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. The building also houses the Meridian Fire Outreach Center, where fire staff will teach fire safety, CPR, and other community risk-reduction programs.

The same 11-acre parcel, bought from the West Ada School District in 2024, also expands Settlers Park. Plans include a fenced dog park, open green space, pathways, a playground, and 347 new parking stalls. Meridian Youth Baseball/Softball is putting $500,000 over 20 years toward the parking lot. The city is also working to signalize West Ustick Road and North Venable Avenue.

Construction is expected to finish in late 2027 or early 2028.

Stay tuned to Treasure Idaho for continued coverage of projects shaping Meridian.

Project Quick Facts:

• Name: Meridian Community Center and Settlers Park Expansion
• Location: West of Settlers Park ball fields, North Venable Avenue, Meridian
• Size: 26,000 square feet (replaces ~4,000 sq ft downtown center)
• Investment: about $21 million; $17.2 million GMP to Kreizenbeck
• Funding: mostly impact fees from building permits
• Amenities: gym with stage, fitness rooms, classrooms, patio, Fire Outreach Center
• Park add-ons: dog park, playground, pathways, 347 parking stalls
• Design: Cushing Terrell (formerly ZGA Architects)
• Contractor: Kreizenbeck Construction
• Groundbreaking: February 19, 2026
• Target: late 2027 or early 2028
• Source: City of Meridian Parks and Recreation

Photo credit: Design rendering courtesy of Cushing Terrell / City of Meridian