The new Alta Harris Park will occupy 20 acres of undeveloped land along the Boise River. Alta Harris Park is the seventh riverside community park in the "Ribbon of Jewels," a series of local parks named in honor of prominent local women. The park site is located off Eckert Road, northeast of Barber Park.
Alta Harris Park Site
Timeline
The City of Boise Parks and Recreation Department has completed constructing the frontage improvements along Eckert Road as a part of Phase 1 of Alta Harris Park as required by the Ada County Highway District. The work included the installation of a pedestrian signal crossing, curb, gutter, roadway drainage, trees, sidewalks, utilities, irrigation and two entrances into the future community park.
Phase 2 of construction will include foundational amenities and permitting requirements, including parking access, park pathways, three soccer fields, future utilities, irrigated lawn, a Boise River Greenbelt connection, and wetland reconstruction. Construction for Phase 2 is estimated to begin later this fall.
Learn moreBudget
Staff recently received bids for Phase 2 construction. Consistent with current construction cost escalation, bids for the planned work came in higher than anticipated. Additional funds are needed to close the funding gap.
Project Budget Update -
The city initially budgeted $3.3 million for construction of Alta Harris Park in fiscal year 2026. The project bid came in at $3.7 million, leaving a $395,000 funding gap.
The Development Impact Fee Advisory Committee approved $395,000 in Regional Impact Fee funds for Alta Harris Park Phase 2 at their meeting on Wednesday, July 8. An Interim Budget Change (IBC) was approved by Boise City Council at their meeting on August 11, 2026 to close the funding gap and keep construction moving forward.
Boise Parks and Recreation will continue to provide updates as they are available.
Master Plan
The 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.
Download Master PlanAbout Alta Harris
In the 1950s, Alta and Dallas Harris moved their sawmill to the Boise area, calling it Harris Brothers Lumber Company. It eventually became Producers Lumber Company, and the husband and wife began acquiring land in East Boise along the Boise River. There, they established a ranch raising Hereford cattle. The real estate development project, Harris Ranch, takes its name from this family enterprise. The park site is located on the north bank of the Boise River within the Harris Ranch development.
Dallas and Alta were true partners in business and life. Alta invested energy in civic and religious activities as well as promoting Christian education. They founded their ranch based on their values: stewardship, preservation, and quality of life. Those values, and their family legacy, endure today.
Alta and Dallas Harris had four children: Felicia Burkhalter, Gary Harris, Millie Davis and Randy Harris.
Alta died in 2012 at the age of 93. She is remembered for her sense of humor, grit and devotion to her husband and family. Alta Harris Park is their memorial to her.
Project completion estimates are subject to change due to volatility in the construction industry. Current challenges include material availability, rising costs, supply chain disruptions, staffing shortages and more. Boise Parks and Recreation will update project timelines as needed if delays occur.
Send a Message to Parks and Rec
For other after hours park related emergencies (i.e. irrigation issues, restrooms), please call (208) 489-6640.