BOISE, Idaho — Boise city leaders are considering a new park for the West Boise neighborhood.
On Thursday, Boise Parks and Recreation announced their proposal to acquire a piece of undeveloped property in West Boise. The plan is to transform the plot into a neighborhood park, as part of Mayor McLean's 10-Minute Walk initiative.
Boise Parks and Rec states, the 0.26-acre lot, which is nestled in a cul-de-sac, is small in size, but big in potential.
"While 73 percent of Boise residents live within a 10-minute walk to a park today, we can – and will – do better," said Mayor Lauren McLean. "Park sites like this one in residential areas increase safe access to green space for thousands of Boise residents and shouldn't be overlooked. I'm grateful our team continues to find ways to move the needle and get us closer to our goal, because all Boise neighborhoods deserve a park to play and relax in."
The Boise City Council will vote to use Open Space and Clean Water Levy funds to purchase the land at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 12, said a news release. Included in the park would be walking paths, natural boulders and other elements, pollinator garden and a picnic area or small play feature.
The proposed park is in an underserved part of the city, with the closest park being Milwaukee Park, which is over a mile away on busy roads. The proposed park would offer roughly 1,929 residents in the area, serving almost entirely new residents then Milwaukee Park. It will also be a great addition to the 10-Minute Walk initiative.
"Our team is working tirelessly to find available property in areas of our city where residents do not have access to a park within a 10-minute walk," said Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway. "As Boise grows, finding large, undeveloped pieces of land is proving challenging. However, this parcel is proof that even small areas can become important green spaces for our residents."
If city council approves the proposition, the city would purchase the plot from Maple Grove Homeowners Association for $250,000, which Parks and Rec said would include closing costs. In the Open Space and Clean Water Levy fund, there is roughly $2.7 million to purchase such properties.
