapids
(Rexburg)
BMX bike
Park at
Riverside
(Rexburg)
Evergree
n Park
(Rexburg)
Nature
Park
(Rexburg)
Skate
Park at
Nature
Park
(Rexburg)
Hidden
Valley
Park
(Rexburg)
Park
Street
Park
(Rexburg)
Rotary
Park
(Rexburg)
4th
Street
Park
(Rexburg)
Eagle
Park
(Rexburg)
Smith
Park
(Sugar
City)
Heritage
Park
(Sugar
City)
Neibaur
Veteran's
Park
(Sugar
City)
Unaware of this Park or Facility 5.14%32.96%26.93%4.19%0.41%1.64%4.03%32.63%2.81%24.28%44.67%5.72%8.93%47.82%35.32%53.93%59.29%34.80%32.87%36.05%42.59%
Daily 0.20%0.00%0.00%0.20%4.59%2.10%2.55%0.56%0.72%0.20%0.51%2.91%0.46%0.56%0.36%0.21%0.00%0.82%0.05%0.05%0.00%
A few times a Week 2.54%0.56%1.03%1.28%21.00%12.37%13.30%3.69%3.22%0.72%2.15%11.49%1.44%1.33%1.69%1.08%0.21%3.95%0.92%0.56%0.26%
A few times a Month 18.12%5.17%13.70%13.79%54.79%30.21%46.69%17.01%24.63%4.45%8.87%44.43%6.62%3.48%5.48%2.67%1.03%9.96%5.28%2.87%0.72%
Once a Year 53.44%25.79%35.74%59.19%16.97%21.47%25.94%21.52%38.53%8.13%12.41%27.32%11.34%7.73%11.99%5.30%3.59%21.41%10.36%8.91%3.44%
Never 20.56%35.52%22.61%21.35%2.24%32.21%7.49%24.59%30.10%62.22%31.38%8.12%71.22%39.07%45.16%36.81%35.88%29.06%50.51%51.56%53.00%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Q18: Comments
1. I don’t know, but I would like to know. My kids have
asked to play on them often but I don’t want to break
any rules.
2. “I think that they are but then they put fences around
them so I feel like I am trespassing if I bring kids after
school. Can we put up times on the fence for when
playgrounds are available for use?”
3. You steal my money to pay for socialist schools so yes
4. N
5. Yes but I don’t want to jump fences so my children can
go down a slide so we go to a designated public park.
Or we would
6. I think that as long as they make sure they aren’t abused
and the children are kept safe that it’s okay.
7. I
8. I have used them but mostly feel like they aren’t an
option
9. No I do not see them as available
10. Ok
11. Yes. If it is a public school, it is owned by taxpayers. The
facilities should be available to the public. This could be
“available” through reservations through school officials.
So “available through reservation”.
12. Yes for soccer
13. Yes, however when school is closed for say the week-
ends, or well after school hours.
14. Paid with our tax dollar vs! It better be usable by the
public.
15. F
16. M
17. J
18. N
19. M
20. Only with payment
21. K
22. I tried to go to the football field with my children and was
chewed out for being there. Obviously school grounds
are not for public use.
23. Yes if there is a sporting event that we are attending out-
side of a school with a playground. Our little girl will play
on it but if we are going to a park it is always a public
one, not a playground at a school.
24. I’m
25. Yes, but dogs/pets should not be allowed
26. I keep answering “no “ and it keeps asking me to make
a comment... my answer to this question is no
27. J
28. I’ll
29. Uh
30. I wish the Jr High track was available for public use. At
least during the summer months. It is a great place to
let the kids play in the center while you run, instead of
having them sit in a stroller where they get no exercise.
31. During summer
32. R
33. Sometimes but feel unsure if I should be there
34. Yes I do.
35. I think school property should not be allowed to use for
public use.
36. N
37. J
38. Hi
39. The elementary schools, yes. The other schools, no.
40. Soccer fields for city teams but not school playgrounds
equipment.
41. It honestly depends on the day. Our children play base-
ball and more often than not it is a constant fight with
other teams/sports to find fields to practice and play on.
42. In the previous section, you need a “more than once a
year” option. Once a year is too little and a few times a
month is too much for some of the parks I use.
43. I like this idea, but have generally considered them off
limits.
44. H
45. if you are/have a kid
46. Sometimes
47. Y
48. They are available, but you would need to check with
the school for some events.
49. B
50. If you ask first
51. Yes, unless an activity has been scheduled.
52. I need a place to take my dog.
53. When other kids are present we use Burton’s all access
playground to help accommodate my special needs
children
54. Yes because it is public property; however, I feel uncom-
fortable using them for that.
55. I would say yes, but then they stopped letting the
football field by the Jr high school be available for public
use. My kids used to love going there to ride their bikes
around the track but were so sad when they realized we
couldn’t anymore. I understand it’s new and they want
to keep it nice, but it seems a shame to not let commu-
nity members use it for recreational use instead of just
school functions.
56. Playing fields, yes. Equipment no.
57. Yes - at time when the other parks are to full and not
safe for my 2 year old I take them to the school park it is
usually empty after school
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 95
94 | APPENDIX
58. Question 17 - new to the area and have yet to go to
any of the parks.
59. I have used school playgrounds in the past, but I think it
may be blocked now. Park use depends on visits from
family, fair, etc.
60. Yes
61. Are they available for public use outside of school hours?
62. Only during the summer and weekends, unless events
are taking place.
63. of course not, that is strictly for school use.
64. Softball/baseball fields are never available to practice on
because we do not have enough fields!
65. Only in the summer
66. G
67. The track at the junior high use to be open for use and
I was able to run/walk often, but the last two years it
has been closed and locked which I really wish would
change!! It was a great place for me to exercise.
68. I
69. Available only if not scheduled.
70. These are the only playgrounds we frequent; Yes.
71. playgrounds yes are available but playing fields are not
available for public use
72. N
73. Sometimes
74. N
75. O
76. My taxes are paying for them so I should have access to
them out side school hours
77. H
78. No
Q19: What improvements and/or amenities would you like to see made in parks in the
next five years?
Answered: 1,835 Skipped: 1,193
31.93%29.70%
40.11%40.11%
49.48%
54.93%
38.96%
34.77%
49.26%
31.83%
Sporting
Fields or
Complexes
Shelters Jungle Gyms
and/or
Swings
Benches Water
Fountains
Walking
Paths
Specialty
Equipment
(rock walls,
splash pads,
BMX Parks,
etc. )
Community
Gardens
Ice Rink More Trees
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Q18: Comments
1. Park St park could use a picnic shelter!
2. Curling Rink
3. Indoor free park (for winter)
4. Community center/indoor pool, Dog park
5. Indoor gym, rec center with pool
6. Swimming pool
7. Indoor pool
8. Indoor pool
9. A dog park!
10. A recreation facility with courts, indoor pool ect...
11. Indoor rec center for little kids
12. The skate park is trash, you can ask any skater in Mad-
ison, everyone knows there is no natural skate flow to it,
poorly designed layout. Ask the skating community how
it should be done
13. Indoor swimming pool with splash pad for kids and lap
lanes for adults
14. Indoor water recreation facility
15. Arts... arts.... arts!!!!
16. Indoor play structures to use in the cold months.
17. Community pool (indoor)
18. Pool
19. Bathrooms
20. It hung stop stealin money from me for things I don’t
use
21. Rec center or an indoor pool
22. So many more trees please!
23. Indoor swimming pool
24. Nordic trails for snow shoes or x-country skiing. An out-
door option in the winter time would be amazing
25. Indoor lap pool
26. Indoor poolhh
27. More amenities for very young children
28. Indoor swimming facility
29. Dog park
30. Off leash dog areas
31. Geocaching, outdoor exercises (like tiny steps, lunges,
etc. along the trails)
32. Indoor swimming
33. Indoor pool
34. Dog park
35. Dog park
36. Year round rec center with indoor swimming pool
37. Indoor playground/activity center for kids during the
winter.
38. Indoor swimming pool (for all year round)
39. A bicycle path that is several miles in length.
40. ICE RINK!!!
41. The splash pad isn’t sanitary.
42. PARKING
43. Dog area/ park
44. Indoor swimming pool for water aerobics
45. Enclosing Rexburg Rapids
46. Indoor areas for winter
47. A real bonafide indoor swimming pool. One that be used
YEAR ROUND
48. Restrooms, indoor recreation for winter months
49. A fenced dog park
50. Wish there were more toddler friendly playgrounds sepa-
rate from large playgrounds
51. Dog Park
52. Indoor pool or Recreation center
53. A dog park!
54. I want a long running path similar to the one in st Antho-
ny!!!!!
55. Swimming pool
56. More lighting
57. ICE RINK x 100!!
58. Community Swimming Pool (not water park affiliated) lap
swimming sized indoor
59. Indoor pool!!!!!
60. This area needs indoor parks for children/adults to be
at and lay during the colder months when the outdoor
parks don’t work.
61. Indoor water park
62. Indoor pool
63. More trash cans
64. Indoor recreational space like a swimming pool or park
65. Bike paths, indoor pool, cross country ski trails
66. Indoor Parks! Parks accessible to use during the winter
67. Dog park
68. An indoor play area for winter
69. A roof over Rexburg rapids so our children can use it
year round like twin falls does.
70. Indoor pool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
71. indoor pool, bike paths
72. indoor facilities, ie: gym, pool.
73. Bathrooms!
74. Dog Park
75. Bike trails
76. a park connected with an indoor pool
77. Indoor community REC center
78. Indoor YMCA type facility with pool and play area, rac-
quetball etc
79. Basketball court in hidden valley park with benches and
a picnic area would be great!
80. Restrooms
81. Indoor pool
82. Dog Park
83. There’s a whole lot of wind out here without trees :)
84. Maybe something more likes dog park
85. Something specifically for toddlers and older babies
86. Indoor pool
87. A full 18 hole disc golf course
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 97
96 | APPENDIX
88. Soccer goals for public
89. Dog park
90. Bike Paths
91. Indoor pool for all year round for those that can’t get out
much and have difficulties.
92. better bathrooms
93. Indoor rec center
94. Indoor pool
95. Cover the pool! Build a cheap steel structure! Doesn’t
have to cost millions!
96. POOL
97. Dog opportunities
98. parkour
99. We have parks here....they are just very boring! The
child play areas are too small so they get easily crowded
100. usable swimming pools year round
101. There needs to be an INDOOR rec center!!!
102. Bike paths
103. Indoor swimming
104. Dog area
105. Swimming indoor pool
106. Bike paths, indoor walking track
107. Places for dogs
108. Indoor swimming pool and indoor soccer fields.
109. Stores like Winco or Olive Garden
110. Better bathroom
111. Stocked ponds
112. Specified pet areas
113. Better or supervioned spalh park
114. dog play area
115. Rec center, with a gym.
116. A real swimming pool or indoor rec center.
117. Would be cool to have an indoor community swim-
ming pool with several lanes for use, especially during
winter time
118. Indoor water park
119. To be more specific about the benches... at porter
park and smith park around their playgrounds, there are
maybe 2 benches. Every time we go they are always
in use! They definitely need more benches. Even the
splash pad has more benches around it and it’s only
used for 3 months out of the year
120. Restrooms
121. Enclosed swimming pool.
122. Pet areas, but that would be hard to maintain
123. Dog Park
124. Indoor pool
125. Trimming away dead/ overgrown stuff at the nature
park would be great!
