Do you have a checklist for a perfect summer?
Maybe it includes a day at the pool, some park time, a couple of movies, live music, and fireworks. If it does, you’re in luck. You can check off every item, and add a few extras, without even leaving town.
“We hope to offer a lot of fun, not only with events, but also sports and classes that give people options of things to do so they can unplug and be active year-round,” says Meridian Parks and Recreation Director Steve Siddoway.
Fan favorites like Meridian Dairy Days and Gene Kleiner Day took place in June, but there is still plenty on the calendar.
“On the Fourth of July, we invite families to gather in Storey Park,” Siddoway says. “We have fireworks, and we also have music in the park. Food trucks arrive at 4 p.m. Live music with the Billy Blues Band starts at 7 p.m. and fireworks begin around 10:15 p.m.”
If a day splashing in the water is more your speed, the Meridian Community Pool is open for fun (213 E. Franklin Road).
“This is our first year operating the pool,” says Siddoway. It was previously managed by the West Ada Recreation District. “We offer swimming lessons for a variety of skill levels, just like we always have. Public open swim times will be on weekdays from 1:30-4:30 p.m.”
Could your picnics use some local produce and wares? Every Saturday, you can find the Meridian Main Street Market at the Meridian City Hall Plaza from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Siddoway explained, “there are vendors selling fruits and vegetables, specialty food items, crafts, and gifts. There has been a lot of live entertainment recently as well. Food trucks are also available. It’s a fun, festive atmosphere for families to come down and enjoy.”
Speaking of family entertainment, Sparklight Movie Night has returned for another year.
“Every Friday night at dusk in Settlers Park, there will be a family-friendly movie playing on a giant inflatable movie screen,” Siddoway says. “Bring a blanket or a lawn chair. Bring snacks, or we have concessions available in the park. I’ve always loved Sparklight Movie Nights. That’s one of our bigger events every year. People love it. It’s one that I’ve enjoyed taking my own family to.”
July’s offerings include The Addams Family (July 1), The Secret Life of Pets 2 (July 8), Scoob! (July 15), Cars (July 22) and Space Jam: A New Legacy (July 29).
For those looking for a bit of culture (and an escape from the heat), head to the Initial Point Gallery inside City Hill.
“Every month, we debut a collection from local, regional, or national artists,” says Parks and Recreation Department Marketing Coordinator Shelly Houston. “It’s free to come inside and admire the art any time during our business hours.”
Upon each exhibit's opening on the first Friday of every month, there is a free reception from 4:30-7 p.m. where you can meet the artists and talk about their work. Check MeridianCity.org/mac for the exhibition schedule.
The Meridian Parks and Recreation Activity Guide is chock-full of things to round out your summer plans. It’s available at MeridianCity.org/ActivityGuide.
“We have a huge variety of classes, from arts to dance to photography. Lots of different activities there,” Steve Siddoway says. “We also have a handful of excursions targeting seniors who are looking for a chance to get out. Registration is done online through our website.”
Siddoway added, “Sports league and tournaments are the other popular activities that the Meridian Parks and Recreation offers. We have a variety of sports. We also offer softball, volleyball, basketball, and flag football. Recently we added pickleball, as a social sport league, and cornhole. We have sports year-round.”
And if grooving to some tunes sounds like the perfect summer wrap-up, Meridian has you covered there too.
“We host a popular Concerts on Broadway series,” Siddoway says. “It’s presented by the Meridian Arts Commission. It’s free. The performance takes place in front of City Hall, in the little outdoor amphitheater. On August 27, we have Smooth Avenue. High Street, a perennial favorite, is on September 10, and then we have Soul Patch on September 24. We encourage people to bring their own folding chairs or lawn blankets and come out and enjoy the concert series.”
So, add a few more items to your summer checklist, then get out there and enjoy.
PULL QUOTE
“There are so many benefits to being outside and being active. It builds memories. It’s important for family bonding. It promotes friendship and interactions. It’s a great avenue for physical fitness and mental health. We try to offer something for everyone at different skill levels so that everyone has something they can enjoy and participate in.” - Steve Siddoway, Meridian Parks and Recreation Director
