Soda Springs State Park Proposal Update from Paul Gritton

As many know the Enders Building is an issue wrestled with over the last several months. Early this year our city council took up the issue of what to do with the building.

I proposed a possible solution that involved the creation of a state park in Soda Springs that centered around the Enders Building being turned over to Idaho Parks & Recreation. The idea would allow the Enders Building to remain a resource to the community while keeping its museum intact and available. Please allow me to provide an update on the efforts thus far.

The proposal just mentioned, received broad support from the city council and as a result, I began the process by talking with regional Idaho Parks and Recreation staff.

Several visits occurred with IDP&R staff who inspected the building and surrounding area.

As the concept began to take shape, it was suggested that the city include the geyser and visitor center in the proposal to make the idea of a state park more feasible.

Soon after, another council member introduced the idea of also including Octagon Park, another visitor attraction that would fit nicely in a local state park.

The proposal was presented to IDP&R leadership and shortly after Senator Mark Harris became involved, providing his support and encouragement. In early May of this year, I arranged a tour and presentation on the state park proposal with representatives from Congressman Simpson, Senator Risch and Senator Crapo’s offices. Senator Harris, Commissioner Somsen and a board member of the Idaho Historical Society also attended. They were provided an overview of the proposal and given a tour of the Enders Building and surrounding area.

While communications with IDP&R continued, a local committee took shape consisting of Trent Clark, Molly Beseris of Four County Alliance of Southeast Idaho, Senator Mark Harris, Superintendent Scott Muir and Amanda Collins of Southeast Idaho Council of Governments, and Kaylee Peck, Bayer representative. Committee meetings resulted in redevelopment studies being implemented and other economic feasibility research being done via grants.

During discussions with IDP&R staff and our committee, interest in a local campground developed as campgrounds fit well with state parks. The north half of the Hooper Springs city property was identified as a potential site with several great attributes including city water and electricity already on site.

Realizing many people needed to be educated about the proposal I created a 16- minute Youtube video detailing the proposal, later distributing it to legislators and others with an interest. The identification and potential addition of the Hooper Springs site was communicated with IDP&R leadership.

On July 17th I organized a meeting at the Enders for another presentation and tour with IDP&R leadership as well as several state legislators including Senator Harris, Representative Josh Wheeler, Representative Rick Cheatum, Senator Jim Guthrie, Representative Dan Garner amongst several others. Tours of the Enders Building, Hooper Springs, Octagon Springs, Geyser Park, Formation Springs and Oregon Trail Marina were provided amidst discussions about the proposal.

In early August I learned that U.S. Congressman Mike Simpson wished to visit Soda Springs to learn about the proposal. With the help of Molly Beseris, Trent Clark, Senator Harris and Congressman Simpsons staff, plans were made for the congressman’s visit.

A presentation on the proposal was shared with Congressman Simpson and his staff in the Enders Building on August 19th. A copy of around 30 letters of support from local residents were given to the congressman while he asked questions of those in attendance.

Representatives from Idaho Parks and Recreation, BLM, Bayer, Caribou Medical Center, Four County Alliance of Southeast Idaho and Southeast Idaho Council of Governments participated and gave input. Other leaders present included Representative Josh Wheeler, Senator Mark Harris, Councilman Rod Worthington, Superintendent Muir, and Commissioner Bryce Somsen.

Congressman Simpson was taken on a tour of our parks and the areas included in the proposal along with his staff who all sampled water from our local springs. While showing the congressman our area’s incredible attractions, Trent Clark provided samples from the same springs while also giving a presentation to those who remained at the Enders Building. I found Congressman Simpson’s visit and his reception of the proposal very encouraging.

I’ve learned that this will be a time-consuming process, that I must be patient and willing to learn about all the many factors involved. I now realize that the efforts to bring a state park to our area must be done through partnerships and teamwork. Please be aware I am concerned about the Enders Building and the expenses associated with it during this process. As this slow process plays out, I will share and discuss these concerns with my fellow city councilmembers.

There is no doubt that getting a state park will take significant time and more effort, however, I am convinced that should we be successful, of which I recognize there is no guarantee, it will be a big win for our community. The economic stimulus alone will be quite significant.

Believing a state park here in Soda Springs would be a major asset and resource, I will continue working toward our goal while being aware much work remains to be done. I quote Senator Harris who said, “we can’t give up.” I thank him for his determination and encouragement.

Now more than ever, I recognize the many attractions and resources our area has to offer visitors wishing to learn about our area history, visit museums, experience our unique springs and see the Oregon Trail to name just a few. Part of my vision is encouraging tourism in our area which will help our local economy, filling empty buildings on our Main Street, keeping motels full, grocery stores busy and creating needed jobs. Countless visitors travel through Soda Springs each and every weekend, many of whom seldom stop to patronize our businesses. We no doubt have the attractions and resources to bring more visitors to our town. Time to roll up our sleeves together and get to work.

In closing, I want to thank those who have helped with the effort thus far including Senator Harris, Molly Beseris, Amanda Collins, Superintendent Muir, Kaylee Peck, Trent Clark, IDP&R staff and Caribou Medical Center who has graciously provided their small bus for the tours. I am also very thankful for Congressman Simpon’s efforts to represent our area. My discussions with him about the economic stimulus a state park would provide our area, convinced me that his concern about our community was very real and genuine.

Thank you,

Soda Springs City Councilman Paul Gritton