126. Indoor water park
127. A bigger disc golf course since its such a fast
growing sport
128. I would love to see people clean up after their dogs.
We have awesome parks, but it’s unhealthy to have dog
feces left all over. Bathrooms would be nice too
129. Cycling park
130. DOG PARK!!!!!!!!!
131. More lighting at night
132. Indoor swimming
133. Indoor pool
134. INDOOR POOL
135. Disc golf tees.
136. 18 hole disc golf course
137. More bike parks!!
138. More disc golf courses
139. RODEO GROUNDS always and swings the kids
can reach to swing on
140. Disc Golf
141. Disc golf
142. It’s also very important to have specified grassy
areas where dogs can play. The lack of dog parks is
something that is very upsetting for all of us dog owners
in Rexburg. Complexes have small, rock filled parks that
don’t offer adequate space for dogs to run. All the parks
here are not fenced which means dogs are required
to be on a leash. Again, not ideal for dogs to socialize
which is critical for all dogs.
143. Indoor swim pool
144. More disc golf baskets. 9 is not enough variety for
an avid player
145. Running trails
146. Pet friendly fenced yard.
147. Dog Park
148. A new Skate Park would be an attraction and an
improvement to the world of action sports. Our rexburg
Skate Park is to small for the growing of scooter riders,
skateboarders, and especially BMX
149. Pool that’s open all year
150. Swimming Pool
151. More park equipment/toys for young kids. The toys
are always SO crowded it is almost dangerous for very
young/small kids to play on them.
152. Bike paths
153. Indoor public swimming pool
154. Indoor pool, possibly near high school to encourage
water sports, teams, and hosting competitions
155. Dog park! Please bring a dog park to rexburg
156. Would love to see an indoor rec center in our com-
munity. We spend so much time and money traveling to
Jackson Hole, Pocatello, and even Utah just to use their
city Rec Centers.
157. Dog park
158. Year round pool
159. Rec center with a real pool...NOT Rexburg Rapids
160. Some kind of regular swimming pool would be
amazing
161. Indoor areas for when it is cold, 75% of the year. :)
162. Indoor facility for winter
163. Year round swimming center
164. We need a full time dog park.
165. Proper repairs the wall at Smith Park that goes
around the walking path.
166. Indoor swimming pool
167. More disc golf, an 18 hole layout
168. An indoor community recreation center.
169. Indoor play area for children during winter seasons
170. Updated equipment
171. More baseball fields and an indoor swimming facility
172. Indoor winter recreation!
173. Bike lanes
174. The neighborhood parks don’t have enough interest
to warrant driving to. I love big open spaces with trees.
I would drive ten minutes to get to a interesting green
space. I would love connecting bike and walking
paths. I tried to find one by fat cats. I was so surprised
that the city hasn’t maximized this path all through town
and that it didn’t connect. It was frustrating to see a
path and then hit dead ends. Clearly advertise paths
with an map.
175. Indoor Play Places!
176. Indoor swimming pool
177. Swimming pool
178. An enclosed community pool
179. Everyone wants an indoor pool.
180. Indoor pool
181. Shelter over children’s park equipment so they
can still be played on in the winter or rain. Like a large
canopy.
182. We need a pool everyone has talked about about
indoor pool for years because there’s nothing for teen-
agers or adults to really do. A big indoor pool would be
great.
183. Tennis courts
184. Public rec center like Provo
185. Community indoor swimming pool
186. Indoor pool
187. Indoor pool ,
188. Indoor swimming pool with laps and grass Volleyball
courts
189. Pickleball courts like they have in st george utah
190. INDOOR city pool or rec center
191. Dog park
192. Dog park
193. Roller rink!!!
194. The community could absolutely benefit from BIKE
PATHS that allow families to bike together for more than
500 yards without having to rudeness on the streets.
The married students who have to live far from campus
could benefit as well.
195. Botanical garden.
196. Indoor water park
197. Indoor pool
198. Shooting range
199. Shelters over playground so they dont burn kids
200. Inside pool
201. Indoor pool
202. I want a dog park. I am a permanent resident and
I live in a town home. I don’t have a yard for my dog
to play in. She needs a place to run around freely and
interact with other dogs safely.
203. It would be great if the park in founders square had
trees and a playground.
204. Indoor swimming pool - next to Rexburg Rapids
205. Bike paths that connect parks
206. Please fix the playground equipment that is there.
many have broken parts, duct tape or graffiti
207. a freaking rec center
208. Affordable indoor pool
209. Dog Park
210. None. Lower taxes.
211. An indoor rec center!
212. Dog park.
213. More public restrooms
214. Flow Rider at Rexburg Rapids
215. We would love a dog park !
216. Dog parks!!!!
217. Dog park or off leash areas
218. Indoor pool
219. Enclosed dog park
220. Indoor pool
221. Indoor park
222. Dog park and more disc golf.
223. More accessible access for those with physical
handicaps.
224. A pool
225. Dog parks.
226. Fence so dogs can be off leash.
227. Dog park
228. A public dog park
229. Exercise stations along walking paths
230. Covered dugouts at Smith Park.
231. Dog Park
232. indoor lap pool/complex, biking paths (road & mtn)
233. year round swimming pools
234. An actual pool for swimming
235. Places for dogs off leash
236. An actual swimming pool and a real dog park
237. Indoor swimming/recreation facility
238. dog park
239. INDOOR swimming facilities! (for year-round use)
240. DOG PARKS PLEASE
241. Bike paths and anything INDOORS!
242. Dog park
243. Dog park
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 99
98 | APPENDIX
244. Full sized swimming pool, to be utilized by both
children and adults
245. Make sure the water fountains and bathrooms have
sanitation systems.
246. Dog park
247. Bike Paths
248. Dog park including fenced off-leash area
249. Dedicated Dog Park
250. Indoor pool....Ice rink only if indoors...
251. Dog parks
252. Rec Center
253. Dog park with fence
254. Pool
255. A dog park
256. Dog park
257. Water fountains are stupid since they can only be
used for like 4 months a year. Build a DOG PARK!!
258. Dog PArk
259. More disc golf baskets at Nature park.
260. Indoor Swimming Pool / Rec Center
261. connectivity of parks and more use of river
262. Want a bike path down the teton river!!!!! Or along
side the canal that goes though Town.
263. A network of bike paths and/or walking paths to
keep off the roads.
264. Indoor pool
265. Dog park
266. indoor pool
267. Dog areas
268. A fenced off area for dogs
269. Play equipment accessible to children with special
needs
270. Dog friendly
271. Dog specific park
272. Dog park!!!
273. Dog Park
274. Bathrooms
275. Fenced dog area.
276. Swimming pool
277. Dog park
278. Dog parks
279. indoor swimming for teens and adults in Rexburg.
The currnet Rexburg rapids only services the younger
children and teens but is very limited.
280. Dog friendly!!!
281. Dog park
282. Sledding hills
283. Dog Park
284. Dog park!!!
285. Indoor swimming/lap pool for year around use
286. Year round swimming pool.
287. Dog Park
288. Another splash pad at Smith Park
289. dog park
290. Bike trails, indoor pool
291. Dog friendly areas
292. Dog park
293. Dog Park
294. Dog park
295. Handicap accessible play equipment and trails
296. More places for parents to sit and observe their kids
while they play. Maybe more benches around the play
structures would help. And perhaps more trash cans? I
can’t stand the litter I see at the parks.
297. Dog park
298. Dog park
299. A dog park
300. An enclosed area designated for letting dogs off
leash. Water fountain with access for dogs.
301. Off leash dog areas
302. Fenced in dog parks!
303. Fenced in dog park
304. a playground that can support adults- like the one
just installed in Rigby and there is a great one in Pocatel-
lo by their field complex in Highland. I’d love to see big
ones in Porter and Smith park so college students as
well has kids can play on equipment
305. Lets use our resources for critical government
functions or return it to the people
306. A dog park
307. Pickle ball courts!!
308. More biking paths - Jackson has a great system.
Could be combined with walking paths.
309. An off-leash dog park
310. Indoor recreational areas! Like an indoor pool!!
311. Fenced dog area
312. DOG PARK, designated off leash dog area
313. Please make more parks all access! Our special
neess comminity really needs somewhere safe to take
their children that is not burton elementary. Somewhere
they can have social intetactions.
314. We need an INDOOR swimming facility that is
reasonably priced for the community. Rexburg Rapids is
nice, but pricey and it’s only open a few months of the
year. :(
315. Dog park
316. Dog park
317. Dog friendly parks
318. DOG PARK
319. Public Art, off leash dog parks, more variety of
shrubs and perennials that give texture and variety to the
park instead of just wall to wall lawn
320. Bike Trails
321. Something for all ages indoors for the long winter
322. Bike baths!
323. dog off leash areas
324. Fenced off leash dog area
325. Dog park
326. Dog park
327. Dog park
328. Dog park
329. More ADA accessibility
330. Indoor swimming pool, bike paths
331. More shade at splash pad. Longer season at Rex-
burg rapids, even if it’s just after school hours.
332. Community center
333. Dog parkp
334. Better splash pads or more of them
335. Basketball ball courts that arent slippery. (Porterpark)
336. None
337. Dog Park!!!
338. More shaded areas at the splash pad
339. Dog park!!
340. Indoor swimming for year-round exercise
341. Indoor swimming and rec facility
342. Bike trails
343. Enclosed pool
344. Dog parks that are fully fenced.
345. Dog park
346. Dog park
347. More dog parks
348. Get rid of the community gardens (weeds)
349. POOL
350. winter, Rec Center
351. Dog park!! There’s nowhere in Rexburg to take your
dog without the fear of it getting hit by a car.
352. Indoor pool!
353. Dog park
354. Just a plug for community gardens. Those would
be lovely!
355. Dog parks
356. Dog park
357. Indoor playgrounds
358. Indoor swimming pool
359. Indoor water park would be cool...
360. Indoor sport facilities for use in the winter
361. Indoor facility
362. More swings and a park like Porter park away from
the college so the little kiddos don’t have to compete
with the college students for swings. Also, so they don’t
have to see the college students making out or sun
bathing.
363. I would LOVE to see Rexburg have more trails.
The one by the river is getting better, but it could be so
much longer! There is a huge conflict in this area with
hikers and hunters. It would be nice to have more trails
for walkers/hikers/cyclists/runners closer to the city that
are safely away from hunters. Developing the river path
would be such a great way to change that! Paths along
BOTH sides, with a bridge connecting each end, as in
a loop, and some kind of amphitheater for outdoor con-
certs. Although the Porter Park amphitheater isn’t getting
as much use as I’d hoped it would, do maybe that’s not
a great idea.
364. seating/bleachers at sporting fields
365. The city hasn’t built a baseball field since 1975.
In fact, we lost Porter park baseball field. We need a
baseball complex.
366. Charge Byu students to use , they charge us
double at there events, out of county people should pay
higher fees, they make it impossible to use
367. Parkour course
368. Swimming pool
369. Pool
370. Current play structures being well maintained and
always having prober ground covering to protect children
from falls so basic safety being maintained
371. More splash pads...i don’t think we need more
BMP or skate parks
372. more swings for toddlers
373. Drinking Fountains that work!
374. I’d like to see an equal access playground
375. I think it might be difficult to make one park have
all of these things, but each one is important in its own
way. I am constantly wishing that Porter Park had a
rock wall, especially in the summer because my boys
would go there far more often. Porter park is my favorite
for proximity and the nature aspect, it is also so kid
friendly with a walking path. If I could choose only 4
things for a park based on importance I would go with
water fountains, walking paths, trees, & SAFE and well
maintained Jungle Gyms/swings. Everything else is SO
nice to have. I don’t like smith Park as much because
there always seems to be a creepy person there and
the tall slide is so dangerous for my toddler. Wish that
was gone.
