BOISE, Idaho — A new park currently being constructed in downtown Boise has officially been named in honor of a City of Trees former senator and fifth-generation Idahoan.
Cherie Buckner-Webb Park was unanimously approved in a Tuesday city council meeting.
"It’s an honor to acknowledge Cherie Buckner-Webb's incredible contributions to the City of Boise and the State of Idaho in this way,” said Mayor Lauren McLean.
The park, which is located at 11th and Bannock streets, is set to open with an official dedication on Aug. 5.
Amenties will include public art - including artist Matthew Mazzotta’s “Gentle Breeze” design - shaded seating, streetscape improvements, public restrooms, and bike storage. City officials say they hope the park will function as a "destination community space" and place for events.
Buckner-Webb, the first Black woman elected to the Idaho Legislature, served one term as a state representative and four terms as a state senator before retiring in 2020. A business owner and human rights activist, she also served as a founding board member of the Idaho Black History Museum in Boise.
The idea for the new park's name was taken from more than 1,200 citizen submissions gathered during a public engagement process earlier this year.
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