STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

The City of Hailey was recently awarded two grants—one for the development of a community stage at Hop Porter Park and the other for a solar power system on the roof of City Hall.

The Wood River Women’s Charitable Foundation awarded $25,000 for the stage project, which will create Hailey’s first permanent outdoor performing arts stage. The Kiwanis Club has agreed to contribute an additional $10,000, using funds from Bob Wiederrick’s aluminum can recycling.

Stage 1 will include an elevated stage, power and landscaping costing $60,000. The City of Hailey and other project partners will provide the remainder of the funds for this project.

Phase 2 will include a weather-protective cover.

“This is by far our most ambitious parks project in our ten years of improving parks,” said Wiederrick, a member of the Kiwanis Club, which has purchased playground equipment for parks throughout Hailey. “The Kiwanis Club of Hailey is thrilled to have received this grant (from the Wood River Women’s Foundation) to support our mission.”

Additionally, the Idaho Office of Energy and Mineral Resources has awarded $100,000 for the city to place a photovoltaic solar power system on the rooftop of City Hall. The panels are expected to offset power use at City Hall and the Hailey Public Library as part of the city’s sustainability efforts.

“I am so pleased to accept these two grants on behalf of the city,” said Hailey Mayor Martha Burke.  “These grants further important goals of our city:  family-friendly cultural events and sustainability.”