Since the late 1990s, the City of Malad has made it a goal to develop Malad City Park into a flourishing center of activity for the community.
Over the years, utilizing a master plan created in 2013, the city has made continued improvements to the park, adding a walking path, planting new trees, adding an outdoor amphitheater and more.
In recent years, Rural Economic Development Professional at 4CASI, Molly Beseris, with the help of local leaders, has continued this progress.
Amplifying its economic development efforts through the Rural Economic Development Professionals (Rural ED Pro) grant program, the Rural Services team partners with 17 experts located in Idaho’s seven regions. Rural communities can tap into the Idaho Rural ED Pro grant program which awards grants, in tandem with local funding, to hire full-time economic development professionals. Experts are managed by a local board and work on initiatives such as business retention, expansion, attraction and more.
The team awarded 17 Rural ED Pro grants in FY2024 totaling $466,100.
In the fall of 2022, the City of Malad became a designated Age-Friendly Community. 4CASI led this program for the community, assisting them in putting together a 5-year Age-Friendly Community Plan. This plan identifies and supports activities in the community for all ages.
Additionally, the city was seeking funding for a pickleball court to be installed in the park. The Community Challenge Grant from AARP was applied for and awarded to assist with the construction of the new court.
Malad was also awarded the Community Health Academy Grant from the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation and installed an outdoor fitness center
in the park.
Other recent improvements to the park funded by residents and local businesses, and made possible by strong partnerships and leadership in the city, include a disc golf course, lighting for the walking path, a splash pad and a new restroom facility that were all installed in 2022.
“As a small town, we wanted a place where people could meet to enjoy one another’s company, where children could safely play,” Beseris said. “This park is enjoyed by everyone, from senior citizens to youngsters. It is a place to gather for community events and family reunions, or just individually to take a walk around the greenbelt.”
Beseris said this project is a great example of why Rural ED Pros are so important.
“Rural communities often lack the specialized expertise found in larger urban areas,” Beseris said. “By fostering sustainable economic growth, the Rural ED Pro can help rural communities build a stronger foundation for the future. This includes supporting local businesses, promoting entrepreneurship and diversifying the economy.”
Learn more about this program and our Rural Services team here.