Construction is starting on the new Whitney Pool, a regional recreation facility that will serve Boiseans for generations to come. City of Boise and Boise School District leaders, along with lots of excited students, gathered on-site to participate in a golden shovel ceremony today, October 30, to officially kick off construction. The approximately $9.5 million project is being funded by the city and built on school district property at Whitney Elementary School. The partnership means generations of kids will have new opportunities to learn to swim, recreate and stay cool during the summer.
“This project has been a longtime coming and I know our residents, especially those living on the Boise Bench, are excited to once again have an outdoor pool nearby,” said Boise Mayor Lauren McLean. “This pool will provide a place for kids and adults to hone their swimming skills in a safe environment and create lasting memories for families for years to come. I want to thank the Boise School District and all our project partners for helping make this vision a reality.”
The facility includes an eight-lane lap pool that reaches a depth of seven feet, a kiddie pool area with zero-entry, a slide and indoor restrooms and locker rooms. Construction is expected to continue through 2026, and it’s anticipated the pool will open for the summer 2027 swim season.
“This is the first pool the City of Boise has built in close to 30 years,” added Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway. “It’s incredible to see shovels in the ground and know Boise kids will soon have a brand-new place to splash and play right in the heart of our city.”
Cushing Terrell is leading the design of the new pool alongside construction contractor the Russell Corporation. You can view renderings and learn more about the project on the City of Boise’s website. Boise Parks and Recreation will continue to share updates as the build out of Whitney Pool is completed.
"On behalf of the Boise School District, I want to thank the City of Boise and all the community members who share our belief that strong neighborhoods build strong schools, and strong schools build strong neighborhoods," said Superintendent Lisa Roberts. "Together, the Whitney pool will be part of a long partnership that makes Boise one of the best places to live, learn, and grow."
The decision to build a new pool on the Boise Bench by the Boise City Council followed years of public outreach, engagement and facilities planning. For additional background and information on the City of Boise’s municipal pool planning process, including next steps for South and Lowell Pools, please click here.
