Meridian Breaks Ground on a $21M Community Center at Settlers Park

City of Meridian is building a 26,000-square-foot community center west of Settlers Park. Gym, classrooms, Fire Outreach Center. Opening late 2027.

Meridian just broke ground on a community center six times the size of the one it replaces. On February 19, city leaders turned dirt west of the Settlers Park ball fields off North Venable Avenue. The new Meridian Community Center will be 26,000 square feet.

The current downtown building on Idaho Avenue, built in the early 1960s, is about 4,000. Parks and Recreation Director Steve Siddoway said the community helped shape the project and that families of all ages will use it to stay active, try something new, or simply connect with neighbors. Cushing Terrell designed the building.

Kreizenbeck Construction is the construction manager. City Council approved a $17.2 million guaranteed maximum price in January. Coverage of the groundbreaking puts the full community center and park expansion around $21 million.

Design and construction are paid with impact fees collected from building permits, not a tax levy. Inside: a reception area, a gymnasium with a small stage, two fitness rooms, arts and cooking classrooms, and flexible meeting space for year-round classes and camps. Roll-up doors open onto an outdoor patio.