376. Pool for year round use
377. Having an indoor community pool for our commu-
nity to stay healthy through the winter and safe around
water in the summer.
378. more variety of play equipment in a park and even
having it fenced in would be nice!
379. Softball / baseball fields
380. parks with each subdivision build, sidewalks and
without mailboxes on them!
381. all of the above for Park Street Park, please
382. Indoor track/field for winter!
383. Indoor pool
384. Indoor swimming pool
385. Indoor playing facility for children
386. Sand boxes
387. Dog park
388. botanical garden
389. Lights
390. More trees at Evergreen park would be wonderful.
There is no shade during the summer other than the
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 101
100 | APPENDIX
covered table
391. We NEED an indoor splash pad for kids.
392. Indoor swimming
393. indoor rec center or indoor swimming pool, hands
on children museum, science center
394. Dog park
395. More accessible for special needs
396. Indoor pool and splash pad
397. Dog park
398. More ammenities mean expenses which means
increased taxes, so NO, thank you.
399. BATHROOMS
400. Ada accessible and educational equipment
401. running trails
402. Indoor gym & pool
403. More lighting
404. I really wish Rexburg Rapids was an indoor facility.
It’s only open a small fraction of the year and it seems
like a waste.
405. Protected bike paths that connect parks!
406. An indoor swimming pool with year round access!
407. Indoor Water Park or Swimming Pool - we’d pay
more in taxes if we got a discount on a year round pass
as tax-paying residents
408. Dog Area
409. Indoor pool!!!!!
410. Pickle ball courts
411. adaptive equipment
412. Bathrooms & swings at Evergreen Park!
413. Indoor parks for when winter comes
414. Bicycling paths
415. An area or park for animals
416. Indoor swim park and recreation center for resi-
dents, not students. Whoever built an outdoor pool
after filling the least outdoor pool with sand should be
knocked up side the head.
417. Bike paths around town.... Possibly along rail road
tracks
418. Less college kids so my young kids can actually
use the park
419. Indoor pool
420. Dog park, community recreation center (indoors)
421. Lighting, Indoor play facilities for winter
422. Indoor community swimming pool
423. Our neighborhood would really like to see the flood
control pit on Mariah beautified with trees, benches,
etc...
424. Indoor Pool
425. Can we build a decent indoor rec center, PLEASE?
426. A real swimming pool with lap lanes and a diving
end.
427. BIKE PATHS THAT ARE CONNECTED THROUGH-
OUT TOWN
428. Smaller parks more accessible to neighborhoods
429. Indoor area for cold months
430. And indoor pool!!! The two months Rexburg rapids
is open is joke!
431. More shady areas; private places to go sit and read
or each lunch, etc.
432. none
433. Cycling infrastructure
434. Something to do indoors during the winter!!!
435. It depends on what we have so far. Ice rink should
be free.
436. Community Center, similar to I Center so that the
community can host bigger sporting events and also be
able to use the facility.
437. More variety in playground equipment for new
parks. Porter Park is great, but more parks like this
with different options. There are a lot of unique and fun
playgrounds we’ve seen in Utah. An Indoor Recreation
center would be top of the list. We came from Ohio and
they have great ones in Fairview Park OH and Westlake
OH.
438. Indoor public pool
439. Maintenance of restrooms
440. Rexburg Rapids to become indoors and year
around
441. I’d like to see a walking/bike path put along Poleline
road. People use it all the time but it’s dangerous!
442. Indoor facilities for winter months
443. I think that there should be a designated (fenced in)
dog area. While I know how horrible irresponsible dog
owners are in this town, maybe providing one will help
keep owners from letting their dogs wander offleash in
current parks, and defecate on private property.
444. BETTER BATHROOMS
445. Indoor swimming pool
446. young children’s equipment
447. There is a serious shortage of baseball diamonds
448. Bike paths and trails
449. Soccer. The good fields at riverside were changed
to football after the soccer families did all of the work to
help transform them.
450. Radio controlled aircraft flying field.
451. Indoor Pool!!!!!
452. A splash pad that doesn’t pour water on top of kid’s
heads would be awesome. Get rid of the bucket at the
splash pad!!!!
453. Green ways to facilitate walking between neighbor-
hoods and areas of town
454. Olympic size swimming pool (not on BYUI campus)
455. A park in walking distance would be nice with side
walks to get there safely.
456. Indoor Pool
457. base ball fields specifically
458. INDOOR SWIMMING POOL
Q20: What park amenities are important to you or your family?
Answered: 1,957 Skipped: 1,071
Q20: What park amenities are important to you or your family?
Answered: 1,957 Skipped: 1,071
Sporting
fields or
complexes
Shelters
Jungle
gyms
and/or
swings
Benches Water
Fountains Ice Rink Walking
Paths
Specialty
equipment
(rock walls,
splash
pads, BMX
Parks, etc.)
Community
Gardens A Dog Park
Cross
Country
Skiing
Ice Rink ADA
Accessibility
Indoor
Recreation
Center
Not Important 14.13%8.61%7.12%4.07%7.80%23.60%2.12%13.49%18.34%38.89%38.42%0.00%26.86%6.32%
Slightly Important 23.88%24.18%12.38%12.78%12.18%20.50%5.68%16.85%21.80%15.99%21.87%0.00%13.35%7.91%
Moderately Important 27.39%35.26%23.05%25.67%20.65%25.57%16.73%28.94%27.27%13.36%18.36%0.00%22.74%14.28%
Important 22.64%25.05%31.87%37.78%32.11%18.22%35.98%24.19%21.13%11.04%13.03%0.00%21.75%21.78%
Very Important 11.96%6.91%25.58%19.69%27.26%12.11%39.49%16.54%11.47%20.73%8.32%0.00%15.28%49.72%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Playing fields
(soccer,
football, etc.)
Baseball/Softb
all
Tennis/Pickle-
ball
Playground
equipment
(swings,
jungle gyms,
etc. )
Benches Walking Paths Frisbee Golf Community
Gardens Park Shelters Restrooms
Never 14.34%34.61%37.99%7.70%3.40%1.85%43.27%41.70%10.75%4.23%
Rarely 20.69%29.33%28.49%10.59%6.44%3.24%26.24%19.14%20.58%9.54%
Sometimes 37.51%22.59%23.46%25.46%29.78%21.62%21.53%22.77%48.14%31.05%
Very Often 18.47%8.81%7.73%25.36%33.59%36.08%5.43%10.27%15.93%27.95%
Always 8.98%4.66%2.34%30.89%26.79%37.21%3.52%6.12%4.60%27.23%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 103
102 | APPENDIX
Q21: Comments
1. Pool
2. ICE RINK!!!
3. Dog Park
4. Always dirty
5. We need an indoor pool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6. indoor pool if we had one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
7. Frisbee golf is a disgrace to real golf.
8. During speak season the specialized parks are a little
crowded. We like to walk everywhere when possible
so we frequent parks closer to home more often than
others.
9. I would love an 18 hole disc golf course.
10. The Rexburg Rapids is NOT big enough. We need a big
pool.
11. I would love and utilize an indoor pool!!!
12. I live in the restrooms, haha joking
13. Would LOVE more walking and biking paths- especially
on the south side of town. Lyman/archer area kids have
very little to no options for bike riding if they don’t live in
a neighborhood. Our whole family would love to be able
to ride bikes but it is just not an option unless we want
to transport all of our bikes into town. It would be so
great to have a bike path that would make riding bikes
into town an option. Also- it would be so great to have a
place for people to run instead of along poline. It seems
very dangerous to have so many runners and bikers
using that road as frequently as they do.
14. There is a huge need for an indoor recreation center.
When so many months of the year are too cold to take
little ones out, it’d be life changing for parents during the
winter months.
15. DOG PARK!!!
16. Restrooms are always closed at nature park
17. More disc golf would be great!
18. The items I put never on, even when my kids were little,
we never used them.
19. Dog Park
20. Restrooms are closed or disgusting or they would be
used much much more!
21. The park restrooms are filthy and refuse to use them.
22. Thanks for survey. I liked having input.
23. We would use more if it were available. This town is so
behind when it comes to what it offers it’s citizens from
the parks and rec department.
24. We would use the water fountains more if they worked
properly!
25. Swimming pool
26. It’s frustrating that the restrooms are often locked
27. We ride our bikes almost every evening in the spring,
summer and fall. Would like more pathways that con-
nect so we can ride safely through the town instead of
on the roads with vehicle traffic.
28. Sidewalks should extend around the perimeter of every
park. Every homeowner in the city is “required” to have
them - why not the city?
29. There’s so many dogs in Rexburg it would be nice to
have a gated designated place to take them and exer-
cise them since the city has A. No off leash rule.
30. Splash Pad
31. If the indoor facility would have an indoor swimming pool
that could be used all year instead of only for a couple
months then that would be very important if not than it’s
not important at all.
32. Dog parks outside of rexburg since they have none
here. Lots of married people and families have dogs it
would help to have one
33. “The lack of open and accessible restroom facilities
at the “community” fields is a joke and should be an
embarrassment for our community. It’s horrible to have to
run small children or tell people from Visiting towns that
they have to run to McDonalds to use the bathroom.”
34. we mostly want a safe place to take our dogs where
they could, run, play, and maybe even swim.
35. In relation to dog parks, I do think people need to ease
up a bit. I do know some dogs that are malicious, but
just because a dog is friendly is no reason to try and ban
dogs everywhere. (And yes, some dog owners need to
learn to clean up)
36. Bike Paths, would like more of them and would use
them very often
37. Dog Park
38. We use the bike path the most, please do not confuse
this with bicycle lanes where you are with cars these do
not feel safe with children.
39. tree shade when grass is able to grow underneath
40. We would always use a dog park of the were one.
41. Because of the weather we don’t go out much. But
in the summer we will use the parks more often, and
explore more parks as well.
42. Dog park!!!! I have to drive all the way to IDaho falls and
I’m amazed Theres not a single one in this city
43. “A dog park would be amazing so that dogs have a
place for themselves! Also an ice rink would be great “
44. Your question asking park use went from a couple times
a month to once a year, with no option for anything in
between. We visit several parks more than once a year,
but not more than once a month.
45. A dog park is something that my household would use
daily.
46. I use playing fields as a dog park
47. We go to Eagle park twice a week to meet up with
other dogs so our dog can play. The person in charge
reserves that spot for a few hours on Wednesday’s and
Sundays.
48. If there were a dog park I’d be there every day
49. Dog park. Make a freaking dog park.
50. Regarding community gardens my family and I always
go for walks to the BYU-I gardens would love to see
something like that for the community
51. They are usually gross or locked but would like to be
able to access & use them.
52. “Rexburg needs more indoor options for recreation. We
have lived in many cities and all have had options for
year round community recreation. Because Rexburg is
so cold most of the year, indoor recreation is a neces-
sity!
53. We need a dog park!
54. Love the parks, wish we had a year round pool
55. Where’s the community lap pool and rec center listed??
Would be nice to have a swim and diving team from this
fair city instead of always football and basketball as the
priority.
56. Trees are always used for shade, wooded areas are
always used for exploring
57. We go to other city where it’s easy to access the above
items
58. Splash pad is a big one in the summer, but it gets very
crowded
59. “Barbecue grills Fire pits Moderate hills for sledding”
60. We want a pool!!!!!!!!!
61. We would use an indoor swimming pool. There’s
enough of the other stuff!
