Contact: Parks and Recreation Media Relations
Kaixo Corner Opens to the Public Just Ahead of Basque Festival
July 28, 2025
Say hello to Kaixo Corner, Boise’s newest park and public gathering space located off newly revamped Grove Street. Today, City of Boise leaders, Capital City Development Corporation (CCDC) and community partners officially dedicated the new space, highlighted by cultural performances and music recognizing the welcoming nature of the park, while honoring the history, contributions and culture of diverse populations that have shaped and continue to influence one of Boise’s oldest neighborhoods. Kaixo (pronounced kie-sho), means “hello” in the Basque language.
“Boise’s rich history is truly on display in this exciting new park space,” said Mayor Lauren McLean. “Thank you to CCDC for sharing our vision and partnering with us to create a vibrant downtown where people can walk outside and into open space — and interact with art and history — all on the same block. I’m so excited to welcome residents and visitors to this park just in time for the fun of Jaialdi!”
The project, which broke ground at 521 W. Grove St. in January of this year, opens to the public as the six-day Jaialdi celebration kicks off in Boise. Jaialdi is the largest Basque festival of its kind in the United States bringing thousands of visitors to the city. Located right across the street from the Basque Block, this lively community gathering space includes a small stage, new seating, lighting, and integrated public art.
“Kaixo Corner represents the kind of thoughtful, people-focused investment that defines CCDC’s mission,” said John Brunelle, Executive Director of CCDC. “As we complete one of our most impactful chapters of urban renewal with the close-out of the River Myrtle-Old Boise Urban Renewal District, this new park strengthens the heart of the Basque Block and leaves a lasting legacy of connection, culture, and community for generations to come.”
Park visitors can now enjoy four public art elements, which together honor and celebrate the history of immigration in Boise. Designed by Huameng Yu and Louis Chinn of Hua Studio, the public art elements include Ancestral Pillars and Storylines, concrete pillars and paths that reference the earlier history of the neighborhood, leading to a Sky River shade structure that highlights the water that drew people to this area and neighborhood, and culminating in mountain Dreamscape, brass mountains that suggest a culturally diverse future.
“Looking around, you may not realize that this neighborhood was once a multi-cultural hub for new immigrants to Boise,” shared Boise Arts & History Director Jennifer Stevens. "The incredible work of artists Huameng Yu and Louis Chinn illuminates this rich history – both visible and hidden from modern memory and strives to recognize the multitudes of hands and cultures that have built and shaped this place over many eras.”
The 0.21-acre parcel, purchased by CCDC in January 2022, has a rich history in Boise as the former location of one of several Basque boarding houses on Grove Street. The City of Boise worked closely with Miren Artiach, one of the previous owners of the parcel, to choose the name Kaixo Corner. Kaixo, meaning “hello” in Basque, pays homage to the city’s prominent Basque subculture, whose influence remains integrated throughout Boise today.
Kaixo Corner serves as Boise’s 101st developed park, adding to the city’s diverse park inventory and reflecting Boise Parks and Recreation’s goal of accessible parks, pathways, or green spaces for every resident located within a 10-minute walk of where we all live, work and play. The park also offers free public Wi-Fi to improve internet access for residents and enhance local events.
“Every one of Boise’s parks is unique and this addition provides opportunities for residents and visitors to Boise to learn about the important people who have shaped our city, while experiencing a thriving neighborhood of the future,” added Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway. “We are grateful for all the partners who have made this project a reality.”
Learn more about Kaixo Corner on the City of Boise’s website.