Pocatello Portneuf Wellness Complex prepares to open

POCATELLO - The Portneuf Wellness Complex is set to open in less than two weeks and folks can expect an 80 acre facility that's one-of-a-kind for East Idaho.

"It’s gonna draw people from all over the west because it’s that remarkable," Bill Jackson, the landscape architect, told EastIdahoNews.com during a recent tour. "This is trying to be a lot of things for a lot of people to promote health and wellness in our community."

The Portneuf Health Trust Foundation is behind the 15 million dollar facility.

Families will have access to six sports fields, sand volleyball courts, walking trails, a seven acre lake for fishing and swimming, and a playground meant for kids of all ages.

"What a gift to the local community," Dan Copeland, the Bannock County Director of Public Works said. "We are going to benefit and there’s going to be activities here all the time."

A key part of the complex is the Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheatre. The stage features incredible acoustics and well-known musicians, like the Beach Boys, the Australian Pink Floyd Show, and Styx, will perform in the arena.

"We hope that Eastern Idaho and the state come down and see what it looks like," Dave McKay, the Vice President for United Concerts, said during a telephone interview. "The public can enjoy a great evening of great music out in the beautiful scenes."

Bannock County will maintain the facility once it’s complete and officials are confident it will bring some economic benefits to Pocatello.

"I think this going to attract business and attract people who want to live here," said Copeland.