Meridian Parks and Recreation and the Meridian Fire Department co-hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the city's new $21 million community center and an expansion of Settlers Park on Feb. 19, 2026, at the future building's site just west of the Settler Park ball field complex off North Venable Avenue.
Kreizenbeck Construction will serve as the project's construction manager.
The 26,000-sq.-ft. building, whose design and construction are primarily funded by impact fees collected from building permits rather than tax dollars, will serve as the city's hub for community education programs offered through the Meridian Parks and Recreation Department.
"We're thrilled to break ground on the new community center and the expansion of Settlers Park," said Meridian Parks and Recreation Director Steve Siddoway. "The community helped shape this project every step of the way, and we can't wait to see Meridian families and people of all ages enjoying the space for years to come — whether that's staying active, trying something new, or simply connecting with friends and neighbors."
The new community center, designed by the architectural firm Cushing Terrell, will feature a reception area, a gymnasium with a small stage, two fitness rooms, several multipurpose and specialized classrooms and flexible meeting spaces where classes, camp and activities can be held year-round. It will have roll-up doors to connect indoor spaces with an outdoor patio area.
The building also will be home to the Meridian Fire Outreach Center. Meridian Fire Department staff will utilize this space to provide programs dedicated to fire safety education, CPR training, and other community risk reduction programs.
The new building will replace the aging 4,000-sq.-ft. Meridian Community Center, built in the early 1960s and located in downtown Meridian, which is no longer adequate to serve a population of Meridian's size.
The Settlers Park expansion will feature a fenced dog park, open green space, pathways and a playground. The city of Meridian is also partnering with Meridian Youth Baseball/Softball to create 347 new parking spaces to help accommodate patrons of both the new community center and the many activities and athletic events that regularly take place in Settlers Park.
In conjunction with the community center construction and park expansion, the city is pursuing a partnership to signalize the intersection of West Ustick Road and North Venable Avenue to enhance driver and pedestrian safety and improve traffic flow.
The new community center and park expansion are projected to be completed in late 2027 or early 2028.
