News Releases

The City of Pocatello Parks & Recreation Department, in conjunction with the Southeast Idaho Skatepark Association, is excited to announce the final design of the Optimist Skatepark. The community is invited to the ground-breaking ceremony Friday, March 21 at noon, near North 8th Avenue and East Sherman Street. We anticipate crews from Artisan Skateparks will begin construction in early April.

In January, City leaders held an open house with Brad Siedlecki from Pillar Design Studios where four designs were presented. With input from the community, an updated design was created. The new skatepark will be between 7,000 and 8,000 square feet in size and will feature a large bowl, quarter pipe, stairs, rails, and ledges.

“We received so much feedback from our local skateboarders about the four designs presented. I think we’ve found the perfect balance to give everyone something they really wanted in this design,” said Anne Butler, Parks and Recreation Director.  

This $500,000 project was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, also known as ARPA. An additional $25,000 will be donated to the City later this month by the Southeast Idaho Skatepark Association to add the stair set, second access, and “Idaho” feature on the quarter pipe. The association has also worked together with parents Brandon and Stacie Nichols to fundraise for a memorial to be built at the skatepark for Brandon Chevy Nichols, their son.  

For more information on the City of Pocatello Parks & Recreation Department, visit  pocatello.gov/pr.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is the policy of the City of Pocatello to offer its public programs, services, and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities.  If you are disabled and require an accommodation, please contact Skyler Beebe with two (2) business days’ advance notice at sbeebe@pocatello.gov; 208.234.6248; or 5815 South 5th Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho.  Advance notification within this guideline will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility.