A 122-year-old Twin Falls landmark is getting a major facelift — and the price tag to local taxpayers is zero.
Twin Falls City Park is in the middle of Phase Two of a multi-phase renovation, with the centerpiece being a custom-built playground structure that stands 22 feet tall and includes a 14-foot slide, climbing structures, ADA-accessible spinning ball, swings, and a merry-go-round. The new equipment is expected to arrive by August 3, with full installation anticipated before the end of August.
The entire Phase Two effort is funded through a $250,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, with no cost to Twin Falls taxpayers.
A Unique Structure Coming to Magic Valley
Wendy Davis, director of Twin Falls Parks and Recreation, said the equipment isn’t something residents will find in neighboring cities. “The new playground is kind of one-of-a-kind, and we’ll be the first ones to have it,” Davis said.
The custom design is intended to serve a wide range of ages and abilities, with ADA-accessible features built into the structure alongside traditional play equipment. A new tot-lot is also part of Phase Two, giving younger children their own dedicated space within the park.
The old playground equipment will remain in place until the new installation is complete, meaning families will continue to have access to the park throughout the transition.
Phase One Already in the Books, More to Come
Phase One of the renovation — which focused on new bathroom facilities — was completed using nearly $1 million in Community Development Block Grants. The back-to-back phases represent a significant investment in one of the city’s oldest and most-used public spaces.
Phase Two also includes a new plaza to be built between the public library and the park along Hansen Street. That project is still in the procurement stage, with bids expected in early August. If that timeline holds, construction could begin by the end of 2026, with the plaza targeted for completion in August 2027.
Jayme Williams, a Twin Falls resident who visited the park, said she was caught off guard by the funding source. “I think it’s amazing — that’s news to me, I didn’t know it was all grant money, so I think that’s a win for everyone,” Williams said.
A Park With Deep Community Roots
Twin Falls City Park has served the community for more than a century, and local officials say the renovation is aimed at keeping it relevant and accessible for future generations. The combination of grant-funded improvements — completed without tapping the city’s general fund — reflects the kind of fiscal stewardship that local residents and taxpayers tend to support.
The park sits in a central part of Twin Falls, drawing families from across the city and the broader Magic Valley region. With a new playground, updated facilities from Phase One, and a future plaza connecting the library and green space, the park is set to become a more connected and functional community hub.
For Twin Falls families, the timing is notable. The new equipment is expected to be installed and ready for use before school resumes in the fall, giving children a fresh reason to explore the park before summer ends.
What Comes Next
The most immediate milestone is the arrival of the playground equipment around August 3, followed by installation through the remainder of the month. Parks and Recreation staff have indicated the old equipment will stay operational in the meantime.
On the Hansen Street Plaza front, city officials will review bids in early August. If construction proceeds on schedule, Twin Falls residents can expect the plaza to be finished by the summer of 2027, completing a multi-year transformation of one of the city’s most historic green spaces.
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