We ask the public for their patience and cooperation while construction is underway. Visitors should be prepared to move their vehicles if requested to do so by park staff. These improvements will provide updated infrastructure, new ADA accessibility, and promote user activities at Celebration Park. It has been over 30 years since this decking project has seen a major improvement like this and we are excited for this major improvement.

“For decades this boardwalk has functioned as the outdoor classroom space and ‘hallways’ for a variety of educational programs and activities, including the popular atlatl range. It has served masses of traditional students and daily visitors in its time, and it is overdue for an upgrade,” said Parks Director Nicki Schwend. “The new boardwalk is going to be an improved, ADA-accessible design that will help us better meet the needs of all students and visitors. We’re excited for this project and for all the continued improvements happening at Celebration Park.”

For teachers: We do not anticipate the need to cancel or reschedule field trip programs during this construction. However, Parks staff will contact teachers with affected bookings to communicate any modifications in programming, such as meeting locations, bus parking, or use of a temporary atlatl range on site.

For questions about this project or for construction updates, please contact Canyon County Parks at 208-454-6884, or call the Celebration Park visitor center at 208-455-6022.

Starting October 28, 2024, construction crews will be replacing and improving the boardwalk area just north of Celebration Park’s main parking lot. Construction is expected to last until about February 2025.

“Surveillance data suggests low levels of virus circulation throughout Canyon County,” said Jim Lunders, Director of the Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District.

Lunders explained that the District routinely sets gravid traps and dry ice-baited EVS Traps at over 100 locations to monitor adult mosquito populations and the presence of vector-borne diseases. To date, the District has tested nearly 1,300 mosquito pools this season for West Nile virus, with three testing positive, each from different locations.

The areas where the mosquitoes were collected have been treated for both larval and adult mosquitoes.

“We encourage the public to help us reduce the mosquito population by eliminating larval habitat around your homes,” Lunders stated.

To reduce the risk of exposure to West Nile virus, Lunders recommends the following precautions:

Eliminate Standing Water: Remove or treat all sources of standing water, such as flooded fields, birdbaths, unused wading and swimming pools, clogged gutters, and old tires. “If it holds water for seven days, it can produce mosquitoes,” Lunders warned.

Personal Protection: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in mosquito-infested areas. Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, Picaridin, or 2-undecanone, following the directions on the container. Ensure all screen doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly.

Protect Livestock: Vaccinate horses for West Nile virus (WNV), Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE), and other diseases. Use EPA-registered residual insect sprays on horses, following the directions on the container. Have your livestock watering troughs stocked with mosquitofish for free by submitting a service request to the CCMAD.

Report Large Sites: Notify the District at (208) 461-8633 if you have a site that is too large to eliminate so it can be properly treated.

For more information on mosquitoes and the diseases they carry, visit:

• Idaho Department of Health and Welfare https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/health-wellness/diseases-conditions/west-nile-virus
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html
• Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District https://www.2cmad.org/

According to the Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected on August 1, 2024, southwest of Melba, Idaho, and on August 6, 2024, west of Caldwell. This marks the second and third positive test results in Canyon County this season.

Melba Valley Museum Will Receive $7,960 for Hotel Room Repair and Restoration

The Melba Valley Museum’s historic 1922 hotel room at the Gardner Hotel is set to undergo much-needed repairs. This project aims to restore the room to closely resemble its original appearance, addressing damages to the walls and ceiling. The preservation effort is important for maintaining the historical integrity of this significant landmark.

Downtown Middleton Historical Survey, Phase II Will Receive $5,000

The Downtown Middleton Historical Survey’s second phase plays a critical role in identifying buildings and structures of historical significance. This comprehensive survey work is essential for planning future renovation and preservation projects. The insights gained will guide efforts to conserve Middleton’s rich history for generations to come.

Notus Museum Will Receive $6,000 for Heating and Air Conditioning Unit Upgrades

The grant for the Notus Museum’s heating and air conditioning unit is a significant step toward creating a more comfortable environment for both staff and patrons. This improvement will enhance the overall experience for visitors, allowing for increased hours and improved accessibility to the public. The upgraded facilities will contribute to a more ideal setting for preserving and sharing local history.

“History belongs to all of us, and Canyon County is happy to support qualifying efforts in historic preservation throughout the County in a variety of ways,” said Nicki Schwend, Director of Canyon County Parks, Cultural and Natural Resources. “Nonprofit entities apply for these grant awards on an annual basis and funds have been used for brick-and-mortar projects on historic properties, oral histories, preservation planning, and more.”

Anyone interested in learning more about these grants and grant opportunities should contact Canyon County Parks, Cultural and Natural Resources at parks@canyoncounty.id.gov.

Supplemental info:
A unique responsibility and duty of the Canyon County Historic Preservation Committee (HPC), under the direction of the BOCC, is the recommendation and administration of the Canyon County Historic Preservation Grant Award Program.

This program funds qualified, nonprofit organizations in Canyon County who have a mission of conservation, protection and maintenance of historic objects, information or properties. Canyon County sets aside a sliver (no more than twelve one-thousandth of a percent, or <.012%) of property tax revenue dedicated to a grant award program for historic preservation projects every year.

Idaho Code § 31-864 grants the BOCC in their respective counties authority to levy not more than twelve one-thousandths percent (.012%) on each dollar of market value for assessment purposes of taxable property within the county for the support of county historic societies and historic preservation projects.

The BOCC, by resolution, re-established the Canyon County HPC in January 2013. The HPC is an advisory board in matters pertaining to historic preservation in Canyon County.

The advisory board members usually include attorneys, anthropologists, archaeologists, architects, historians and historic preservationists, all having one thing in common—an interest in preserving cultural resources as educational opportunities for the future.