This purchase was approved by Boise City Council on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
Boise Parks and Recreation is proposing the acquisition of a piece of undeveloped property in West Boise to turn into a neighborhood park. While the .26-acre space, which is nestled in a cul-de-sac off N. Welford Avenue, is small in size, it has the potential to make a big impact for neighbors in a currently underserved part of the city.
The Boise City Council will vote to use Open Space and Clean Water Levy funds to purchase the .26-acre parcel at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, November 12. Mayor Lauren McLean has championed the City of Boise’s 10-Minute Walk to a Park goal and continues to encourage creativity in meeting it.
“While 73 percent of Boise residents live within a 10-minute walk to a park today, we can – and will – do better,” said Mayor Lauren McLean. “Park sites like this one in residential areas increase safe access to green space for thousands of Boise residents and shouldn’t be overlooked. I’m grateful our team continues to find ways to move the needle and get us closer to our goal, because all Boise neighborhoods deserve a park to play and relax in.”
The proposed park site would offer 1,929 residents from 823 households on the West Bench the ability to access a neighborhood park within a 10-minute walk. The closest park to this location, Milwaukee Park, is located about one mile away. That means the proposed park site off N. Welford Avenue would serve almost entirely new additions to the city’s 10-Minute Walk to a Park goal.
“Our team is working tirelessly to find available property in areas of our city where residents do not have access to a park within a 10-minute walk,” said Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway. “As Boise grows, finding large, undeveloped pieces of land is proving challenging. However, this parcel is proof that even small areas can become important green spaces for our residents.”
If approved, the city would purchase the property from the Maple Grove Homeowner’s Association for $250,000, which includes anticipated closing costs. There is approximately $2.7 million available in the Open Space and Clean Water Levy fund prior to this purchase.
The .26-acre site could include walking paths, natural elements including boulders, a pollinator garden and a picnic area or small play feature if it’s developed into a park. Boise Parks and Recreation team members will work with the community to develop a park master plan should it be purchased. There is currently no timeline for development.
To learn more about Boise’s 10-Minute Walk to a Park goal and other park projects in the works, visit the city’s website.