Boise Parks & Recreation and McMillan Jacobs Associates held an open house on November 2, 2016 to discuss the updated design of Phase II of the Boise Whitewater Park. Also in attendance was Scott Shipley of S2O Design.

The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation announced today a $3.5 million grant to finish the second phase of the Boise River Park, a gift that will further revitalize the whitewater recreation park area in downtown Boise’s West End.

Park volunteers are producing what they hope will be the first of many showcase events at Boise’s first river recreation amenity. The Boise River Park Surf and Kayak Rally will be Monday, June 23, from 6 to 8 pm.

A revised concept plan for phase II of the Boise River Park will be presented at a public meeting April 30. The plan includes new in-river features for boaters, enhanced wildlife habitat, riverbank improvements, and a new access point from the river to the Veterans’ Park pond.

Park users, neighbors and the community are invited to attend the first public meeting to learn more about plans to extend the Boise River Park, add in-river features and wildlife habitat, and make shoreline improvements.

Boise-based McMillen LLC was awarded a contract for design of phase II of the Boise River Park. The contract was approved Oct. 29 by the Boise City Council.

Last summer, Boise Mayor Dave Bieter joined whitewater enthusiasts, donors and volunteers to dedicate the new Harry W. Morrison Dam, the first phase of the Boise River Park. Since then, the dam, formerly known as the Thurman Mill diversion, has been popular with paddlers and spectators, although officials agree with paddlers that further adjustments to the feature are necessary. 

The River Recreation Park is being built in conjunction with the development of Esther Simplot Park. Future construction includes:

Two temporary parking lots have been developed near the Boise River Recreation Park. Now, access the park from Pleasanton Avenue.