Twin Falls City Park Set for First Expansion in Over a Century, Construction Starting June 15
Twin Falls is preparing to transform one of its most beloved public spaces, with construction on a major City Park expansion set to begin June 15 — marking the first significant upgrade to the park in more than 100 years.
The project, known as Phase One of the Twin Falls Outdoor Learning Plaza, will draw on roughly $250,000 in HUD grant funding to deliver new playground equipment, accessibility improvements, and features that honor the city’s history.
A Playground Built for Adventure
The centerpiece of the first phase is a large playground structure spanning approximately 5,000 square feet. City Planner Will Klaver described the scale of the installation, noting the structure will rise 22 feet from ground to top and feature a 14-foot slide.
“It will add a little bit more adventure for the kids,” Klaver said.
Beyond the main structure, the expanded playground will include climbing equipment, additional swings, a spinning ball designed to be ADA accessible, and an old-fashioned merry-go-round — giving families a variety of options for outdoor recreation in the heart of downtown.
The project also incorporates design elements tied to Twin Falls’ past. Plans call for a replica of a two-story gazebo that stood in the park a century ago, as well as a smaller children’s play area modeled after the historic Shoshone Falls electric rail car that once ran near the park. The nods to local history are a deliberate part of the design, aimed at connecting residents with the city’s heritage while building something new.
Connecting the Park to the Library
The expansion goes beyond the playground itself. A later phase of the project will extend the park’s physical footprint by closing off a section of Hansen Street and creating a direct pedestrian link between City Park and the front steps of the Twin Falls Public Library.
“It’s really to connect the city park and library together,” Klaver said, adding that the reconfigured corridor will resemble a pedestrian pathway similar to the current Hansen Street layout.
The closed stretch of Hansen Street will be fitted with removable bollards at both ends, allowing emergency vehicles to pass through when needed while keeping general vehicle traffic out the majority of the time. That phase of construction is expected to get underway next spring.
For downtown residents, the library connection adds meaningful value. Twin Falls resident Spring said the central location is a major plus, noting that families will have a destination in the downtown core rather than traveling to other parks across the city. Another resident, Samantha, said the expansion reflects Twin Falls’ rapid population growth and the community’s need for more public space.
“It’s going to open up the community and have more kids actually out and about,” Samantha said, calling the project “an all-around win for everybody.”
A Long-Overdue Investment in Public Space
The expansion represents a significant milestone for Twin Falls, a city that has seen considerable growth in recent years. With major employers like Chobani drawing workers to the region and new residents arriving steadily, pressure on public amenities has grown alongside the population. City Park, situated in the heart of downtown near the Twin Falls Public Library, serves as a central gathering point for families and community events.
The use of federal HUD grant dollars to fund the project limits the direct cost to Twin Falls taxpayers while delivering upgrades that city officials and residents alike appear eager to see completed.
Twin Falls has seen a wave of downtown activity in recent months. Changes are also coming to the 2nd South Market in Twin Falls, reflecting broader momentum in the city’s core commercial district.
What Comes Next
Phase One construction on the new playground structure is scheduled to begin June 15, with the goal of having the equipment ready for use later this summer. The Hansen Street closure and park-to-library pedestrian connection are planned for the following spring. Residents interested in the project can contact the Twin Falls City Planning Department for additional details on the timeline and design. For broader coverage of Idaho community development news, visit Idaho News.