BOISE, Idaho — Boise Mayor Lauren McLean announced stage two of her public health order on Thursday. In her emailed statement, she said she supports Governor Little’s “cautious approach to how we safely re-open our state and community.”
Based on the state’s orders and with guidance from Central District Health, the City of Boise will adopt the stage two plan with more safety measures. McLean signed public health orders that match the state’s plan, including requiring businesses to follow the business safety protocols outlined by the state, provide for extra protection at the airport and allowing only travelers, essential workers and assistance aides to be in public areas, requiring social distancing protocols and limiting group gatherings to ten people or less.
City officials have been working on plans to reopen City Hall, city facilities and local businesses. As city facilities begin to open, it is asked that you maintain a six-foot distance from those not in your immediate family and wear face coverings when in public. Social ambassadors will be patrolling popular recreation areas and reminding people about staying safe.
City of Boise staff will be back in City Hall in phased reopenings across city departments. City Council, Planning and Zoning, Design Review and Historic Preservation will continue to meet remotely and remote public testimony will be facilitated.
Maintenance and restoration will begin operating at full-service levels. There will be limited follow-up on nuisance complaints that require no public interaction. Businesses licenses are available via online application only and fingerprinting will be done by appointment only.
E-scooters will make a return and abandoned vehicle inspection will increase as complaints do, no public interaction needed.
The Boise Fire Department will do high-risk inspections and operational permits as needed.
Public works, including wastewater pre-treatment, stormwater and Water Renewal Utility Planning will be back.
Curbside service at all Library locations will be rolling out in slow stages. Customers who already had items on hold will be served first. Tech appointments and computer access will be offered at the Main Library by appointment.
People can now ride the dirt trails at the J.A. and Kathryn Alberstons family Foundation Bike Park. Pump tracks will remain closed due to social distancing concerns. The Quail Hollow Golf Course and Warm Springs Golf Course are open and single-rider cart rentals are available.
Fenced dog parks, like the Together Treasure Valley Dog Island, the Military Reserve Dog Park, Morris Hill Dog Park, Mariposa Park Dog Park and Pine Grove Dog Park are ready for use.
Trailhead and park restrooms are also open for use.
You can now play tennis or pickleball at Boise parks and play singles or doubles. Reservations for park shelters or picnic sites can be made for events after June 1.
Regular updates on all services and facilities can be found at the City of Boise’s COVID-19 Resource Center at www.CityofBoise.org/COVID-19or by calling 208-608-7000.