Esports is an activity that schools and communities are growing every single year. When Dustin Peterson, a recreation aide at Twin Falls Parks and Recreation, saw an opportunity to start a program through the Twin Falls Parks and Recreation, he didn’t hesitate to get the process started.
Peterson proposed the idea of an Esports program during the annual Magic Valley budgeting meeting for the Twin Falls County, but the proposal was not accepted for funding from the city of Twin Falls.
The budgeting and planning meeting is presented and operated as quite casual, despite the importance of decisions regarding tax dollars of the Magic Valley.
Despite Peterson being unable to receive funding for the proposed program this year, he still plans on proposing the idea again in future years, “There were specific questions like having a home for it, having a place to do it, so once those questions are answered, and we can find a place for it, that would definitely help.”
Peterson stated that the reason he thinks the program wasn’t selected for funding this year is because “There were other priorities for the city to spend the money on.” These priorities can include the police and fire departments since they all acquire funding from the same pool of money.
Funding that could go to a new program such as Esports would be derived from the same pool of funding that is acquired for the entire Twin Falls County from just tax dollars. It is likely there were higher priorities than the proposed esports program, leading to it not being considered.
Several steps have been taken by Peterson to increase the chances of the proposed esports program being funded, such as sponsors and solving logistic questions.
Peterson added that he wants to start an esports program for the kids who aren’t interested in traditional sports and wants to have a chance for those who can express their energy in other ways such as competing in a video game rather than a sport like soccer or basketball.
Peterson stated in regards to an Esports program in Parks and Recreation, “There’s a lot of kids that just are not into sports, which they’d rather go home and play their games and Esports that way.” Peterson adds that there are lots of benefits “if we can provide an opportunity for them to come on and learn about teamwork and communication”
Recently, Canyon Ridge as well as CSI have started Esports programs, with CRHS beginning the program in the fall semester of 2022. Additionally, CSI has begun to grow the program from its introduction in 2024.