62. dog park
63. Your response options for Question 17 are terrible.
There is a big jump between several times a month
and once a year. That is where most of our usage falls.
Also, in the winter we frequently use the golf course for
cross-country skiing.
64. BIKE PATHS
65. I’d be much more likely to use the Rexburg parks if there
were private shady areas where I could go read, or eat
lunch.
Q22: Would you or members of your household participate in outdoor winter recreational activities
if more options or opportunities were available?
Answered: 1,957 Skipped: 1,071
87.22%
12.78%
Yes No
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 105
104 | APPENDIX
Q23: Which of the following winter activities or opportunities listed below would you or member
of your household participate in if they were more readily available? Check all that apply.
Answered: 1,957 Skipped: 1,071
61.14%
64.01%
40.81%
38.05%
76.15%
37.72%
30.84%
48.13%
31.17%
15.34%
54.74%
3.36%
Ice Skating Ice Skating in a
Covered Rink
Cross Country
Skiing
Snow Shoeing Sledding Indoor
Basketball
Indoor
Racquetball
Toddler/child
indoor play and
learning area
Indoor Volleyball Indoor Futsal Indoor
Running/Jogging
None of the
above
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Q23: Comments
1. Indoor swimming
2. We use BYU gym currently to exercise, but would love
another option to play.
3. Curling
4. Indoor pool
5. Indoor basketball courts
6. We need an indoor Rec center like Nampa City
7. Swimming
8. Indoor swimming pool, Weight room, shooting range.
9. We need a swimming pool!!!! Please!
10. Indoor swimming
11. Arts programs and classes!
12. Indoor swimming pool
13. Indoor swimming
14. Indoor baseball
15. Indoor lap pool
16. Indoor pool
17. Indoor swimming
18. Indoor swimming
19. Indoor swimming with toddler/ baby pool
20. Enclosed Rexburg rapids
21. Swimming
22. How about a real life INDOOR SWIMMING POOL.
23. Indoor walking
24. Indoor pool
25. Swimming
26. At home drinking coffee
27. Pickleball indoors
28. INDOOR POOL!!
29. Horse back riding
30. Indoor pool!!!
31. indoor pool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
32. Zumba
33. Swimming - some kids thrive on swimming and it isn’t
always feasible to drive to Idaho Falls when you have
multiple kids involved in multiple projects
34. Indoor swimming pool and hot tub and kiddie area!
35. Swimming. Especially if people can’t do other things but
they can do swim.
36. Swimming pool...indoor
37. Swimming!
38. Indoor Pool.
39. Indoor swimming
40. indoor swimming pool
41. Ice Fishing
42. Indoor tennis
43. Indoor walking
44. Go karting
45. Indoor soccer and swimming.
46. Swimming
47. Skiing and snowboarding
48. What about hockey????
49. I would LOVE, love, LOVE if the city had a rec center
that included Racquetball courts!!! And also- pickleball is
very popular in Utah valley and I think would be very well
liked here if there were places that people could play.
50. Ice Hockey
51. Swimming!
52. Sledge hockey
53. Indoor pool
54. Yoga
55. Indoor pool or splash pad
56. Indoor swimming pool
57. Indoor swimming
58. INDOOR POOL
59. Indoor bike park!
60. Fair grounds
61. Indoor swimming
62. Indoor swimming
63. Snowboarding
64. Indoor swimming
65. “Indoor walking“
66. Yoga please!
67. Ice rink could be a multitude rink, including rollerskating in
the summer and ice hockey, speed skating.
68. Indoor Swimming
69. Indoor Pool and weights
70. In door Swimming
71. Pickleball Courts! They are everyone in California and so
much fun!
72. I would freak out if we had these in our community. It
would feel like Christmas.
73. Swimming!
74. Indoor pool
75. BIG INDOOR POOL.
76. Indoor SWIMMING
77. Indoor swimming, and yes, I am willing to pay for it.
78. Indoor pool and hot tub
79. Splash pad other than porter park.
80. A learning center/kids science museum would solve SO
MANY problems that mothers (young and old!) have with
rexburg in the winter. I would buy A FAMILY season pass
so fast! (Not the dumb way you sell season passes for
rexburg rapids. Worthless)
81. Indoor POOL!!!!!
82. Indoor pool
83. Indoor pool
84. Pet friendly facilities (off leash)
85. Indoor swimming pool (I’m surprised that this isn’t any-
where on the survey)
86. Indoor pickle ball
87. Indoor swimming area!
88. Affordable indoor pool
89. Indoor pool
90. Indoor tennis
91. Indoor pool!!!
92. Indoor swimming
93. A children’s imagination & discovery center
94. Indoor Soccer
95. Seriously. You don’t have a pool on the list! We need an
indoor lap pool
96. swimming pool indoor
97. Indoor swimming
98. Swimming
99. Indoor swim
100. “Indoor swimming“
101. Indoor swimming like we were supposed to get with
the Rexburg Rapids bond.
102. Indoor Swimming!!!!!!
103. Dog park
104. “I’d like to see more options for youth basketball
starting at younger ages. I was told kindergarten boys
can’t start due to no facilities for them to play at. We
would also LOVE an indoor pool! We have to travel to IF
for this attraction “
105. Indoor dog park
106. Dog park
107. Indoor Soccer
108. In door swimming, we need a YMCA!
109. Snow mobiling
110. Pool
111. indoor swimming
112. We need more things for families of small children
to do in the winter, not college students. Families stay,
college students leave. And we need services that don’t
duplicate what the college already provides: gardens,
indoor sport courts and activities, track, etc.
113. Indoor swimming
114. Indoor swimming
115. indoor swimming!
116. Swimming pool for lap swimming
117. Indoor pool, tennis, BYU-I facilities work also.
118. dog park
119. Skijoring with my dog on a cross country skiing trail
would be amazing. Or allowing dogs on a snowshoeing
trail.
120. An opportunity for a dog for with the ability to be
covered in winter would be incredible as I have young
children that accompany me.
121. Dog parks
122. Swimming!!
123. Indoor tennis
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 107
106 | APPENDIX
124. Indoor swimming/water fun!
125. Indoor Swimming!!!!
126. Indoor water park would be amazing instead of the
Rapids. I can’t take my kids to the outdoors pool until
July because it is still cold in June at times
127. Indoor soccer
128. Indoor swimming, indoor pickleball, indoor gymnasi-
um with fitness classes
129. Swimming pool!
130. Please we need an indoor rec facility.
131. Indoor tennis
132. Swimming teams, water aerobics, lap swim
133. Where’s the pool listed?
134. INDOOR SWIMMING OR SPLASH PAD
135. Indoor pool, Broom Hockey outside rink
136. Indoor pool, splash pad
137. Indoor pool
138. Indoor swimming pool
139. Indoor football during winter
140. Indoor swimming pool!!!! Indoor track I would love
since the roads can get icy
141. Indoor swimming
142. indoor lap swimming
143. Indoor Swimming!!!!
144. Swimming pool
145. Why is a pool not listed here?!? This is what the
community wants but refuses to address the need. It’s
unacceptable to live by so many bodies of water and
have so many kids not know how to swim. Why can’t
we use the bathroom facilities to add on an indoor pool.
There are no Olympic pools in east Idaho. Swimming is
now a school sanctioned sport and is growing rapidly. If
you built it, THEY WILL COME!!
146. Indoor lap swimming
147. An indoor place to take kids in the winter would be
AMAZING!!!!
148. Polar Bear Plunge, indoor swimming pool
149. Indoor swimming
150. Need indoor swimming pool desperately in Rexburg
151. Indoor pool
152. Indoor swimming
153. Indoor pool
154. Indoor soccer
155. “Swimming“
156. Indoor swimming pool. Seriously, who builds a pool
that can only be used 3 months a year!
157. Indoor swimming for year round lessons and teams.
158. Indoor walking path or pool
159. Dog Training
160. Indoor pickleball
161. Indoor pool
162. Exercise, like yoga or Zumba.
163. indoor swimming
164. I checked a covered rink because sometimes the
wind can be brutal.
165. Pickleball
166. Really need indoor play area
167. Indoor swimming
168. “Indoor swimming Indoor walking paths”
169. Indoor Swimming!!!
170. Indoor running/basketball is pretty much covered by
BYU-I
171. Indoor swimming
172. Indoor pool!
173. “INDOOR Swimming Curling”
174. Would love an indoor swimming pool!
175. Dance classes for adults
176. Indoor/Outdoor Pickleball
177. Indoor swimming
178. Swimming
179. An indoor pool would have been awesome.
180. indoor swimming pool
181. PLEASE something for little ones indoors!!!!
182. Lap swimming
183. Pool!!!!
184. Indoor Pool with kids play area. Only thing nearby is
Hicee and its far away and not much fun for kids.
185. INDOOR SWIMMING!
Q24: How often do you, or a member of your household, participate in the following activities
during the winter months?
Answered: 1,859 Skipped: 1,169
Q25: What additional winter or indoor activities would you like to see?
Answered: 546 Skipped: 2,482
Ice Skating Ice Hockey Cross Country
Skiing Snow Shoeing Ski/Snowboar
ding
Sledding/Sno
w Tubing
Indoor
Basketball
Indoor
Volleyball Indoor Futsal
Indoor
running/joggin
g
Indoor
Racquetball
Never 21.66%73.85%50.49%51.50%41.70%9.67%44.92%52.91%74.92%24.85%51.95%
Don't currently, but would if there was a facility 49.38%21.67%24.16%28.49%16.11%18.04%15.17%19.63%11.33%25.39%26.66%
Once a year 18.64%2.29%13.82%12.23%19.71%25.82%9.83%11.29%4.53%4.84%8.12%
A few times a month 8.32%1.36%8.92%6.85%18.51%37.12%18.56%11.62%6.52%20.39%9.27%
A few times a week 1.62%0.66%2.29%0.71%3.54%8.00%9.06%3.56%2.21%18.71%3.02%
Daily 0.38%0.16%0.33%0.22%0.44%1.35%2.46%0.99%0.50%5.82%0.99%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Q25: Comments
1. You have great ideas. Thank you for asking.
2. Curling
3. Swimming
4. Pool
5. An indoor jungle gym
6. Indoor dance/ music arena for toddlers
7. Swimming
8. “Cake Decorating Class Art Class (beginners)”
9. Just ice skating or sledding
10. Pool
11. Indoor water area like a pool for lap swimming and
lessons
12. Swimming
13. Swimming
14. Indoor community center: cafe, workout/wellness class-
es, play/learning centers for tots, indoor pool
15. N/A
16. Swimming. Why is Rexburg rapids outdoors?
17. Swimming, Bowling, Rock Climbing, Pool/Table Tennis,
down hill sledding/tubing
18. Swimming
19. Indoor swimming, shooting range, exercise room/Weight
room.
20. Swimming
21. Indoor rec center for little kids
22. An indoor water park. Rexburg Rapids is closed most
of the year. When it is open, the water is too cold. The
fountains spraying the lazy river need to be removed.
Floating on a tube in the lazy river would be nice and
comfortable if you could stay dry. Getting sprayed with
cold water is miserable. If there is any kind of breeze or if
it’s less then 90 degrees, Rexburg Rapids is too cold.
23. Swimming
24. Classes for children and teens that include, music and
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 109
108 | APPENDIX
dancing (performing). Acting, karate,maybe cooking and
yoga....the list could go on and on.
