A new and improved trailhead with permanent public access to Hillside to Hollow Reserve and popular Ridge to Rivers trails will be under construction over the next few months. Mayor Lauren McLean, members of the Boise City Council and representatives from the Land Trust of the Treasure Valley, Healthwise, nearby Neighborhood Associations and the Boise Parks and Recreation Department gathered at the site off North Harrison Hollow Lane for a formal groundbreaking ceremony today, October 8, 2020.
The eight-acre site that will be transformed into a new trailhead was purchased by the City of Boise from Healthwise using Foothills Levy funds. It expands an already popular recreational area.
“Hillside to Hollow Reserve is a wonderful example of community partners coming together to preserve an area for Boiseans to enjoy for generations to come,” said Mayor Lauren McLean. “I walked our dog Maya in the area just last week and was reminded how loved this reserve is. It’s an incredible place to hike, ride and reap the benefits of outdoor recreation and this new trailhead will improve the experience for all users.”
Construction of the new trailhead will include installation of a bathroom, a drinking fountain and dog watering station, bike racks, ADA accessible parking and 25 parking spaces at the site for trail and reserve users. Landscaping will be enhanced and some invasive and dying trees will be replaced to improve long-term health of the site.
“It’s so rewarding to see how popular the Hillside to Hollow Reserve has become,” said Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway. “To acquire the eight acres from our partners at Healthwise and then convert the area into a state-of-the-art trailhead is an incredible addition to one of the most popular recreation assets we have in our trail system.”
The City of Boise purchased the eight-acre parcel from Healthwise in 2019 for about $435,000 plus closing and due diligence costs.
“Healthwise is an organization dedicated to helping people live their healthiest life. We can’t think of a better way to do that than by having great trails and facilities to help people get outside, exercise, and in true Boise form, commune with nature,” said Dr. Adam Husney, Healthwise CEO. “We are delighted that our neighbors and friends get to join us right outside our back door.”
The new trailhead site is now an official part of Hillside to Hollow Reserve, which encompasses two other properties off of Hill Road. The Land Trust of the Treasure Valley originally acquired 58 acres in 2011. Then in 2013, the City of Boise purchased the adjacent 258 acres with serial levy funds. The two entities work together to seamlessly manage Hillside to Hollow.
“When the Land Trust purchased the 58 acres, we hoped it would grow into the important public access reserve that it is today,” said Land Trust of the Treasure Valley Executive Director Eric Grace. “This new trailhead facility will make the experience even better by enhancing parking and providing bathroom facilities. We are delighted to partner with the city to make Hillside to Hollow and even better resource for the public.”
Construction of the new trailhead is expected to continue through the winter and into the spring of 2021. Trail users will still be able to access the seven miles of Ridge to Rivers and Land Trust managed trails in Hillside to Hollow Reserve during construction, but please be aware there could be minimal interruptions to access at the current trailhead off North Harrison Hollow Lane while the new and improved trailhead is completed.
You can learn more about Hillside to Hollow Reserve on the City of Boise’s website.
