BOISE, Idaho — Boise Mayor Lauren McLean, members of the Boise City Council, and leaders from the Parks and Rec Department dedicated new amenities at Bernadine Quinn Riverside Park Wednesday.
The 3.5-acre addition to the park is located near the Boise River Greenbelt with accessible parking at 3150 W. Main Street.
There is now improved river access, bank stabilization, and recreational opportunities for visitors. The initial green-up phase has been finished and the park has a covered shelter with seating, new walking paths, and landscaping.
“This is an exciting addition to our park system at a time when recreational opportunities are more important than ever,” said Mayor McLean. “Boise’s parks and outdoor spaces are free and accessible to everyone and the mental and physical health benefits can’t be overstated.”
Quinns Pond and Esther Simplot Park are popular recreation destinations in Boise. A news release from the Mayor's office says both parks are part of the "Ribbon of Jewels" properties given to the City in honor of some of Boise's civic leaders.
Bernardine Quinn Riverside Park and Quinn’s Pond are located at the former site of Quinn Robbins heavy construction company’s gravel operation. Land for the park and the recreational area was donated to the City of Boise in 1997. This dedication and ribbon-cutting mark the most recent improvements made to the park, which also includes the dock and beach on the north side of the pond.
“This improved access to Quinn’s Pond creates even more opportunities for families in Boise to enjoy the outdoors,” said Doug Holloway, Boise Parks and Recreation director. “We look forward to this area becoming a recreational and environmental education destination for all ages. This addition is critical to continuing to address the high volume of users at this unique water complex.”
In future years, educational pollinator and fire-wise gardens will be added at this new park site as funding is available.