25. Indoor toddler play structure, public pool, rec center,
toddler activity center, children’s museum.
26. Indoor Swimming Pool
27. Indoor swimming pool
28. None stop wasting people’s money
29. Swimming
30. Pool
31. An indoor jungle gym for kids to play at during be winter
months when it’s is too cold to take my toddler outside.
Also an indoor water park would be awesome.
32. SWIMMING POOL/AQUATIC CENTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
33. Indoor swimming pool
34. None
35. None
36. “Indoor Swimming. Science/Chemistry/art/learning cen-
ter for kids. Adult gymnastics or different types of dance
classes. Ballroom? “
37. Having an indoor play structure for kids would be a true
godsend! 2 year old boy would love it.
38. Indoor pool
39. I would like to see an indoor swimming pool, available
year round.
40. Mommy and baby work out classes
41. Dance classes
42. Tennis
43. Indoor swimming pool
44. Dog friendly cross country skiing
45. Hot tubbing
46. Indoor swimming
47. Indoor pool
48. Swimming
49. Indoor pool/water park!
50. Indoor swimming for adults
51. Hills for sledding
52. N/A
53. Indoor swimming pool
54. Family Rec center with an indoor pool
55. Ski jumping
56. More for toddlers to get there energy out.
57. Indoor Swimming pool (all year round)
58. tumbling or gymnastics
59. Swimming pool
60. “Would love an indoor swimming pool and Ice hockey
rink! Would also love more running/walking paths around
Madison County for safer exercise year round.”
61. Indoor water park!!
62. I answered this in a previous comments section but
basically we would LOVE to see a Rexburg Recreation
Center be built for the community to use. This could
include many indoor activities including indoor sports
courts, an indoor pool, even an ice rink. Many commu-
nities have such rec centers that we could learn from
and base our ideas on including: Provo Rec Center,
South Davis Rec Center, and many others in Utah.
63. Pickle ball
64. Indoor swimming Pool
65. Enclosed Rexburg rapids
66. Anything for young children
67. Swimming
68. Swimming
69. Snow ball fights
70. An INDOOR SWIMMING POOL, for Madison county
residents (no BYUI students) only.
71. Indoor jungle gym or play equipment for toddlers/kids.
There are currently very few indoor places to take my
kids to play in the winter when the weather is bad.
72. Ice skating
73. Dog park
74. “Really would love something indoor for children not
in school (5 and younger). Indoor playground (for that
age range) or tumbling classes, etc.An indoor pool with
swimming lessons and aquatic workouts would be great
too!”
75. Indoor pool
76. Indoor pool, indoor gym, rec center, indoor ice skating
rink
77. I think rexburg needs a children’s museum! More running
paths that are longer than what we have now
78. Swimming
79. Na
80. Sleep ??
81. N/A
82. Add a ski/ snowboard park so people can practice
small tricks in the winter instead of having to go to the
mountains.
83. “Craft fairs Indoor adult playgrounds Indoor community
movie nights “
84. Covered skating rink!
85. A pool
86. Play areas for children along with jogging track, indoor
pool, indoor racquetball courts
87. I would like an indoor water park. And a place for tod-
dlers and young kids to play.
88. Just a basic indoor rec center that catered to adults.
89. Just Ice Skating
90. Swimming - indoor rec center
91. Indoor swimming pool
92. Indoor swimming pool
93. Swimming
94. An indoor swimming pool.
95. I would LOVE to see an indoor play center for toddlers
and young children! I know there is a demand for it in
Rexburg.
96. “Indoor children recreation center Indoor pool”
97. Idk
98. INDOOR POOL!!
99. Indoor pool
100. Dunno. Please take my votes as a grain of salt,
because I am not an outdoorsy sporty person but my
husband is and would probably love all of this stuff. :)
101. Indoor pool
102. An opportunity to access the indoor riding arena
that is paid for with tax money with out always needing
to rent it.
103. Indoor pool!!!!!
104. The above given are all we want to see
105. Pool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
106. Dance
107. I just want use of a more public gym
108. Community snow events (i.e. community snowball
fight, snowman building contest, winterfest)
109. Community indoor swimming pool
110. The indoor learning and play center for young
children would be wonderful. A place for moms to take
their kids to a safe, educational, fun environment would
be top notch.
111. Board games
112. Indoor Ropes Course
113. indoor pool/hottub
114. Swimming pool and physical exercise classes for
seniors
115. I know I am repeating myself but I have talked
with several families and an indoor pool that could be
connected with swim teams would be extremely wanted
and helpful. I know the issue was voted on before but
Rexburg has changed a lot in the last 10 years.
116. “Indoor swimming“
117. Play area for kids
118. Roasted chestnuts ice fishing
119. “Indoor pool for swim lessons/teams“
120. A covered ice rink would be stupendous.
121. Indoor pool and hot tub
122. Sledding hills
123. “Make Rexburg Rapids enclosed so you can use it
all year around. I know many people who would love to
go swimming in the winter but can’t due to lack of facility“
124. Indoor swimming pool
125. Indoor swimming pool!
126. Let’s face it, you’re competing with the cold and
Netflix during winter months.
127. Something for small kids indoor that doesn’t cost a
lot of money!
128. Rock wall
129. An indoor swimming pool/water park would be
great. Anything indoor
130. Indoor pool
131. Indoor water park
132. Swimming
133. Community Center
134. Swimming indoors.
135. An indoor pool!
136. Swimming
137. We need an indoor rec center.
138. Fat boking
139. Water park
140. A better community pool
141. Swimming
142. Basketball
143. Indoor tennis court, play areas for toddlers, just
a nice rec center in general. Indoor pool would be so
awesome as well. It’s incredibly confusing why Rapids
was built and designed the way it was when Rexburg is
one of the coldest towns.
144. Swimming pools
145. Indoor swimming pool
146. running paths
147. More cross country ski trails and more winter tennis
options.
148. Indoor Go karting
149. An indoor pool
150. Soccer and swimming!!!
151. Swimming
152. Anfun thing to get out of the house but a cheap rate
153. paint balling in the snow
154. Ice Rink in Rexburg please
155. A pool would be amazing!!!! We currently drive to
Jackson 4-5 times each winter to use their rec center.
156. Swimming pool!
157. Ice hockey
158. Swimming!
159. I would love a community center with a variety of ac-
tivities- indoor pool, exercise classes for all ages, yoga,
the climbing wall, racquetball and pickleball, basketball,
weights and exercise ewuipment, meeting or class
rooms, walking/running track, etc.
160. Rock climbing
161. Indoor swimming pool separate from BYU-Idaho.
162. Indoor swimming for Adults and children.
163. Indoor pool
164. Sledge hockey
165. Indoor swimming or water park, snow tubing
166. A play area or toddler area would be amazing.
Some kind of indoor pool or splash pad would also be
incredible and definitely popular with families in the area.
167. Indoor pool
168. A rex Center would be so perfect but eve an indoor
playground would be amazing for winter and really hot
days! We would go at least 3x a week.
169. Indoor pool
170. I would really like to see basketball or volleyball.
171. A indoor playground.
172. Indoor playground for kids during the winter months!
173. Indoor pool
174. None
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 111
110 | APPENDIX
175. Pool
176. pickleball!!!!!
177. Indoor pool
178. Indoor swimming ??
179. Swimming, indoor water facility to be utilized year
round with long hours all week
180. Most we’re already covered, but maybe rock
climbing?
181. Toddler activities
182. N/a
183. Hockey
184. Indoor swim team
185. Pool or water park indoors
186. I can’t think of anything as of right now
187. Swimming
188. Indoor place for children of all ages to play. Like
Provo Rec Center.
189. Swimming pool
190. Swimming
191. INDOOR POOL
192. Swimming, go cart, better mini golf,
193. Indoor bike park! Like Ray’s Indoor Mountain Bike
Park for example
194. An indoor Swimming Pool. My special needs gal
loves swimming all year round.
195. Equestrian activities
196. Indoor swimming
197. Indoor dog park
198. Indoor Pickleball courts
199. The snow fest
200. I think you have a great list already and don’t have
anything to add.
201. Swimming
202. Pickelball
203. Pool
204. Indoor children’s playground
205. Ice skating
206. An indoor skatepark would be an awesome addition
so people can practice during winter
207. Children’s museum, more indoor playgrounds for
kids
208. Soccer
209. NA
210. Pool
211. Walking
212. “Yoga studio! I’d love to see a Rec center built for
families. The students can use the school gym (keep
them there!) and the community should have their
own! Yoga classes, swimming pool for laps and an-
other for kids play, quarts for sports, rock climbing. I’d
LOOOOOVE to see a sled hill and ice skating rink built.
With a concession stand. And heated covered areas.”
213. Swimming :)
214. Rock climbing, swimming pool
215. Indoor water park & playground areas for children.
Indoor rec center would be great for the children &
families
216. SWIMMING
217. Indoor swimming
218. Indoor play places for children
219. Interactive museum
220. Swimming
221. “Swimming pool Indoor play gym or area for the
younger kids”
222. We need a place for young parents to take their
little ones. It needs to be indoors, have an age and
height limit, be available most hours of the day, be free
and clean, and be close to town. I was thinking of the
great opportunity to create this kind of indoor space and
have it paid for by renting out the booths surrounding
the play area, similar to a mall. There could easily be a
few restaurants, etc. I was also thinking that, like a mall,
there would be many small climbing things, so that a
Mom could sit and watch her kid run around and see
her child from anywhere in the play area. City Creek Mall
in SLC has a great example of this.
223. Pickleball, Swimming
224. Something indoors for the whole family primarily
children
225. Indoor water park.
226. Swimming area
227. An indoor pool would be awesome!
228. Sledding!
229. An indoor place for kids to play
230. More trails around town
231. Indoor play area/activities for toddlers
232. Swimming!! I feel as though Rexburg rapids would
be more beneficial if I were am Indoor so we could use it
all year around
233. Toddler play/learning areas
234. Indoor Swimming Pool!
235. We need gyms. You can barely even get a church
236. Public indoor pool outside of the college.
237. Indoor jungle gym for smaller kids
238. Indoor park
239. “I would love an indoor pool. It would be so great to
have a recipe center with plenty of these listed ameni-
ties, and also a gym portion for weights and cardio. I
currently have a gym membership, but it would be so
wonderful to have my monthly fees go back into the city
and community.”
240. Swimming
241. Swimming
242. A rec center with a pool, track, gym, classes and
child care. The Provo rec Center is my favorite.
243. Swimming
244. Swimming, rock climbing, indoor soccer
245. “Designated sledding tubing hills“
246. Please build a playground for families. There has to
be a better option for the kids than going to McDonald’s
and Sonic!!
247. Indoor swimming pool
248. Fire pits
249. A Rec Center that includes a gym
250. Swimming
251. Box Lacrosse
252. Indoor pool; something along the lines of the Lega-
cy Center in Lehi, Ut.
253. A year round rec center with a swimming area/lazy
river/splash area. Something like the Kroc center that is
located in Coeur d’Lane.
254. Indoor SWIMMING for ALL MONTHS!
255. “Indoor soccer“
256. Activities for young children like an indoor play area
257. Anything indoor for children that is not crazy ex-
pensive. It would be great to have a hands on children
science exploration center or an indoor pool with a
children’s play area.
