BOISE — Just a day after it was announced that water recreation was suspended at Eagle Island Park because of the discovery of blue-green algae, the City of Boise followed suit with the closure of Pond No. 1 at Esther Simplot Park over the same concerns.
The city announced Thursday night that "an abundance of caution" prompted officials to close the larger of the park's two ponds. All recreation at the pond is prohibited until further notice.
"The health and safety of our citizens is always our top priority, so the pond will remain closed to ensure visitor safety until testing is completed," the city said in a news release.
Signs have been posted to notify the public of the closure.
Officials said the algae was detected Thursday, and measures are being taken to prevent a harmful bloom. The city's Public Works Department is working with the Department of Environmental Quality to test and treat the water in the pond.
Pond No. 2 at the park and Quinn's pond are still open, but the city reminds pet owners that dogs are no longer allowed at Quinn's Pond or Esther Simplot Park.
