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| MOLLY SIMMONS / Scroll |
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Nature Park at 5th West and 3rd North is one of three parks in Rexburg.
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From carousels to swimming pools and walkways to fountains- these are just a few attractions Rexburg parks have held throughout the years.
Smith Park and Porter Park are two of Rexburg’s largest and most popular parks.
They were established over 50 years ago and, over the years, have taken on some different features, Rexburg Public Works Director, John Millar, said.
In the late 1950’s, Porter Park had a swimming pool, which has now been taken down, Millar said. “It had reached its useful life.”
Millar and his family frequently Smith Park most of the time. It is has a soccer field and baseball diamonds for anyone to use for recreation.
The walkway paths curving their way through the grass are maintained throughout the year, so both the residents and university students can get more use out of the park all year round.
Picnic benches are a part of both Porter and Smith Park and are available for use at any time.
“I used to love to go to Porter Park because there were are so many trees, which would make it fun and easy to play games like hide-and-seek,” Jessica Hansen, a freshman from Rexburg, said, recalling many summers spent at the parks.
Both Porter Park and Smith Park are open to the public. The parks are paid for and maintained by the public’s property tax budgets.
“This year’s current year budget for the parks department was $106,000 for operations and $59,000 for capital purchases meaning equipment and facilities,” Millar said. These numbers are up from last year, allowing more growth and development in Rexburg.
“Just come and enjoy them,” Millar said.
