BOISE – The City of Boise is celebrating another milestone in the transformation of Spaulding Ranch in West Boise. New accessible pathways are open, and a state-of-the-art produce wash station is ready to aid fruit and vegetable harvesting at the 20-acre urban agriculture park.
Permanent restrooms are also finished and open for use, further activating the community space.
The improvements connect the property to North Cole Road, nearby Capital High School and surrounding West Bench neighborhoods, expanding access to a unique community space centered on agriculture, education and Boise’s farming history. This fall, construction is expected to start on the Tuttle-Spaulding Pathway, which will connect the south side of Spaulding Ranch to North Milwaukee Street.
“Spaulding Ranch is a special place and watching it come to life, serving thousands of west Boise residents is exciting,” said Boise Mayor Lauren McLean. “The new pathways weave seamlessly around the growing fields, and I love seeing kids safely biking to and from school through this unique park. This project is a great example of our vision to support park and pathway connections to Boise neighborhoods through thoughtful design and collaboration.”
Spaulding Ranch is located within a 10-minute walk for more than 2,800 Boise residents from 1,140 households, providing recreational opportunities and safe transportation routes close to home for West Bench neighborhoods. Meanwhile, the new pathway connections build on Boise’s Pathways Master Plan, a 160-mile pathway network that envisions increased access and safe, accessible routes for families across the city to get to work, schools, businesses and more.
The produce wash station facility at Spaulding Ranch is also complete. The more than 1,600 square foot facility provides important infrastructure to support agricultural activities at Spaulding Ranch, where Boise Parks and Recreation works with community partners to grow food and demonstrate elements of the local food system. The University of Idaho Extension is hosting its Harvest Heroes program on-site, which is a farm incubator for military veterans. Additionally, the city’s urban agriculture team works with partners to plant cover crops and irrigate the fields, including Global Gardens.
These latest investments, totaling $1.5 million, build on the City of Boise’s long-term vision for Spaulding Ranch as a dynamic community gathering space where residents and visitors can learn about the past, present and future of urban agriculture. The property was acquired by the city in 2016 and includes a historic home and barn that will need to be rehabilitated in the future when funding is available, agricultural acreage and an orchard. The site was designated as a local historic district in 1996.
Residents gather each fall to pick pumpkins at the Spaulding Ranch Neighborhood Pumpkin Patch, and these new pathway connections and facilities increase opportunities for community events and gatherings at the site. For example, the West Bench Farmers Market moved to Spaulding Ranch this summer, offering a variety of vendors and local produce for sale each Thursday night through September.
“Spaulding Ranch is a special addition to Boise’s park system, and it’s our 102nd developed park, offering something truly unique on the West Bench,” added Boise Parks and Recreation Director Sara Arkle. “The ranch brings together recreation, education and Boise’s agricultural heritage in a way you won’t find anywhere else in the city, and we are excited to watch its impact grow.”
Additional work planned for the property includes completion of the irrigation system and other improvements to support the ranch’s continued development as a destination for urban agriculture, education and community connection.
Spaulding Ranch History + Vision
Almon and Mary Spaulding came to Idaho in 1896 and created the Spaulding homestead. Originally a 100-acre farm, the City of Boise purchased the remaining 20-acres in 2016 to create what will be will be the unique destination for food education and engagement. Spaulding Ranch is a small part of a larger history of agriculture in Idaho. More than a farm, it will be a dynamic community gathering space that showcases the past, present and future of agriculture and food. Here you will find local partners working together to showcase each and every element of the community food system model.
Grow. Eat. Share.
The visionary plan intends to revive urban agriculture within the city, preserve the rich and unique history of the site and provide an amenity that will be an asset to the neighborhood and the region.
To learn more about the vision and next steps for Spaulding Ranch, click here.
