Public Feedback Sought

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.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, at the AGC Building, 1649 W. Shoreline Drive, with a presentation by the design team from McMillen, S2o Design, and DHM Design.

The design team is developing a concept plan for in-river construction and replacement of the Farmers Union Canal diversion downriver from the existing River Park improvements and the 36th St. pedestrian bridge. The design team will present the Phase II preliminary concept plan for review and comment. Funding for the $250,000 project was provided by the City of Boise.The concept plan is expected to be completed by April. 

Design and Construction of phase II is dependent on private fundraising led by volunteers with the Friends of Parks. To make an online contribution to the Boise River Park, please see www.boiseriverpark.com or contact Beth Markley at beth@markley.com.

Development of the Boise River Park is tied closely to planning and permitting for the adjacent Esther Simplot Park. Construction is expected to begin in winter 2014. Funding for Esther Simplot Park is provided by the Simplot family foundation. 

The Boise River Park opened on June 28, 2012. The park, which is located off Pleasanton Avenue and Whitewater Park Boulevard west of downtown, was funded by the City of Boise, the J.A. & Kathryn Albertson Foundation and private donations. The $3.6 million facility features state-of-the-art waveshapers and pneumatically-operated air bladders that inflate to elevate stainless steel flashboards.

For information about the phase II concept plan, please call (208) 608-7600.

Tom Governale, Parks Superintendent
tgovernale@cityofboise.org