Float Season Parking and Safety Reminders

Boise will continue to experience temperatures over 100 degrees through the upcoming holiday weekend and we expect to see plenty of people heading to the Boise River. The river is an incredible amenity in the City of Boise and we have a few reminders to help keep it clean and nearby parks and neighborhoods safe, enjoyable and beautiful for years to come.

PARKING

Anyone floating the Boise River is asked to park in designated parking areas, including at Barber Park and Ann Morrison Park. Do not park in nearby neighborhoods – your vehicle could be cited and/or towed.  Several drivers who parked on S. Eckert Road last weekend in a no parking zone did receive parking tickets. All “no parking” areas are clearly marked and will be monitored by City of Boise Parking Services team members throughout the float season. Please obey all posted residents only/no parking signs. Please also avoid trespassing on private property including people’s homes and yards when filling up rafts and walking to the river.

“We appreciate people taking the time to consider their transportation and parking plans before heading out,” said Lieutenant Mike Ruffalo. “Floating the river can be a great family activity and we ask people do their best to be dropped off or carpool, and respect the people living in the neighborhoods nearby.”

Please keep in mind that the Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration in Ann Morrison Park will limit parking options this Sunday, but shuttle service will continue to run throughout the day, with the last shuttle scheduled at 7:30 p.m. More information regarding floating the Boise River on the Fourth of July is available on the city’s website.

For details on parking in Barber Park*, which is managed by Ada County Parks & Waterways, please visit: https://adacounty.id.gov/parksandwaterways/float-the-boise-river/#parking 

• People who park in Barber Park and float the Boise River can take a shuttle back to their vehicle
• Parking is available on a first come, first served basis for $7 a day
• If the Barber Park parking lot is full, please plan to park in Ann Morrison Park or coordinate a drop off, especially on July 4th

For details on parking in Ann Morrison Park, which is managed by Boise Parks and Recreation, please visit:

https://www.cityofboise.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/ann-morrison-park/

• People who park in Ann Morrison Park can take a shuttle to Barber Park to start their float trip
• Parking is available on a first come, first served basis at no cost
• Parking remained available in Ann Morrison Park throughout last weekend

Information on the daily shuttle schedule from Ann Morrison Park to Barber Park*:

• Monday through Friday the shuttle departs Ann Morrison Park every hour on the hour
• Saturday, Sunday and on all holidays during the official float season the shuttle departs Ann Morrison Park approximately every 20 minutes

*Ada County is not running the air stations at Barber Park. Please plan accordingly. You can read the county’s statement on the air stations here.

TRASH

The Boise Parks and Recreation Department is urging river users to clean up after themselves when exiting the Boise River. Maintenance teams are working hard to empty the trash cans at the take out and along the float route on a regular basis, but due to high use, trash cans are filling up quickly. We are asking people to do their part and make sure trash ends up in a trash can or is carried out with you.

RIVER SAFETY

Additional signage has been added along the Boise River from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park to assist floaters with identifying their location when on the river. This signage and mile marker information is meant to be a reference point to help emergency crews better locate people who need help should a situation arise on the water. If you do need to call 911 for help when floating the river, please make note of the orange milepost marker closest to your location and any other nearby features, including bridges.

Please remember it is illegal to jump from, throw or drop any object from any bridge, tree or other landscape features into the Boise River within fifty (50) feet of any boater, floater, rafter or tuber.