It takes a community to make it happen!

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In 2000, the voters of the Western Elmore County Recreation District voted to approve the formation of the Recreation District to work towards the development of a recreation/community center for area residents.  Towards that end, the WECRD purchased two parcels of prime, undeveloped land, located at 480 South 18th East (directly across from the Mountain Home Junior High and High School ball fields). The first parcel of 10 acres was purchased in 2004 for $250,000.  The second parcel of 9.81 acres was purchased in 2005 for $245,000.  Together, these parcels of just under 20 acres comprise enough land for development of almost any concept that Western Elmore County residents choose.  

Before this land was purchased, the WECRD made an exhaustive study of all available land in the Mountain Home area.  All available properties were evaluated in terms of 11 features on the Property Acquisition Evaluation Chart:

1. Near to established traffic patterns
2. Near to projected population growth
3. Near to majority of WECRD population
4. Near to existing or projected schools
5. Near to existing or projected parks
6. Easily Accessible by foot or bike
7. Good fit with established zoning
8. Area will attract visitation by families
9. Near to other attractions
10. Existence of infrastructure (curb, gutter, etc)
11. Potential for revenue generation

After evaluating all parcels in terms of these features, the two parcels eventually purchased by the WECRD had the most number of favorable responses from the Chart.  

Not only is the WECRD land within walking distance to Mountain Home Junior and Senior High, it is also right off American Legion Boulevard, which is the main artery for Mountain Home and sight of most new commercial development.  The land is easily accessible to all residents.  

While waiting for the results of YMCA and CLDC, the WECRD has not let this land go idle but has been leasing the land for several years to farmers for harvesting.  The main crop being harvested has been alfalfa.  Leasing this land out has generated  income revenue for the WECRD.  The WECRD has also been moving forward with annexing the land into the City of Mountain Home.  By having the land annexed, the WECRD will have access to city sewer and water services.  

Whatever the results of the YMCA and CLDC, the WECRD has positioned itself to be ready for land development – be it a recreation/community center, ball fields, walking trails or a myriad of other possibilities.