258. Ice hockey! Indoor running track.
259. Swimming and diving.
260. Archery
261. Indoor swimming
262. Lap swimming
263. Indoor pool Rexburg rapids is a waste of my proper-
ty taxes
264. Swimming
265. Indoor pool area
266. Indoor shooting range, archery range
267. Indoor children’s play ground
268. Something for little kids to get their energy out but
not freeze. Also something we don’t have to pay or
cheep.
269. Swimming
270. Swimming pool/ indoor splash pad
271. An indoor swimming pool
272. Pool, swimming lessons
273. A city rec center!!!!
274. Nothig
275. Winter Fest indoor
276. I would just like parks and events to be more adver-
tised.
277. Roller Skating.
278. Year Round Pool!!! Bouldering gym, indoor play
place for kids.
279. Indoor POOL!!!
280. You’ve listed all the ones I want
281. More indoor pools with slide and fun stuff
282. Indoor pool
283. Swimming
284. None
285. Indoor pool
286. It would be great to have an indoor spot for the
stay-at-home moms to bring young kids.
287. Swimming race
288. Swimming
289. Indoor tennis!
290. Indoor swimming pool with play area, slides, diving
board and swim lanes with swimming lessons offered
for kids.
291. POOL- I’m sure you guys hear it all the time. I
recognize the cost associated, but think it would be
beneficial to many ages in the community. Just today
my 5 year old daughter was saying she wants to go to
the splash park and Rexburg Rapids- I told her me too!
I know for me it would help greatly with my seasonal
depression.
292. Something just for kids that the college kids can’t
take over so my son doesn’t get ran over by then goof-
ing off.
293. If there was an indoor place for me to walk/jog I
would go frequently. I worry about slipping on the ice
in the winter and all the rest of the year I go on walks
outside in the parks regularly. The only indoor option
available right now to the public is on campus and it
is only available to the public at very early hours in the
morning.
294. Pool
295. Indoor swimming pool - would use daily.
296. Indoor swimming facilities and indoor facilities for
family activities.
297. Swimming. We need a rec center!!
298. An indoor jungle gym or an indoor play place for
young children
299. Pickle ball
300. Indoor swimming!
301. “Indoor swimming“
302. indoor swimming
303. Affordable indoor pool
304. Indoor pool
305. Indoor Ice Rink!!!!
306. Indoor swimming facility
307. Indoor pool
308. I love love to see community green houses to enjoy
warmth during the winter months. Also, an indoor pool.
309. Would love an indoor water park/pool that could be
used year round.
310. Swimming
311. Indoor pool!
312. Pool
313. Indoor swimming
314. Indoor swimming pool
315. Swimming
316. Indoor playground
317. Swimming
318. Swimming!!!!!!!!!!!
319. Indoor swimming pool like a recreational center.
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 113
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320. N/A
321. Swimming indoors.
322. An indoor dog pool would be absolutely incredible!
It’s really hard to find ways to exercise our dogs in the
winter and swimming is one of the best ways to do so!
323. A year round swimming pool would be of para-
mount importance to the community and my family
324. swimming
325. swimming
326. Swimming
327. a community pool
328. SWIMMING!!
329. Swimming
330. A jungle gym or play area for indoor use
331. Swim or kids play place- we do open gym at Madi-
son gymnastics center but that is only available Thursday
or Friday from 10-11:15, would be nice to have some-
thing with more options to attend.
332. An indoor playground for younger children to go to
when in the fall and winter months
333. “Indoor swimming“
334. Indoor soccer, a real water park (germany has a
good example).
335. indoor pool
336. Dog park
337. Spike ball
338. An Indoor Swimming Pool and A Children’s Discov-
ery Center
339. Indoor/outdoor dog park
340. Swimming indoors
341. Rec center with year round pool access
342. Dog parks
343. Was sad to see winter fest go. I know it wasn’t very
well attended but we were some of the few that went
every year.
344. Indoor Swimming Center
345. In door play ground for children heated that the kids
could play on. Or indoor swimming for children in the
winter or place adults could swim laps for exercise.
346. I don’t know
347. Ice skating in any form would be fantastic, in-
door, outdoor, half rink, full rink, with formal lessons or
freeskate, blade sharpening... any kind of ice rink is fine
by me
348. Indoor pool
349. Really liked indoor track at BYU until so many
students. Would like to see something like this that
non-byui affiliated persons could use; please don’t link
it with school district either as then coaches think that
non-team persons shouldn’t be allowed to use facility
although they are biggest monetary contributors to build-
ing/maintaining facilities
350. Indoor ski/snowboarding treadmill, indoor tennis
court
351. Indoor things for families with kids to do! There is
nothing to do in the winter with small kids!
352. An indoor pool
353. indoor swimming
354. Swimming
355. And indoor swimming pool
356. Rock climbing
357. Indoor swimming facilities
358. Indoor Swimming
359. Swimming!
360. Indoor swimming facility
361. Dog park
362. A walking track
363. indoor swimming pool for lap swimming, I hear the
YMCA is considering construction in Sugar City
364. Year round swimming pool!
365. Toddler recreation 1 year +
366. Indoor climbing gym, the one currently is usually
over crowded for the price you pay and over run by
college students.
367. “dog park“
368. Indore swimming pool.
369. An indoor swimming facility that has hours the public
can use and more than one lane(BYU I has very specific
hours for lap swimming and only allows 1 lane to be
used)
370. Ice castles if possible
371. Basketball courts and an indoor track and a sled-
ding hill
372. Again you asked a “few times a month” OR “once
a year”. You left no option for more than once a year
(like once a month or every other month) which leaves a
huge gap.
373. Children’s play place!
374. Permission to bring my leashed or off leash dog,
with good recall, on groomed winter trails.
375. An enclosed and covered area for children and
dogs to have free roam at any time. As well as areas for
cross country skiing to allow dogs for skiijoring.
376. Again, a dog park.
377. Swimming!!!!
378. If there was a recreation center I would love to see
fitness classes and Dance classes fro children and
adults for reasonable prices.
379. Indoor swimming pool.
380. Definitely a pool! With maybe a splash pad area too
381. Most of the above activities would be very appre-
ciated. Especially if they were quality. Our families top or
very important activities would be a quality ice skating
rink, an indoor jogging facility, and an indoor playground
for young children. That would be really great!
382. An indoor track I could walk my dog on
383. Indoor pool
384. A rec center with a swimming pool and exercise
equipment
385. I closed or in door swimming pool/splash pad.
386. Swimming!
387. Indoor water park the BYU-I pool is not toddle
friendly
388. Adult jungle gym (see Vegas container park as refer-
ence) - the jungle gym itself is free to play and has some
other outdoor games
389. Indoor swimming facilities
390. I’m not sure
391. Walking Path
392. Enclosed pool, enclose Rexburg rapids!!
393. Indoor soccer, indoor climbing wall, indoor pool/
aquatic center
394. Indoor activities such as classes you can take to
learn new skills would be cool
395. Indoor swimming, indoor pickleball, indoor gymnasi-
um with fitness classes
396. Indoor pool and swimming lessons
397. Roller skating
398. What id like to see is a facility where we can do
activities.
399. Swimming, 3 to 5 year old basketball camps
400. Indoor pool
401. Tennis
402. Swimming pool
403. Swimming
404. Swimming/water aerobics/lap swim
405. Somewhere for young kids to play indoors during
the winter
406. Swimming pool would be wonderful
407. Swim
408. Swimming
409. A lap pool
410. Maybe an indoor soccer field, basketball court and
volleyball court
411. Dog park
412. Broom Hockey
413. Indoor Swimming pool
414. Nothing comes to mind.
415. Indoor pool/ indoor splash pad
416. Ice rink and sledding hill
417. Swimming, swim team
418. A place that we could swim
419. Swimming pool
420. If you add any of these, that would be really cool!
421. Turf field indoors for Football, baseball, softball
422. A Rex center!! Like the one in Lehi Utah the legacy
center is awesome!! Really go take a look they have in-
door swimming, climbing, jogging walking track, weights,
cardio machines, etc...
423. Indoor swimming pool and kids splash area
424. Indoor rec center
425. An indoor playground would be ANAZING. It’s hard
around here with little ones in the winter.
426. Indoor swimming!!!!!!!! Green canyon is disgusting
and rexburg rapids is great for about 2 months
427. I would love to see a swimming place/splash pad
indoors so during the winter we could go play in it!
428. A science museum or explore/art facility would be
great
429. A safe indoor play area for children, indoor swim-
ming facility.
430. Any, but not tax-payed. I would want these indoor
sporting/activity facilities, but I don’t believe it’s for gov-
ernment to provide. An indoor recreation center would
be fine for a business, so that it’s more likely to grow and
possibly work with food services in a larger facility.
431. Indoor Swimming Pool
432. swimming
433. Indoor swimming pool
434. And indoor swimming pool and access to parks
that aren’t over run by the BYU I students
435. Swimming!!!!
436. Anything indoors for toddlers. My children love to
play but sometime its way too cold to let them play
outside.
437. An indoor water park / ice rink combo facility, like
other towns have. It could be used tear round.
438. Fat biking routes, free indoor places for kids
439. Access to a swimming pool
440. Any indoor rec center where we could have a
monthly or yearly family pass!!
441. Having an indoor community pool for our commu-
nity to stay healthy through the winter and safe around
water in the summer. Why is this survey only focusing
on an ice skating rink yet not including a POOL as any
option. This is disappointing to think that city funds will
be used for what the city officials want. Why not send
out this survey with an indoor pool as an option and see
what the CITY RESIDENTS want/need. Anyone can
build a rink in their backyard, but we can’t build an indoor
pool.
442. Mai Tai gym
443. An indoor play complex would be wonderful as
most the year is cold for little ones perhaps with an
indoor walking track. An educational hands on learning
(Discovery Center) would also be fun!
444. Swimming pool.
445. Indoor swimming pool
446. Anything to do with small children inside!
447. Socce
448. I don’t know for sure, but i would definitely try a lot of
the above mentioned things out if they were offered!
449. Na
450. “pickleball“
451. ice skating, ice hockey, and racquetball
452. Swimming
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 115
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453. A track open to the public or a pool for the public
454. Swimming
455. Indoor pool and indoor playground.
456. A large pool inside
457. Snow sculpture event
458. Swimming pool
459. When my husband and I lived in Washington there
something called “hoopester tots” and “Soccer tots” they
were indoor recreation classes that ran 6 weeks once a
week for kids 2-5 years old. My son loved it and I wish
we had something like that here in Rexburg.
460. in door swimming, rec center
461. An indoor pool would be nice to use during the win-
ter. Also a community rec center with exercise classes
and family friendly activities.
462. Indoor swimming
463. Would love a rec center other than byui, with bas-
ketball courts and a gym. Also ice skating rink would be
great.
464. Areas meant for certain ages with appropriate activ-
ities, indoor swimming pool, indoor flag football, weight
machines,
465. Indoor swimming pool
466. Have I mentioned indoor swimming?
467. If the city does winter events open to the public,
that would be great! If construction, facilities, and taxes
are involved, none at all. Besides, this is the wrong way
to make such things happen.
468. A pool
469. An indoor all year swimming pool
470. indoor swimming!!
471. Indoor pool for the community
472. Community center
473. Indoor swimming pool. Indoor recreational facility
with a track, fitness areas, basketball courts, climbing
wall, etc..
474. swimming
475. Indoor pool
476. Swimming!
477. An indoor swimming pool.
478. Heated swimming pool
479. Swimming pool
480. Dog Training, there are lots of dogs in Rexburg but
the people haven’t taken the time to train them. Training
would make the community safer if people kept their
pets under control.
