BOISE, Idaho — A new and improved trailhead with public access to Hillside to Hollow Reserve and other trails will be under construction for the next few months. There was a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday at the site off North Harrison Hollow Lane.
The eight-acre site was purchased by the City of Boise from Healthwise using Foothill Levy Funds. It was purchased in 2019 for around $435,000 plus closing and due diligence costs. The site expands an already popular recreational area.
“Hillside to Hollow Reserve is a wonderful example of community partners coming together to preserve an area for Boiseans to enjoy for generations to come,” said Mayor Lauren McLean. “I walked our dog Maya in the area just last week and was reminded how loved this reserve is. It’s an incredible place to hike, ride and reap the benefits of outdoor recreation and this new trailhead will improve the experience for all users.”
Construction will include the installation of a bathroom, drinking fountain and dog watering station, bike racks, ADA accessible parking and 25 parking spaces. Landscaping will be enhanced and some invasive and dying trees will be replaced.
“It’s so rewarding to see how popular the Hillside to Hollow Reserve has become,” said Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway. “To acquire the eight acres from our partners at Healthwise and then convert the area into a state-of-the-art trailhead is an incredible addition to one of the most popular recreation assets we have in our trail system.”
The new site is now an official part of Hillside to Hollow Reserve, which encompasses two other properties off of Hill Road. The Land Trust of the Treasure Valley originally acquired 58 acres in 2011.
In 2013, the City bought the adjacent 258 acres with serial levy funds. The two entities work together to manage Hillside to Hollow.
“When the Land Trust purchased the 58 acres, we hoped it would grow into the important public access reserve that it is today,” said Land Trust of the Treasure Valley Executive Director Eric Grace. “This new trailhead facility will make the experience even better by enhancing parking and providing bathroom facilities. We are delighted to partner with the city to make Hillside to Hollow and an even better resource for the public.”
Construction of the new trailhead is expected to go through the winter and into the spring of 2021. Trail users will be able to access the trails in the Hillside to Hollow Reserve during the construction, but users are asked to be aware that there could be minimal interruptions to access at the current trailhead off North Harrison Hollow Lane.
To learn more about Hillside to Hollow Reserve, click here.
