BOISE – The new and improved Fairview Park playground in Boise’s West Downtown neighborhood is a hit! Families, project partners and City of Boise leaders gathered at the park today, June 1, to celebrate the new play equipment, accessible pathways, sport courts and updated restroom. Neighborhood children joined Mayor Lauren McLean to cut a ceremonial ribbon and officially dedicate the improved space. The previous equipment and park amenities were installed in the 1990s.
“It is incredible to see kids from this neighborhood enjoy a brand new, more accessible park with friends, family, and neighbors” said Mayor Lauren McLean. “Boise’s parks bring life into our neighborhoods, and the upgrades that residents chose for Fairview Park bring even more opportunities for kids to learn, grow, and build connections within the community.”
The City of Boise is committed to every Boisean living within a 10-minute walk of a park, open space or recreational pathway. Fairview Park, located at 2300 W. Idaho Street, is accessible to more than 2,400 Boise residents within a 10-minute walk. Recently, the mayor announced new investments, park projects and property purchases have brought more than 75% of residents within the 10-minute walk standard.
Community members helped Boise Parks and Recreation choose the new playground equipment installed at Fairview Park. The $1.8 million overall investment in the park resulted in an inclusive merry-go-round, a sensory climber, two hang out pods installed at transfer height, a variety of slides and more. The play equipment is separated into two play areas designed for younger and older children to explore independently. The playground for two to five-year-olds was designed to encourage all kids to be able to access the structure at the top of the stone wall adjacent to the playground equipment via a ramp. The new playground design preserves the existing trees and blends accessible paths within the park site. It also includes bonded rubber surfacing for a safer, more accessible playing surface. The setup was modernized to create an imaginative, creative play experience for kids.
An inclusive playground communication board, double-sided and customized to Fairview Park, is also available on site. It encourages play for all members of our community and is an effective way to allow children of all abilities to communicate and promote public awareness of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). It includes braille and common words and phrases in both English and Spanish.
“We are committed to creating spaces where everyone in Boise belongs, and these updates allow us to continue to deliver excellent service to our community,” added Boise Parks and Recreation Director Sara Arkle. “Thank you to the West End Neighborhood Association for your engagement and support for these improvements, and to all the neighbors for your patience while the park was under construction. We are so glad you get to enjoy this new and improved space all summer long!”
Fairview Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. For updates on park features and descriptions of equipment on site, visit the park webpage.