481. Pickle ball
482. Swimming pool
483. Swimming and exercise equipment or classes
484. SWIMMING. I know this town is not interested in
this kind of expense. But all ages can do this sport.
There is almost nothing for little kids in the winter outside
of the library and McDonald’s play place. Senior citizens
also typically enjoy water exercise classes. Also, Youth
could participate in a swim team here if we had an
indoor facility.
485. Swimming pool
486. Indoor pool
487. A swimming pool and indoor tennis courts.
488. Wave machine
489. swimming
490. Rec center. I have a baby and it’s SO hard to live
here during the winter months because we are just
stuck inside and there’s no where for us to go.
491. An indoor playground for children to run around with
a jungle gym.
492. Indoor pool, water aerobics
493. Pickleball, Kid’s play place
494. Swimming indoor pool and kids rec center
495. swimming
496. There are a lot of outdoor winter activities that My
family and l would participate in more frequently if there
were equipment available to rent. For example: Ice
skates, cross country ski equipment, snowshoes, etc.
497. “Indoor swimming Indoor walking”
498. Indoor pool, “bouncy” kind of kid place - like soft
foam rather than bouncy houses, rock climbing,
499. Indoor SWIMMING
500. Racquetball and indoor basketball would be great!
501. Indoor soccer
502. Some sort of indoor area. The pool should have
been an indoor one. It is a total waste of tax payers
money the way it is
503. Indoor Pool
504. “Indoor swimming pool for recreation (not just laps)
but somewhere kids can play! An incredible rec Center
is something Rexburg needs. Check out Clearfield,
Utah’s rec Center. It is amazing! It’s soemthing this ben-
efits the whole community.I lived in a city where we had
several great YMCAs (Louisville, Kentucky. Check out
the Norton commons YMCA and the Northeast YMCA).
It made for great opportunities for exercise, swimming,
indoor courts, awesome child care centers, summer
camps, etc. It made for a great sense of community,
even in a large town. People get to know each other
and it’s a really good feel. It is also a great way to fight
off cabin fever in the winter, which seriously for some
causes SAD (depression). Rexburg desperately needs
SOMETHING to do indoors! A town this cold for a lot
of the year and nothing to do inside is just sad. It would
be an incredible facility to have something indoors!!
I can not overstate that enough!! It also needs to be
reasonably priced and have a reasonably priced annual
membership so that people can use it when they want
to and don’t feel like it costs an arm and a leg anytime
they want to use it. Gravity Factory, for example, is a fun
indoor activity. But I don’t know if we will ever go. We
have a family of 6 and it’s jusy ridiculous for a 1 hour
jump time. As someone with a small business in town,
and hoping that the town will continue to grow Over the
years, this is one of the biggest drawbacks of Rexburg.
There is nothing to do indoors in the winter. I understand
the need for funds to build a location but it would be
amazing to have something like this here. It would be
such an investment in the PEOPLE of Rexburg. “
505. Indoor swimming
506. Swimming
507. Swimming
508. Bring back adult league basketball
509. A recreation center or YMCA with workout classes
for adults and children
510. Tubing hill with rope pulls to the top
511. Indoor pool! Make it a school aquatic complex like
the one down in St George, the “sand hollow aquatic
complex”. It’s great for the high school plus the commu-
nity uses it with indoor slides and stuff
512. Swimming
513. Indoor swimming options.
514. Indoor rec center with pool similar to ones in Utah
County such as in Lehi, Orem, Provo, etc.
515. Indoor pool!
516. Ice castles
517. POOL!!!
518. Indoor running
519. A place for kids to run around and play.
520. Swimming
521. Swimming
522. Indoor arts and crafts for kids, indoor playground,
archery, swimming, martial arts, rock climbing
523. Recreation center with indoor pool
524. Pickleball
525. Indoor swimming
526. It says cross country skiing above but we moved
here from Driggs. In Teton Valley there are 5 public free
groomed courses. We would LOVE to see more cross
country skiing courses made, especially since we live in
an area where we can ski for 3-5 months out of the year
and we live an hour away from other tracks. We LOVE
the gold course track, but understand that it is privately
maintained, the city is not involved? And BYU-I might be
grooming a track up near the temple. Would love to see
the city host one.
527. Rec leagues for all ages basketball and volleyball.
Rexburg is cold and has long winters, it would be nice to
have a place to go be active.
528. Swimming
529. indoor swimming pool
530. Indoor water park
531. Lap swimming
532. An indoor swimming facility
533. A rec center with an indoor pool!!! Please!!!
534. pool
535. An actual enclosed community swimming pool. It
is one of my favorite things in the winter, but Green Can-
yon and Heise are not close enough for regular use.
536. Indoor women’s soccer. The men are too rough to
play with. Please make a women’s only league! Please,
please, please!
537. A Rec Center like in Jackson Hole catered to RESI-
DENTS NOT COLLEGE STUDENTS would be a dream
come true.
538. “yoga On questions 17 and 24 you need a time
period between “”once a year”” and “”several times a
month”” Like “”several times a year”””
539. Some place to walk for exercise
540. Pickle ball!
541. Swim team
542. Indoor rec center with SWIMMING pool and swim-
ming lessons as well as affordable passes for workout
and lessons
543. Indoor dog park
544. Indoor swimming pool
545. Indoor Pool
546. SWIMMING POOL
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 117
116 | APPENDIX
Q26: What is your opinion concerning where future funding for improvements in the next 5, 10
and 20 years show be spend?
Answered: 1,749 Skipped: 1,279
Improve current parks
(County-wide)
Increase public access
along the Teton River
Expand recreational
trail connections
Add an indoor athletic
sports complex
(Rexburg)
Expand
adventure/extreme
sports amenities
(Rexburg)
Add or improve winter
sports opportunities or
facilities (Rexburg)
Not important 6.68%21.37%12.85%11.54%32.58%10.49%
Somewhat important 34.27%37.10%32.08%20.66%35.36%27.44%
Important 43.32%27.36%33.99%23.20%19.33%33.14%
Very Important 15.73%14.17%21.08%44.60%12.73%28.93%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
Q26: Comments
1. Maintaining paths and parks is very important
2. Indoor pool!!
3. Would like to see a park on the southern part of Rex-
burg/Madison county.
4. Swimming
5. Indoor pool
6. Create a Dog park with separated small and large dog
sections
7. Real dog park open all the time
8. Am indoor rex center similar to what we used to have
9. I miss the racquetball club. It was so nice having an
indoor pool, courts, and gym equipment. This kind
of facility is only available to the college students from
campus. It would be great to have something like this for
the community!
10. Swimming pool
11. Indoor water park or pool!!!!
12. I’m sure residents of Rexburg would support a bond to
build a city rec center. There would also be an entrance
fee to use the facilities with lower prices for residents vs.
Non-residents. Residents could also purchase a yearly
pass.
13. Indoor swimming
14. Need wintertime swimming pool
15. Swimming
16. Build an Olympic sized INDOOR SWIMMING POOL.
17. People want a dog park
18. Dog park
19. Pool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
20. Road Maintenance
21. Indoor rec center
22. We’re bored please save us
23. Something for families with young children that’s indoor
during the winter and doesn’t cost a ton of money.
24. A large indoor pool
25. Indoor play area for children
26. I think that Rexburg could use more bike paths.
27. Clean up the community especially in the winter when
it comes to snow plowing. R creation al activities and
bringing stores into town to boost the economy and not
have to travel for them like Costco.
28. Indoor swimming pool is very important!!
29. dog park!
30. Indoor play arena for kids. We have no indoor play gyms
to bring them too. Indoor water park.. something for little
toddlers to do during the winter.
31. I just think you can leave it to the school for the sports
facilities and indoor complexes
32. Indoor pool
33. Maintaining parks--NOT improving them, is more import-
ant than improving them. Please please please do NOT
put in an indoor facility: too expensive and this should be
done privately, not publicly.
34. 9 more holes of disc golf or a full 18 hole course some-
where...
35. DOG PARK
36. Disc golf
37. Imoroce disc golf
38. Disc Golf!
39. Indoor swimming all year long would be a good choice.
40. Enclose Rexburg Rapids so it was usable year round!
41. ...making sure the streets are plowed...
42. Trails need to include riding trails.
43. I would love a YMCA or at least an indoor pool to swim
laps!
44. Only spend money on indoor if it includes a pool.
45. EVERYONE for YEAR have asked for a BIG INDOOR
POOL with diving boards and fun things inside because
there’s nothing for teens or adults to do water wise
unless we want to be crowded at some pool here in
rexburg or go float a river. But noone ever listens.
46. Indoor complex
47. Indoor winter for kids
48. We need a family friendly rec center!!! Pools...track...
courts...
49. Indoor tennis
50. Swimming close to town
51. Indoor POOL!!!
52. Indoor pool
53. Need a swimming pool. Indoor.
54. INDOOR POOL
55. I love all of our current parks and feel they need sim-
ple maintenance updates to things such as the water
fountains.
56. I would pay any tax increase to get an indoor swimming
pool and I think that most of our citizens agree. Rexburg
Rapids is just a two month kiddie pool. Why wasn’t this
included on the survey? Certainly, the elected officials of
this county/city know that it is what the people want, but
it’s like they are afraid to ask the citizens about it.
57. Winter in Rexburg is depressing. People need to get
outside and they need to exercise.
58. Indoor swimming area
59. A place to take kids in the winter other than the library
and store would be wonderful!
60. DOG PARK
61. Question 27 was asked in a way that won’t give the
answer you’re looking for.
62. We really need an indoor pool/ rec center. I’ve seen
other communities even smaller than ours make it work.
Like Kamas, UT. It’s so nice to have a rec center!
63. I think a dog park would make everyone happy. People
who don’t have dogs don’t want dogs around them at
the park, and people with dogs need a place to go.
64. An indoor swimming pool would be very important.
65. Indoor playground
66. Add dog park and more frisbee golf
67. Include indoor swimming for year-round use
68. Build a dog park.
69. Create a dog park! Lots of community members have
dogs. This is major thing that rexburg needs
70. Groomed cross country trails
71. Rexburg has a HUGE demand for a dog park since
close to 80% of the population owns dogs. By providing
a place for dogs to exercise, there would be less loose
dogs, less dog behavior issues, and a happier and
more tightly knit community of caring dog owners.
72. Indoor regulation size lap pool
73. swimming pool indoor
74. I just really think a place to swim in the winter would be
wonderful.
75. We’d love an indoor pool
76. Dog park
77. Indoor pool and gym like the one the school district
shares in tremonton Utah! Sharing it helps community
AND school.
78. More dog parks please
79. Dog park
80. Creation of a Dog Park for the owners of animals in the
area
81. A Snow Park would be awesome for snow sledding and
tubing
82. Build a dog park
83. Rexburg needs a dog park. The one they made at the
landfill is so dirty and hazardous. I don’t think I’ve ever
been in a town this size that didn’t have a dog park.
84. Dog park!
85. We need activities for small children indoors. Do not
duplicate what the college already provides.
86. Dog park
87. Dog Park!
88. Dog park
89. “Ice rink On the question below it depends how it is
used!!!!”
90. DOG PARK
91. Dog parks!!!!
92. I think the most important thing is to add a dog park to
the community. This would get dogs and their owners
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 119
118 | APPENDIX
to use the sport fields and community parks less. This
would make dog owners happy because their dog
could play off leash and it would mean less potential for
dog mess in the human parks.
