The first class of Nampa's Citizen's Academy is well under way and is already halfway through their eight-week schedule. This week they were able to hear from our Nampa Parks and Recreation staff and tour the Harward Recreation Center.

The Nampa Parks and Recreation Department is made up of the Harward Recreation Center, two municipal golf courses, many beautiful parks, Kohlerlawn Cemetery and many recreational activities. Did you know that the Harward Recreation Center and both municipal golf courses are self-sustaining through user fees? Nampa Parks and Recreation adds value to the community by promoting conservation of open space, health and wellness in the community, as well as community recreation and education.

To learn more about Nampa Parks and Recreation, visit their website: https://www.nampaparksandrecreation.org/.

-Mayor Debbie

The City of Nampa's Planning & Zoning Department is creating a year-long series called, "A Citizen's Guide to Planning" and this month's series focuses on specific area plans.

A specific area plan is a planning tool that the City of Nampa uses to look at areas within the City in more detail. If the comprehensive plan is a 50,000-foot view of the entire City, then a specific area plan is a 10,000-foot view of a certain area within the City. City staff, elected officials, and the public are always looking for ways to create certainty when managing growth and development. A specific area plan assists us in creating that certainty by implementing a strategy for an area, so that it develops out in a way that aligns with the City’s long-term vision and goals.

To learn more, check out the accompanying magazine.

KARCHER/MIDLAND IMPROVEMENTS

Due to significant growth and development, daily traffic counts on the Karcher Interchange have nearly doubled since it was opened in 2006. The growth in this area has outpaced the projections used during design, and increasing capacity is needed to improve safety and traffic flow. 

The Idaho Transportation Department is starting construction on the I-84, Karcher Interchange project this month. The project will increase safety and mobility at the interchange and along Karcher Road (SH-55) in Nampa. Construction is expected to finish in Fall of 2025.

UPDATE: MIDLAND & IOWA ROUNDABOUT

PROGRESS: During the last couple of weeks, the abandoned house on the southeast corner has been demolished, nearly all trees in the project limits have been removed, and the east leg of the intersection has been milled. Utility companies will continue to relocate their infrastructure during construction.

Early next week, the crews will be removing curb, gutter and sidewalk. Soon afterwards, the storm drain facilities will start being constructed as well as gravity irrigation improvements. 

For more information, please email projects@cityofnampa.us or call (208) 465-2221. Thank you!

PARKS AND RECREATION

Happy School Resource Officer Appreciation Day! Nampa Police Department has officers in schools across Nampa to protect and serve our students, teachers and faculty. We appreciate our officers for being a listening ear for students and making sure that every student knows they are valued.

Nampa Shares and Cares is a utility billing assistance program available to City of Nampa customers who qualify. Please contact the Nampa utility billing department to learn more and help us spread the word about the program to City of Nampa customers.

Call (208) 468-5711 Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm.