BOISE – City of Boise leaders, members of the Harris family, neighbors and project partners gathered to participate in a ceremonial groundbreaking to mark the start of construction at the long-anticipated Alta Harris Park. Located along Eckert Road in Southeast Boise, the 20-acre park site connects to the Boise River Greenbelt and will offer a variety of new features for families, recreators and outdoor enthusiasts to explore.
The park—named after Alta Harris whose vision and determination helped shape the Barber Valley—is a part of Boise’s beloved “Ribbon of Jewels” parks donated in honor of some of the city’s finest civic leaders. The parks are legacies of these remarkable women and their commitment to their community.
Approximately $3.7 million in city funding, along with a $184,000 donation from the Southern Idaho Soccer League (SISL), supports the build-out of additional park infrastructure including new sports fields, pathways, landscaping and the park’s main parking lot. Preparations are already underway with the contractor to start construction near the recently completed frontage updates along Eckert Road.
“Alta Harris Park is an important addition to Boise’s park system, creating more opportunities for residents to get outside, connect with their community and enjoy a growing part of the city,” said Boise Mayor Lauren McLean. “Thank you to the Harris family for the generous donation of approximately $1.5 million, kickstarting construction and bringing this park to life.”
The City of Boise has a goal of every resident living within a 10-minute walk to a park. The Alta Harris Park site will include important recreation facilities and connections to the nearby Greenbelt pathway for more than 2,200 Boise residents from 869 households.
“We dreamed of this park for several decades and watching that dream break ground today is a moment our family will never forget," said Alta Harris' children, Felicia Burkhalter, Millie Davis, and Randy Harris in a joint statement. "This land holds generations of our family's history, and it is a great honor to now welcome our community to a place where neighbors will gather, kids will play, and new memories will take root. We know our mother is smiling down today, and we're deeply grateful to everyone who helped turn our vision into reality."
Meanwhile, the approved Alta Harris Park master plan calls for adding a nature playground, shade shelters, bocce courts, pickleball courts and a permanent restroom. The $1.5 million donation from the Harris family will aid in the completion of the park.
Additional budget will be needed to build the pickleball courts planned at Alta Harris Park, and no timeline for construction has been determined.
“It’s incredible to stand here today and see the vision for this beautiful piece of property nestled along the Boise River,” added Boise Parks and Recreation Director Sara Arkle. “Thank you to the Harris family for your commitment to this place, and for trusting us to create a welcoming and accessible park that the community can enjoy for generations to come.”
Click here to learn more about plans for Alta Harris Park and to view the approved park master plan.