93. Having access to a dog park at any time.
94. Dog park
95. A dog park is very important.
96. Put in an indoor swimming pool!
97. DOG PARK
98. DOG PARK
99. Build an actual dog park!!!
100. Indoor swimming for winter use
101. Where’s the pool?
102. A dog park
103. Indoor pool
104. We have winter for so long, it would be nice to have
more indoor facilities!
105. Rec center and call it the Rex
106. Indoor pool- swimming !! We need somewhere to
swim and get out of the cold in these long cold winter
months !!
107. Very important are the indoor facility and winter
sports if they include an INDOOR POOL. They are VERY
UNIMPORTANT if not.
108. Walking paths/ bike trails. We’ve lived all over the
country and we’d love to pay more taxes to create a
robust trail system.
109. drinking fountain, restrooms, swings, more play
equipment at Park Street Park
110. Indoor swimming pool with youth swim team
111. Leave private industry expansion to the private
sector. ;)
112. A dog park
113. We need a sports facility like the YMCA
114. Indoor pool
115. Put a roof on Rexburg Rapids. Or build a new mu-
nicipal indoor pool.
116. An indoor year round swimming pool.
117. “INDOOR POOL FOR CHILDREN WITH INDOOR
SPLASH PAD AND SWIM LESSON PLEASE!!!! THANK
YOU GOD BLESS YOU!!”
118. “Indoor swimming pool is rated as Very Important.“
119. Dog Area and training facility
120. I think the parks are lovely. I think it would be nice
to have an ADA playground... One that would be for
adults and kids.... Possibly one of those million smiles
playgrounds
121. Indoor pool
122. I would like to see a rec center with kids play area
basketball courts work out area and indoor pool. Like a
YMCA
123. Indoor swimming
124. “INDOOR REC CENTER!! Look at some of the
YMCA’s I previously mentioned in Louisville, Kentucky
(Norton commons YMCA and Northeast YMCA, as well
as Clearfield, Utah rec Center). The BYUI students have
options at the school, but my understanding is that not
just anyone can use it. And it’s not the most convenient
for residents either (parking, clothing rules, etc) “
125. Indoor Pool
126. Top of the list: indoor recreation center with weights,
indoor track, swimming pools, and rooms for sports,
and arts & crafts room for kids. (See Fairview Park Gem-
ini center http://www.fairviewparkrec.com/pool-sched-
ules.html )
127. Cycling infrastructure
128. Cross country ski rentals more available
129. As for facilities, it would be nice if many of these
places didn’t charge so much per person so that all the
low-income families in the area actually have a chance to
use them.
130. A bike path to Walmart is CRUCIAL. And perhaps
a bridge or something safer to connect the path along
Teton River between Albertsons and Jack in the Box.
131. pool
132. Add an indoor swimming facility with that sports
complex
133. Improve and design new walking and biking areas/
greenways between parks and neighborhoods.
134. Indoor Soccer. The zone is cool but it is super
small. A bigger one would be super cool.
Q27: Would you support an annual user fee for the purchase of park land and park improvements?
If yes, how much? In this example the user fee would be per household.
Answered: 1,736 Skipped: 1,292
Q28: Please rank each improvement listed below based on when you believe each improvement
should occur:
Answered: 1,740 Skipped: 1,288
Improve current parks
(County-wide)
Increase public access
along the Teton River
Expand recreational
trail connections
Add an indoor athletic
sports complex
(Rexburg)
Expand
adventure/extreme
sports amenities
(Rexburg)
Add or improve winter
sports opportunities or
facilities (Rexburg)
Never 3.43%14.94%9.57%8.25%23.24%7.06%
Within 5 years 60.44%35.73%46.82%59.17%27.26%55.47%
Within 10 years 28.16%31.87%32.57%22.15%29.35%27.82%
Within 20 years 7.97%17.45%11.03%10.44%20.15%9.66%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
43.32%
12.62%14.17%
29.90%
Up to $25 a year $35 a year $50 a year No
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 121
120 | APPENDIX
Q28: Comments
1. Create a Dog Park, sooner than 5 years.
2. Indoor play ground area for kids. A indoor pool and
splash pad. Herriman Utah has a great indoor place for
kids.
3. Indoor pool now!
4. Swimming indoor
5. Break ground on an INDOOR SWIMMINGPOOL tomor-
row. 19 January 2018
6. Dog park now
7. Dog park
8. Build a rec center and people will be glad to pay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
9. Year round swimming pool
10. Rec center ASAP
11. Now please
12. I would also support more and better running trails in
Madison County
13. I really think an indoor rec centre with a swim area
should be done within the next couple years. Especially
with such king winters here.
14. The water parks in Rexburg are a complete waste of
money so if you will build a indoor center- have it accom-
modate everyone rather than just children. The college is
available for indoor rec activities so any indoor rec places
would also be a waste but Rexburg lacks winter activity
for the community which would beneficial
15. I prefer immediately on the winter activities
16. Indoor go karting
17. The indoor rec center is only important to me with a pool
18. dog park in the next 5 years
19. Indoor pool.. Now
20. Please do NOT put in an indoor sports facility.
21. Indoor pickleball.... and more disc golf
22. Dog park ASAP
23. Or immediately
24. Hoping the indoor sports complex includes a indoor
swimming pool. I would pay a fair fee for that.
25. Add a full length 18 hole disc golf course.
26. It’s also very important to have specified grassy areas
where dogs can play. The lack of dog parks is some-
thing that is very upsetting for all of us dog owners in
Rexburg. Complexes have small, rock filled parks that
don’t offer adequate space for dogs to run. All the parks
here are not fenced which means dogs are required
to be on a leash. Again, not ideal for dogs to socialize
which is critical for all dogs.
27. Please keep in mind that the high school needs to finish
their football field, scoreboards, speaker systems, etc.
Let’s do this first. At the same time we’d better place
street lights on 12th west before the high school games
start.
28. A dog park in the next year
29. Never is a strong word; do not agree with never. At my
stage in life, not important to me but when my kids were
small, would have loved it.
30. Indoor swimming pool
31. I would pay 50$-100$ a year for an indoor rec center
with indoor pool
32. An indoor waterpark similar to what Jackson Hole has
would be biggest priority for our family.
33. How about more access to BYUI facilities to the general
public
34. Indoor pool
35. INDOOR POOL, YESTERDAY ;)
36. Indoor swimming pool within 5 years.
37. Build an indoor swimming/recreational complex ASAP-
check out the same in Sequim WA
38. DOG PARK
39. I can’t take my kids to Porter park unless there is snow
because of the college students getting physical inside
of hammocks. If any money was spent enforcing lewd
conduct laws at the park, I would consider that to be tax
dollars well spent.
40. If the indoor athletics sports had an indoor swimming
pool then within the next 5 years.
41. Indoor swimming-5 yrs
42. Dog park built within the next 1-5 years
43. Indoor swimming pool
44. indoor pool right away
45. Dog park. Now
46. Dog park- within 5 years
47. Improve bike paths, within 5 years
48. Dog Park
49. Dog park
50. I don’t understand the fee your asking about, I would be
will to pay a fee for my kids to have a warm spot to play
on a play ground in winter, I would support “fund bike
paths shoot I would do find raisers to have bike paths
to get my kids out of the streets with these college kids
that have never driven in snow before.
51. I would personally hold a fundraiser to help expedite the
funding for an ice rink of any kind, that’s how important I
think it is.
52. We need indoor activities for small kids. Do not duplicate
what the college provides.
53. Add a dog park!!
54. Dog park
55. DOG PARK! -- Within a year please!
56. Dog park
57. Dog Park Now
58. A dog park witching 5 years or less
59. Indoor children’s play area within 5 years
60. Installing a dog park within the next year.
61. Dog park within 5 years
62. Indoor swimming pool!
63. We would be willing to pay a user free if it was an activity
or facility our family would use.
64. Dog park
65. Build a dog park ASAP
66. Indoor swimming by tomorrow??
67. Get a dog park
68. Build a dog park as soon as possible
69. I really want an indoor pool so we don’t have to travel to
Jackson Hole
70. Allow businesses to do their job better than the city can
concerning indoor facilities and such
71. We would pay $250/year or more for an indoor pool
user fee. We would pay increased taxes for an indoor
pool. An indoor sports facility and the support of winter
sports is only needed if it’s an indoor pool. Swimming is
a yearlong and lifelong sport. Almost anyone can swim.
It takes very little equipment to purchase on the side of
the swimmer. It’s is a sport for asmatics and the elderly.
Please do not spend any government/resident funds
before you assess the city residents on an indoor pool.
72. Indoor swimming pool with youth swim teams.
73. Make an indoor swimming pool a priority.
74. I wouldn’t support a user fee for parks as they currently
are. But if we had an indoor pool or water park, then I
would.
75. i’m not sure where the teton river is or what access
would be given / activities available. just walking? boats?
??
76. Dog training area
77. We need an indoor swimming facility more than a place
to play basketball
78. I would like to see a Rec center ASAP
79. Indoor rec center ASAP
80. Indoor Pool now
81. Cycling infrastructure
82. We have amazing parks, and I think we should strive to
maintain them rather than expand yhem
83. You need to take care of what you have first. Like the old
porter park pool wasn’t taken care of well.
84. Indoor swimming pool!
REXBURG PARKS MASTER PLAN | 123
122 | APPENDIX
Jeff Crowther & Recreation Department,
This morning I filled out the Rexburg Parks Survey. I appreciate that you are looking for feedback and was happy to
respond. I wish at the end of the survey there was a space for any additional thoughts, but as there was not, I’m send-
ing my feedback via email. As a lifelong resident of Rexburg and also with a Recreation Management degree, I hope my
comments are helpful.
First, in regards to the area along the Teton River. I feel like this area is underutilized. If you look at the Greenbelts of Boise
(https://parks.cityofboise.org/parks-and-facilities/parks/greenbelt/ ) and even Idaho Falls, when the city cleans up the riv-
erside it becomes a big attraction for the city. Granted, our river isn’t 25 miles long like Boise’s, but usage would increase
if more attention was given to a possibly beautiful piece of space.
Second, the survey asked if users wanted more indoor basketball and volleyball courts. While these facilities would be
great in a larger rec center, I don’t think they’re necessary. There are many members of the LDS church in our commu-
nity, which provides indoor gyms every few miles throughout the county. With church, BYU-I, and schools gyms, I think
there are sufficient indoor courts. Additionally, the City already owns the Zone, but perhaps residents aren’t aware of that.
I honestly thought it was still a privately owned building until I searched on the City website. On the website, it says “there
is currently no open gym hours at this time due to lack of interest in the program.” Thus, I don’t think it’s a lack of facilities,
but rather a lack of public awareness of the existing facilities.
I think the Recreation Department can also increase public awareness of its other programs and facilities as well. I didn’t
even know the City of Rexburg had a Facebook page until a friend shared this survey. Social media has become so satu-
rated that one post can get lost in the thousands of posts coming onto a resident’s feed each day. My sister has children
in elementary and middle school and is frustrated with how difficult it can be to stay in the know with sports seasons and
other city offerings. It seems one of the only ways is to get on the City website, but I don’t think enough people do that.
They need reminders like banners across main street and fliers at elementary schools.
Sorry this is a little long, but in a nutshell my thoughts are:
• Beautify the greenbelt along the Teton River
• Increase public awareness of the Zone as an indoor court area
• Increase “old-fashioned” marketing for your programs and facilities rather than focus all efforts on social media
posts
Thank you for listening to a resident and lover of recreation.
Cheers,
Cassi Gifford