Mayor Lauren McLean, members of the Boise City Council, the Boise Parks and Recreation Department, and representatives from J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation and McMillen Jacobs Associates gathered at Kathryn Albertson Park today (September 21, 2021) for a dedication and ribbon cutting. The event marks the completion of two years of work to update this Ribbon of Jewels park located just off the Boise River Greenbelt that serves as a haven for wildlife and native plants in the heart of the city.
“Kathryn Albertson Park is a beautiful example of how we weave park and open space into the fabric of our city,” said Mayor McLean. “The focus on promoting native plants, pollinators and habitat in this park update is a great example of our America the Beautiful initiative goals and the city’s commitment to thoughtful restoration in our parks and open spaces.”
The improvements to Kathryn Albertson Park began in September 2019 and recently wrapped up just in time for the fall season, one of the most beautiful times to enjoy the nature park.
“I’m so pleased with the work that’s been done to give this park new life after more than 30 years as one of the gems in our Ribbon of Jewels parks located along the Boise River,” said Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway. “This park is a favorite for wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, photographers and families because of its design and focus on environmental preservation, and these purposeful updates will serve park users and the animals who call this urban oasis home for decades to come.”
PROJECT BACKGROUND
The focus of the first phase of the park refresh was landscaping with irrigation modifications, converting some open turf areas to meadows and installation of a boardwalk and overlooks. The reason some grass turf areas in the park are transitioning into meadows and pollinator gardens is because one of the goals of this park refresh is to reinforce Kathryn Albertson Park’s identity as an intentionally curated naturalized park. The meadows provide enhanced habitat for native insects, birds and small mammals while helping to mitigate some of the geese in the park, as a meadow isn’t their preferred grazing environment.
Phase two of park updates included improvements to the front entrance of the park off the parking lot, including a new plaza area with interpretive signage. New demonstration plantings, an updated restroom and a picnic park were added to the park’s front grass area as well. New signage at Kathryn Albertson Park includes wayfinding and education components focusing on nature, the environment and wildlife in the park.
To learn more about the park refresh project and design elements, click here.
PARK HISTORY
Kathryn Albertson Park is a 41-acre special use park. A haven for wildlife and quiet contemplation, the park features wide, paved footpaths and reservable outdoor gazebos in a beautiful natural setting.
Dedicated on October 17, 1989, Kathryn Albertson Park was donated to Boise and the people of Idaho by Joe and Kathryn Albertson – a unique and precious treasure nestled near downtown Boise.
You can learn more about Kathryn Albertson Park on the City of Boise’s website.