BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Lucky Peak State Park already holds lots of beauty, and while it might seem like a quick-get-away, it has a special place in the community.
With about 550,000 people visiting the park every year, the park is hoping to expand it's benefits.
"We are seeing more people coming in particularly on weekends, we have big crowds coming in," said Surat Nicol Assistant Manager for Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation at Lucky Peak State Park. "We're usually full by one o'clock on Saturdays and Sundays."
The park is hoping to upgrade free interpretation and education programs, infrastructure upgrades and add an all-access playground. The $200,000 play set will give playtime access to kids with varying abilities.
And Nicol says these things are important.
"If we can educate our youth about the environment about why it's important and the recreational activities this great state offers," said Nicol. "Those are going to be responsible adults and parents and pass that on, so that we can keep the great treasures that are here in Idaho."
But those enhancements of survival programs, nature trails, hummingbird and pollination gardens aren't accessed easy. And the partnership between the community is needed.
"We get a little bit from general fund dollars from the state legislature. But we're actually fairly self sufficient," said Nicol.
And that's where the Park-Aid fundraiser comes in.
Happening this weekend Park-Aid will take place at Spring Shores Marina at Lucky Peak. It starts at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday with live music, dinner and a raffle and auction.
And Nicol says the reason for these upgrades isn't to benefit the park, but the community.
"We're here for the community. That's that's what we're about. We want to provide opportunity," said Nicol. "And by having the community come out, we want to provide services to them. That's outdoor education, That's recreational opportunities."
The fundraiser was originally scheduled for Aug. 3, but the Lucky Fire halted the plans.
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