Discovery Park

Recreational Paradise

Located in south Meridian, Discovery Park sprawls across 64 acres along E. Lake Hazel Road, between Eagle and Locust Grove Roads. Since opening in 2019, this park offers a wide variety of activities and amenities across its extensive grounds.

Playground Adventures

There are playgrounds designed for both younger children and older kids. The star attractions? A sand and water play area where little engineers can pump water to create their own miniature rivers and sandcastles. On hot Idaho days, the seasonal splash pad becomes kid central, while the roller slides offer a twist on the traditional playground experience.

Feel like channeling your inner Tarzan? The dual zip lines let you soar through the park. There's also a small climbing wall shaped like Idaho (state pride, anyone?) and scattered boulders meant for scrambling up. While you won't find traditional swings here, the creative play structures more than make up for it.

Sports Facilities

The Active Area features numerous sports facilities. Six dedicated pickleball courts serve the paddle-happy crowd, while two tennis courts double as pickleball courts when needed. Fancy something more leisurely? Try the bocce ball courts or challenge friends to a game on the basketball courts. Kids (and competitive adults) love timing themselves on the 40-yard dash challenge area.

Softball enthusiasts can choose between four illuminated adult slow-pitch softball fields for evening games and one youth fast-pitch/senior softball field. The lighting is excellent, and the fields are kept in great condition throughout the season.

Teen Zone

In a thoughtful nod to often-overlooked teenagers, Discovery Park includes a dedicated Teen Area complete with a skate park for tricks and flips, a sand volleyball court for impromptu tournaments, and hammock poles for those just wanting to chill. There's even a shelter with WiFi - because teens need their connection time.

For biking enthusiasts, the bike park and pump track offer both dirt and paved sections catering to different skill levels. The paved pump track is well-maintained, however you'll need to look elsewhere when it's wet outside - these areas close during inclement weather for safety.

Dog Park

The dog park features separate fenced areas for small and large dogs, each with water stations and shaded spots for hot days. It's placed at an excellent distance from the children's areas - close enough for families with both kids and pups, but far enough to keep activities separate.

Amenities and Features

As you wander the park, you'll encounter public art pieces and handcrafted artisan-made benches that add character to the landscape. Need a spot for lunch? The picnic shelters come equipped with charcoal grills and electrical outlets. Nature lovers will appreciate the pollinator garden buzzing with butterflies and bees during summer months.

Paved walking paths meander throughout, excellent for a post-lunch stroll or morning exercise routine. And yes, the family-friendly restrooms are consistently clean - a small detail that makes a big difference on long park days.

A concession building serves up snacks, and there's space reserved for a future community garden. One of the newer additions, the Ninja Warrior course, has quickly become a hit with visitors of all ages looking to test their agility.

Educational Elements

Beyond just play, Discovery Park sneaks in some learning too. Idaho-themed interpretive panels dot the landscape, sharing tidbits about the state's natural and cultural heritage. And for the Instagram crowd, there's a designated selfie station to capture your park memories.

The park welcomes visitors daily, with options to reserve picnic shelters for gatherings. Sports enthusiasts can book courts and fields for a fee during their respective seasons.

Visitor Tips

As a relatively young park, the trees haven't quite reached their full shade-providing potential. On those bright Idaho summer days, you'll want to come prepared with sunscreen, hats, or your own shade solution if you're planning an extended visit. Despite this minor growing pain, Discovery Park has quickly become a favorite destination for families throughout the Treasure Valley - and it's easy to see why.