3/14/2024
Meridian Speedway
Meridian Speedway Listed in the National Register of Historic Places
Stephany Galbreaith, City of Meridian Communications Manager
MERIDIAN, ID – Meridian Speedway, one of Meridian’s most recognizable landmarks, has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The National Register of Historic Places is the Nation's official list of cultural properties worthy of preservation. Authorized under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and administered by the National Parks Service, the National Register is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect the country’s historic and archeological resources. A listing does not affect private property rights but acknowledges that a property is of historic significance. In addition to Meridian Speedway, Meridian currently has seven properties listed in the National Register -- four private residences and three commercial buildings.
Meridian Speedway was nominated for its local associations with local agricultural and recreational history in Meridian and Ada County.
The property was originally developed as a hybrid agricultural exhibition grounds and automotive racetrack, and today Meridian Speedway / Dairy Show Park Arena is a grassroots community landmark that has served for nearly 75 years as an important recreational facility for both agricultural and auto racing events.
Designed and constructed in an open agricultural area with volunteer labor from the community, the privately owned 10.7-acre recreational site was established in 1949. Within five years its two major amenities – the oval racetrack and dairy show barn -- were built and installed.
Today, the race track remains in its same location at 335 S. Main Street but is now surrounded by a city park, community swimming pool, and commercial and urban buildings. While the property’s historic character is largely intact, several of its amenities have been upgraded and modernized over the decades to meet the needs of Meridian’s growing population.
Meridian Speedway is one of only four paved quarter-mile race tracks in Idaho and is the only continuously operated circuit racetrack in the state. It attracts racers and fans from all over the Pacific Northwest and Canada, and brings nationally sanctioned racing events to southwestern Idaho. Under the leadership of current operator/promoter Adam Nelson, Meridian Speedway has become sanctioned by the American Speed Association and by the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR).
Meridian Speedway is also significant for its association with Meridian’s agricultural history. Following the 1897 of a creamery and the establishment of other dairy-related businesses followed, Meridian emerged as a dairy center for the state. In 1929, Meridian Dairy Days was founded as a way to showcase Meridian’s livestock and dairy products. In 1949 the Meridian Dairy Show Park on the Speedway grounds was adopted as the permanent site for the annual celebration. Meridian Dairy Days, which will celebrate its 95th anniversary this summer, traditionally takes place the third full weekend of June and is coordinated by the Meridian Dairy Board.
The City of Meridian’s Historic Preservation Commission, with support from the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office, the National Parks Service, and historic research by The Arrowrock Group (TAG), nominated the Meridian Speedway for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
“Meridian Speedway has been an integral part of Meridian’s culture and history for nearly 75 years. It has drawn crowds from all over the Treasure Valley and beyond and has certainly impacted the city in a positive way,” explains Blaine Johnson, president of the Meridian Historic Preservation Commission.
The Meridian Historic Preservation Commission is a voluntary 7-member citizen advisory group that works to preserve the character and fabric of historically significant area and structures within the City of Meridian to honor and preserve its rich heritage for future generations. The commission generally meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 4:30 pm at Meridian City Hall. Its meetings are open to the public.
Submitted By: Tyler Schild
