Life jackets are strongly recommended for anyone swimming in or paddling at the pond. No lifeguards are on duty.
Esther Simplot Park Bridge Closure
The bridge connecting Friendship Island and the path has been closed due to a structural issue. Please stay out for your own safety.
Esther Simplot Park, an expansive 55-acre site encompassing approximately 23 acres of ponds suitable for fishing, wading and swimming. Park amenities include open play areas, wetlands, two reservable shelters, Friendship Island, a playground and restrooms.
In Esther Simplot Park and ponds, service animals welcome. No pets per city code.
Bernardine Quinn Riverside Park is a 31-acre park and home to the popular 22-acre Quinn's Pond. Swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking and fishing are popular activities at the park.
Life Jacket Loaner Station
Thanks to a generous grant from St. Luke's Health System, free life jackets are available at loaner stations located at both Quinn's Pond and the ponds at Esther Simplot Park. Additionally, families can stop in to nearby Idaho River Sports (601 N Whitewater Park Blvd.) to be fitted for a free life jacket to use while they swim. Thank you for returning your loaner life jackets when you're done for the day so others can take advantage of this life saving resource.
Hours of Operation
Park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Parking
There is on site parking available.
Restrooms
Restrooms (closest to the river) at this park are open year-round. Portable restroom available in winter near other restroom building. Changing rooms to remain closed until further notice.
Reservations
The Pavilion, Pier and Friendship Island may be reserved. This park issues one (1) reservation per day.
The facilities at this park can only be reserved starting January 1st each year.
Park Map
Features & Amenities
Fishing
Wondering where to fish in Southwest Idaho? The Idaho Department of Fish & Game stocks several ponds in Boise parks. View latest fishing report online.
Greenbelt Access
This park provides access to the Boise River Greenbelt. The Greenbelt is one of Boise's most beloved parks. The tree-lined pathway follows the river through the heart of the city and provides scenic views and wildlife habitat.
Open Play Areas
Open play areas are cut grass spaces that provide opportunities for healthy recreational activities for people of all ages.
Playground
Playground is for ages 2-12.
There are no swingsets available. The playground surface is a bonded rubber surfacing.
Reservations
The Pavilion, Pier and Friendship Island may be reserved. This park issues one (1) reservation per day.
The facilities at this park can only be reserved starting January 1st each year.
Restrooms
Restrooms (closest to the river) at this park are open year-round. Portable restroom available in winter near other restroom building. Changing rooms to remain closed until further notice.
Smoking Prohibition
Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all City of Boise parks, including within 20 feet of the Boise River Greenbelt, except in designated areas within Ann Morrison and Julia Davis Parks and at city-owned golf courses.
Towing
Unauthorized vehicles will be towed at owner's risk and expense. You can contact Boise Valley Towing by calling (208) 389-9707.
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.
About the Park
The park is the most recent addition to the "Ribbon of Jewels" a string of riverside parks named for prominent local women.
A $1 million gift from J.R. & Esther Simplot in January 2003 allowed Boise Parks and Recreation Department to complete the purchase of riverfront property for the future Esther Simplot Park.
The City of Boise already owned 39 acres, a portion of which was donated by the Quinn-McEntee family. But thanks to the donation from the Simplots, the city was able to purchase the remaining 16.5 acres at the former site of the Consolidated Concrete Co.
About Esther Simplot
Esther Simplot has become synonymous with the performing arts in Boise since moving here in 1972 as the wife of industrialist J. R. Simplot.
Her untiring devotion and commitment have included co-founding the Boise Opera Company and construction in 1992 of the Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy and the Academy Annex in 1996.
Esther formed an early appreciation of the arts in her home state of Wisconsin and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Indiana with a degree in music. She subsequently moved to New York City, where she performed with the Riverside Church Choir, the Canterbury Choral, and the Master Choral, and sang at Carnegie Recital Hall and the Worlds Fair.
Until his death in 2008, Esther and J.R. Simplot sponsored numerous artistic efforts. Their commitment to the arts have enriched the lives of performers and audiences alike throughout the Treasure Valley.