🌱 Airport Parking Construction + New Sunnyside Elementary Playground

Welcome back, Idaho Falls! I'm here in your inbox today to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Cloudy and warmer. High: 64 Low: 33.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny and warmer. High: 74 Low: 39.

Here are the top three stories today in Idaho Falls:

1. The Idaho Falls Regional Airport is continuing to update its parking lot facilities, creating temporarily changed traffic flows that have been causing minor delays. Parking lot entrances are down to a single lane, and now that the project is in its final phase, exit lanes may be intermittently closed, as well. Work is anticipated to be completed around the first week of November. (LocalNews8.com)
2. Following two years of fundraising, Sunnyside Elementary unveiled a brand new playground for students on Thursday. The parent-teacher organization (PTO) spearheaded the initiative, purchasing the new equipment using donations from businesses and private donors as well as matching district funds, which are only available if the PTO can raise at least $7,500. Now, Sunnyside students will have brand-new playground equipment for generations to come. (East Idaho News)
3. On Wednesday, the City announced a new name and plans to expand and renovate the Idaho Falls Civic Center for the Performing Arts as part of their $7.4 million expansion project. The space will now be called the Frontier Center for the Performing Arts due to a donation of $3.5 million from Frontier Credit Union. The second phase of the plan, which is underway, will update the auditorium and lobby, as well as expand the front interior space of the theater from 2,200 square feet to 6,600 square feet — triple its current size. The building project will be completed in Fall 2026. (East Idaho News)

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Today and tomorrow in Idaho Falls:

Saturday, September 23

• Chess Club At Idaho Falls Public Library (11:00 AM)
• Kidz Fest At Mountain America Center (3:00 PM)
• Oktoberfest At 1690 E 17th Street (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Want to help kids and get involved in the community? The Idaho Falls Parks & Recreation Department is seeking basketball referees for 1st-6th grade teams. Games are held on Saturdays in October through January, with pay of $10-$12/hour. Find the application and additional information online. (Idaho Falls Parks & Recreation via Facebook)
• Attention, hockey fans: the Spud Kings home opening game is coming up on Oct. 7. The new My Place hotel is giving away four game tickets to lucky winners. Enter to win online today! (Greater Idaho Falls Chamber via Facebook)
• This week, a new “Visit Idaho Falls Experience and Gift Shop” opened, spotlighting local businesses in the tourism and entertainment industries that make this community great. The new Visitor Center cements Idaho Falls as a destination location, growing the tourism industry in our area. (Greater Idaho Falls Chamber via Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all soon for another update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.