Planning & Projects

River Recreation Park Status Update

Construction continues on schedule for the new River Recreation Park west of downtown Boise.

The construction zone remains closed to the public while heavy equipment is used to build in-river jetties, stabilize the riverbank and construct new Greenbelt pathways and a pedestrian overlook on the north side of the Boise River.

The river, which had been diverted into Quinn’s Pond, is now flowing in its original channel.

McAlvain Construction Inc. is nearing completion of a new diversion dam and waveshaper mechanism. Construction managers are working with engineers from the Denver-based McLaughlin Whitewater Design Group testing the new technology.  When construction crews are “off duty,” the waveshaper will be positioned in such a way that the water will be flat without waves.

The Greenbelt remains closed on the Boise side of the river; a temporary detour has been established from Pleasanton through the future Esther Simplot Park site.  The Garden City Greenbelt path is expected to reopen in early February.

A new master plan has been approved for the adjacent Esther Simplot Park. Boise Parks & Recreation staff members are finalizing plans for floodplain issues and working with the Simplot family and consultants on engineering and design documents for the 55-acre site.

Boise Hills Park features new playground, parking lot

Daystar Construction has installed a new parking lot, playground, utilities and 3 new trees to shade the playground at the 7.3-acre park, 651 Clubview. The playground features recycled rubber tile surfacing, a sustainable element requiring less maintenance. The project also includes a bike rack, shade structure, seating, and a trash receptacle.

Funding was provided with $192,000 in impact fees and $56,000 from a Neighborhood Reinvestment Grant awarded by the Mayor and City Council.

Grass, restrooms, tennis and basketball courts will be installed as additional funding becomes available.

For more information about park development, please contact Wendy Larimore at wlarimore@cityofboise.org.

Stewart Gulch Park under construction in NW Boise

Crews have started construction on a new 5.8-acre park in a Northwest Boise neighborhood off 36th Street near Quail Hollow Golf Course.

A new playground, parking lot and pathways are under construction for phase I of Stewart Gulch Park, 5070 Eyrie Way. Funding is provided by impact fees that have been generated by residential construction. The contractor is K-J Corp.

Previously known as Medicine Creek Park, the park is located in the Medicine Creek subdivision. A master plan was completed in 1998.