Whitney Pool Project

The Boise School District is partnering with the City of Boise to construct a new regional pool that will provide opportunities for students, staff, and the community to recreate for years to come. Construction is expected to start in October 2025 and wrap up in 2026. The pool will be built in the open field behind Whitney Elementary School.

The Boise School District is providing the land for the project, and the City of Boise is funding the pool’s construction. The total cost for the project is approximately $9.5 million.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as this new community facility is built. Boise Parks and Recreation and City of Boise staff have worked closely with the school district and Whitney Elementary staff to ensure this project meets the needs of the community, parents, and students while minimizing disruption.

• The construction area will be fully fenced throughout the project.
• Students and families will continue to access the Whitney Elementary playground, although a portion will be temporarily closed until new pathways and amenities are completed.
• Construction will take place primarily during the school year and summer of 2026, with efforts made to reduce noise and disruption during school hours.
• When complete, the new design will include improved play areas and pathways that make supervision easier for staff and more enjoyable for students.

The new Whitney Pool will be open seasonally during the summer months, similar to other Boise municipal outdoor pools.

The pool is managed by Boise Parks and Recreation, but the City and District will continue exploring ways to provide learning and recreation opportunities for Whitney students — such as swim lessons, water safety instruction, or special events in partnership with the city.

The school and the city have coordinated plans to limit disruption to student drop-off and pick-up.

• Construction vehicles will access the site from designated routes away from main school entry points whenever possible.
• Additional parking or access updates will be communicated to families prior to major construction phases via the school district.

Student safety is the top priority.

• The construction area will be securely fenced at all times.
• Contractors will have separate access points from student and staff routes.
• School district and City of Boise safety staff will conduct regular site inspections.

The Boise School District has a strong track record of safely managing construction projects while school is in session. When voters approved the 2006 bond election—with more than 70% support—the District successfully rebuilt Whitney Elementary School on the same site where students were still learning each day. Classes continued in the old school while the new one was built, and once the new facility opened, the old building was removed.

This experience is one of many examples showing how the District carefully plans and coordinates construction projects to protect students and staff, minimize disruption, and ensure learning continues without interruption.

When construction is complete, Whitney Elementary School students will enjoy:

• New pedestrian pathways connecting the school and playground areas.
• Improved sightlines for easier supervision during recess.
• A redesigned layout that maintains plenty of open play space for PE and outdoor learning.

The new Whitney Pool will expand recreation access in southwest Boise, providing:

• A family-friendly, affordable destination for summer swimming and lessons.
• Enhanced neighborhood amenities and safe pedestrian connections.
• A lasting partnership between the Boise School District and City of Boise to serve both students and residents.

The City of Boise’s Public Works team is overseeing construction and project management.

• Design firm: Cushing Terrell
• Construction contractor: The Russell Corporation

Please reach out to Boise Parks and Recreation via email to connect with the project team.