SANDPOINT — The project that overhauled Travers Park has been selected to receive the Idaho Recreation and Park Association’s award for outstanding park or facility, city officials announced last Thursday. 

The, at-times controversial, city project encompassed nearly $10 million worth of additions, which varied from the James E. Russell Sports Center to a 15,000-square-foot inclusive playground. Planning and Community Development Director Jason Welker said at the April 1 City Council meeting that the project was a community mission and thanked the staff and organizations for their effort. 

“This award is a tremendous honor for Sandpoint,” Mayor Jeremy Grimm said in a press release. “Travers Park is a powerful example of what can happen when a community rallies around a shared vision.” 

Other additions to Travers Park include renovations to the little league fields, an expansion of the skate park and the tiny woods bike skills park. All the projects were supported by a community partner with the city, which Sandpoint officials said made the project much more meaningful. 

Welker also celebrated former Parks Development Manager Maeve Nevins-Lavtar, who oversaw the project from inception to completion over the course of three years. 

“I want to congratulate everybody who's been involved in that,” Welker said. "It's the biggest park project in the state of Idaho over the last couple of years, and it's now being recognized for the outstanding outcome that resulted.” 

The project was completed in 2025 winter with the opening of a picnic structure near the playground and splash pad. Welker said the city will be sending Recreation Facilities Supervisor Ryan Wells, who helped lead the JER Center’s turnaround, to receive the award in Twin Falls during the IRPA conference in April. 

“This recognition belongs not just to the city, but to the many residents, volunteers, donors, partners and businesses who helped make these improvements possible,” Grimm said. 

    A sign and hopscotch on the Born Learning Trail located behind the inclusive playground at Travers Park.
  

    Sandpoint Mayor Jeremy Grimm with staff from the James E. Russell Center and Community Planning and Development Director Jason Welker, ceremonially cuts a ribbon to celebrate the renovation at Travers Park.
  

    Crews work on a new shelter at Travers Park. A portion of the funding for the structure comes from a $7,500 Placemaking grant from the National Association of Realtors. takes shape as roof work gets underway under clear fall skies. Partnering with the Selkirk Association of Realtors on the project were Sandpoint Rotary and the city of Sandpoint.