River Recreation Park History

PROJECT HISTORY

In 2003, Recreation Engineering and Planning Inc. of Boulder, Colorado, was hired to analyze several sites on the Boise River and provide recommendations about the development of a park consistent with the objectives of the Boise River Management Plan. The consultants produced a Site Evaluation and Design Report.

In the Site Evaluation and Design Report, Recreation Engineering and Planning recommends the ideal location for the River Recreation Park is between Main Street and Veteran’s Memorial Parkway adjacent to Esther Simplot Park (Aerial Photograph of site location)

DESIGN & ENGINEERING

In 2008, the City of Boise hired McLaughlin Whitewater Design Group (MWDG) to design the park. Denver-based MWDG is working with two local firms -- CH2M Hill and Quadrant Consulting -- on the project.

Since 1984, engineers and architects at MWDG have designed more than 20 river recreation parks throughout the country, including local recreational parks on natural rivers and man-made courses selected to host World Cup Slalom, US Freestyle Nationals and Olympic events.

CH2M Hill and Quadrant have experience working on local hydraulic modeling, habitat and wetlands projects as well as mitigation design along the Boise River corridor and state and federal permit processes.

Watch how a Wave Shaper works on this YouTube video. Rick McLaughlin's patented Wave Shaper also adjusts the character of a feature at one flow through a system of hydraulics that are similar to those used at diversion dams.

CONTRACTOR

Boise-based McAlvain Construction Inc. was selected in 2008 by the Friends of Parks to be the general contractor.

For more than a quarter of a century, McAlvain Group of Companies has been providing design-build, construction management, self-performed concrete work, excavation and general contracting services throughout Idaho and the Pacific Northwest.

Previous projects include the Boise State Indoor Practice Facility, the Royal Plaza, Idaho Water Center, the Flying Wye, Roaring Springs Water Park, the Grove Hotel and Event Center, and many more fast-track, complex projects. Among others, McAlvain is currently working on the East Parkcenter River Crossing, Idaho State Capitol Wings Expansion, and Boise State Turf Replacement Project.

FUNDRAISING

Friends of Parks volunteers are seeking funds for development the River Recreation Park. For more information, e-mail beth@markley.com.

BOISE RIVER RECREATION PLAN

The River Recreation Park is part of the Boise River Recreation and Management Plan that was developed by a team of citizens; representatives of local, state and federal natural resource agencies; and a private consulting firm.

Adopted by the Boise City Parks & Recreation Commission and Boise City Council in December 1999, the plan considered public safety, recreation use, river access, water quality, river bank stabilization, the river riparian zone and other natural and man made features and uses (such as irrigation).

Sites chosen for the River Recreation Park were based on criteria outlined in the River Management Plan. Specific consideration was given to the existing irrigation diversions and the safety hazards they present the public; improvements that can be made to the existing river riparian zone; fish habitat improvements; and recreation access.

This section of the river was channelized in the early to mid 1900s and the riparian zone and river bed is marginal for wildlife and fish habitat. Further, the river is not user friendly for recreational access and use. It is believed that these habitat and safety situations can be improved through the development of the River Recreation Park.

Some people have questioned the impact the Park will have on Bald Eagles and fish. Since Bald Eagles roost along the Boise River during the winter, the impact to the eagles from the River Recreation and Esther Simplot Park will be minimal. In fact, the impact will likely be positive. Since the River Recreation and Esther Simplot Parks will receive minimal human use during the winter months and both the River and Esther Simplot Park will improve fish and wildlife habitat, the eagles will likely have an increased food source.

Osprey fish in Bernardine Quinn Pond (a City operated park) throughout the year and Bald Eagles fish in the pond during the winter months and the pond is directly adjacent to Esther Simplot and the River Recreation Park.

Concern has been expressed regarding the number of spectators and users that might congregate along the parks and the Greenbelt. City staff has spoken with representatives from several other communities that have developed river parks and inquired about spectators. Representatives of other communities with river recreation parks say that spectators often outnumber water users and can create concerns if the facility is not properly designed.

City staff takes this information seriously and has worked with consultants on a design that will mitigate user and spectator conflicts and impacts.

For more information, email Tom Governale or call 608-7600.

RELATED LINKS

McLaughlin Whitewater Design Group

CH2M HILL

Quadrant Consulting, Inc.

McAlvain Construction Inc.