New Hillside to Hollow Trailhead Improves Access to Popular Reserve

May 12, 2021

A new and improved trailhead with permanent public access to Hillside to Hollow Reserve and popular trails within the Ridge to Rivers Trail System is now complete. Mayor Lauren McLean, members of the Boise City Council, the Boise Parks and Recreation Department, and representatives from the Land Trust of the Treasure Valley, Healthwise, and nearby Neighborhood Associations gathered at the site off North Harrison Hollow Lane for a formal dedication and ribbon cutting today, May 12, 2021.

"Hillside to Hollow Reserve is an example of a great partnership to provide trails to so many Boiseans and their pets," said Mayor Lauren McLean. "I've watched this trailhead take shape over the last few months as I've run the trails with my dog, Moose. It will be great to see Boiseans enjoying this trailhead for years to come."

The new trailhead includes a bathroom, a drinking fountain and dog watering station, bike racks, ADA accessible parking and 25 dedicated parking spaces for trail and reserve users. Landscaping has also been enhanced with a focus on native species to support surrounding habitat. The addition of a formal trailhead with a focus on native habitat restoration directly supports the City of Boise’s goals for the Campaign for Nature: 30x30 initiative. Locations like Hillside to Hollow are the perfect place to build resistant and resilient ecosystems right in the heart of Boise.

The City of Boise purchased the eight-acre parcel where the trailhead sits from Healthwise in 2019 for about $435,000 plus closing and due diligence costs. Money for the property came from the foothills levy fund. The land and trailhead expand an already popular recreational area that has been almost a decade in the making.

“We have been watching with great expectation as this project has come to completion. It is an example of what can be done through cooperation and by putting the interest of the community first,” said Healthwise CEO Dr. Adam Husney. “The City of Boise, the Land Trust, and Healthwise worked together to do what is best for Boise and its people." Husney added with a smile, "And of course, what's best for their dogs!”

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 (LLTV) originally acquired 58 acres in 2011. Then in 2013, the City of Boise purchased the adjacent 258 acres with levy funds. The two entities work together to seamlessly manage Hillside to Hollow.

“The Hillside to the Hollow Reserve is a perfect example of the benefits of a non-profit like LTTV partnering with the City of Boise and the Ridge to Rivers partnership,” said Executive Director Eric Grace. “We are also grateful to have such a generous partner in Healthwise. Together, we can make a big impact on protecting and managing the remarkable Ridge to Rivers Trail System. With the increase of trail users, this partnership has never been more important.”

Ridge to Rivers and LLTV also collaborated with citizens to create a master plan for the reserve. Public input helped shape the trails and recreational experiences enjoyed today.

“The vision shared by so many to protect open space here at Hillside to Hollow is a testament to Boise’s commitment to preservation,” said Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway. “Opportunities to get outside and enjoy nature are more valuable than ever and we’re proud to be stewards of this reserve for generations of users to come.”

You can learn more about Hillside to Hollow Reserve on the City of Boise’s website.

Contact: Parks and Recreation Media Relations

(208) 608-7600 | bpr@cityofboise.org

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