The City of Boise is home to a new urban park that honors the contributions of political trailblazer and human rights advocate Cherie Buckner-Webb.
Cherie Buckner-Webb Park is located at 1100 W. Bannock Street on downtown Boise’s west side. The unique park is the result of a public-private partnership between the City of Boise, the Capital City Development Corporation (CCDC) and Eleven Eleven West Jefferson, LLC.
“This urban park is a great example of investing in green space to revitalize downtown Boise while prioritizing walkability and community gathering spaces,” said Mayor Lauren McLean. “It’s even more special that this will be a place for generations of Boiseans to learn about Cherie Buckner-Webb’s incredible contributions to Boise and draw inspiration from her commitment to improving our community.”
City leaders and project partners officially opened Cherie Buckner-Webb Park with a ribbon cutting and the unveiling of a permanent interpretive sign with information about Buckner-Webb’s legacy of community service.
“This is one of the very few times in my life that I am utterly speechless,” said Buckner-Webb. “This is a once in a lifetime moment. Boise — Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
The former parking lot turned half-acre park creates a variety of opportunities for community events and performances, while remaining an accessible destination. Cherie Buckner-Webb Park is situated along a bicycle corridor and includes a pedestrian alley, bike parking and more.
“Cherie Buckner-Webb Park is unlike any other in our park system and it has already proven a popular destination for people who live, work and play in downtown Boise,” said Doug Holloway, Parks and Recreation director. “We are grateful for the partnership of CCDC and Eleven Eleven West Jefferson, LLC to make this urban oasis a reality.”
The site also features a variety of seating options and a tree-lined lawn for visitors to enjoy.
"CCDC did here what we do best. In cooperation with the city and a generous developer, we transformed a blighted corner of our downtown into a cool, welcoming public space for everyone to enjoy,” said CCDC Chair Dana Zuckerman. “This park not only provides usable gathering space, it elevates the entire west side of downtown and promotes economic development in an area that has been overlooked."
Mayor McLean, the Boise City Council and project partners also dedicated the newest addition to the city’s public art collection: Gentle Breeze by artist Matthew Mazzotta. Members of the Boise City Department of Arts and History worked closely with the artist to install the interactive artwork in recent weeks. It features a 23-foot-tall tree with pink leaves that move in the wind and swinging benches underneath.
For more information about Cherie Buckner-Webb Park, visit the park’s website.
