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Marianne Williams Park

Marianne Williams Park is an undeveloped 70-acre park site which is located on the Boise River adjacent to Harris Ranch in the Barber Valley. The riverside park will feature manicured green space, paved pathways, an extension of the Boise River Greenbelt and natural areas.

The site was donated to the City of Boise in November 2005 by Larry Williams in honor of his wife Marianne.

Once the home of Barber Mill, a large-scale lumber operation, the site will be cleared of invasive trees and bushes and replanted with native species.

Manicured parkland will feature trees, shrubs and lawn as well as two gazebos, a play area, paved trails, a restroom, picnic tables, benches and a fishing dock.

Undeveloped areas of the park will provide open space and habitat features such as streams, ponds, wetlands, and forested riparian areas that will benefit wildlife, improve fisheries, and provide viewing opportunities. Two parking areas will provide public access to the park and the Greenbelt path.

Marianne Williams Park will be another treasure in the city's Ribbon of Jewels lining the Boise River.

On July 21, 2009, the City of Boise hosted a ground-breaking ceremony to celebrate construction of phase III of the park development. Completion of this phase is expected in June 2010.

Greenbelt Path

The Greenbelt path system in Marianne Williams Park will be expanded to run along the Boise River and Walling Ditch. The park master plan provides for extending the paved greenbelt path along the river front in a sensitive manner providing paved recreational access through the 200-foot corridor and protecting the habitat needs of trout, heron and wintering bald eagles.

The 12-foot wide paved path will roughly parallel to the river. The path will generally be no less than 70 feet from the river. This will provide a space buffer that will enhance passive open space values and functions such as wetlands, riparian areas, and the needs of wildlife using the river corridor.

The location and extension of the paved Greenbelt path promotes alternative transportation, encourages sensitive development within the Barber Valley, and contributes to the community's overall quality of life values.

Marianne Williams

Marianne Williams, an Idaho native, moved with her husband, Larry Williams, and their young family from Midvale, Idaho to Boise in 1966.

Marianne Williams has dedicated her time and energies to her family, and to various civic activities benefitting the communities of the Treasure Valley. Mrs. Williams has volunteered her services to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, has worked to enrich the lives of senior citizens as the manager of a senior citizen complex, and along with her husband actively supports numerous other civic organizations, often electing to do so anonymously.

Together with her husband, Larry Williams, Mrs. Williams has played a vital role in the support of collegiate athletics at Boise State University, and has served on the Bronco Athletic Association Board of Directors.

Marianne has played an integral role in the growth and success of the various businesses that she and Larry have founded, including Tree Top Ranches and Idaho Timber Corporation.

Mrs. Williams is married to Larry Williams. They have three children: Cris Williams, Cory Williams and Cari Meyer.

The park was designed to be an attractive home for resident and migratory wildlife in downtown Boise.

Wetlands & Wildlife

Marianne Williams Park presents unique opportunities to protect, reclaim and enhance the community's critical wetland and riparian functions. These functions benefit and advance wildlife values for many creatures, including blue heron, wintering bald eagles and deer herds, and trout.

The City is working closely to implement the vision for the park in conjunction with the family, Brighton Corporation and other interested parties and organizations.

Master Plan

A Master Plan is a concept drawing illustrating recreation facilities and landscape features planned for a park site. It does not necessarily represent what amenities are currently in a park.