In providing scenic views, a wildlife habitat as well as pedestrian access to many of Boise’s popular parks and attractions, the Boise River Greenbelt has become an essential element of the region. The 25-mile tree-lined pathway that follows the Boise River through the heart of Boise, Idaho, highlights what it can mean for empty or unused space to be transformed into something that engages residents and visitors in equally powerful but distinct ways.
The History of the Greenbelt
Throughout the history of Boise, the Boise River had been an unofficial dumping ground for industrial waste and raw sewage. However, in 1964 the city completed a comprehensive plan that includes an effort to acquire the land along the Boise River to create a continuous “green belt” of public lands stretching the entire length of the community. By 1967, three parcels of land were donated to the city to launch what would become the Greenbelt.
Soon after, the Greenbelt and Pathways Committee was appointed by the City of Boise to enable further development of the Greenbelt. The City of Boise continued to piece together a patchwork of land along the corridor using several methods of acquisition including purchase, exchange, leasing and receiving donations of property by individuals, civic groups and corporations.
Some of this history along with what appeared in the area before is recounted in the various plaques and displays all across the Greenbelt. This info is just part of what people can see and experience all along the Greenbelt though.
Connections, Attraction and Experiences
The majority of the Greenbelt is paved with asphalt or concrete on both sides of the river while connecting neighboring communities with a green space that encourages people to engage with the space. Running under the roads to ensure runners and bikers don’t have to deal with traffic, the Greenbelt provides everyone with a space that allows them to engage with one another and their surroundings without interruption.
Residents and visitors use the greenbelt year-round for walking, running, cycling, in-line skating, and accessing the river for fly-fishing and outdoor recreation. Featuring play areas and exercise spots, the Greenbelt connects people to one another and to the natural surroundings of the region throughout the year.
There are also numerous scenic views and experiences across the Boise River Greenbelt. The Idaho Birding Trail (IBT) is a network of sites and side-trips that provides the best viewing opportunities to see birds in Idaho. Additionally, the Idaho Department of Fish & Game stocks several ponds in city parks maintained by the Boise Parks and Recreation.
The Greenbelt also features numerous points of interest as well as easy access to parks like the Ann Morrison Park and the Kathryn Albertson Park. These parks are in addition to attractions like the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial, Veterans Memorial Park and the Idaho Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park.
Created experiences like the Planet Walk engage audiences on a whole separate level. Distributed in a line from the sun at distances roughly to scale with where they would be if all of the planets were in a line, the plaques include a scaled representation of the planets. The round-trip walk is nearly 3 miles.
These attractions and experiences have created a sense of community that is equally appealing to residents and visitors. This connection has helped open up incredible opportunities all across Boise.
Economic Opportunities from a Sense of Community
While an ordinance adopted in 1971 requires a minimum setback of 70 feet for all structures and parking areas, there are numerous businesses and residences located along the Greenbelt. These establishments have benefitted from both the activity and tranquility that the Greenbelt has created and continues to generate.
The Greenbelt can also be supported in a more direct manner. Numerous sections of the Greenbelt have been designated as pathways with sponsor names on them, while benches and other memorials are dedicated to individuals or families, similar to other parks.
Additionally, the Adopt-the-Greenbelt program allows families, groups or businesses to take an active stewardship role in maintaining the health and ecological integrity of the Boise River Greenbelt. Program participants adopt a 2/3-mile section of the Greenbelt for one year, to monitor the area for trash and invasive plants and help with other maintenance needs.
Events like St. Patrick’s Day Runs occur on a regular basis on the Greenbelt, expanding the sense of the community that the Greenbelt represents. The site was utilized for a three-day community-wide celebration in honor of the Boise River Greenbelt’s 50th anniversary, providing a major example of what kind of events and engagement the space can support.
The City of Boise has also created a Scavenger Hunt and map that are readily available. As a further example of how the Greenbelt has permeated the community, the name is utilized by the Greenbelt Magazine, which aims to keep people informed about what’s happening in the city and also enlightened with new stories.
The Boise River Greenbelt has become an essential element of maps and guides to the city while also being a favorite of bikers, skaters, walkers, runners and visitors. In doing so, the Boise River Greenbelt highlights what it can mean to transform an area and connect an entire city on multiple levels.
Connecting Boise on Multiple Levels
Mentioned as the lifeblood of the valley and a major asset that is helping to make the City of Boise “the most livable city in the country,” the Boise River Greenbelt has been mentioned as the uniting ribbon that links various properties and communities across the city. This literal connection has helped Boise create a legacy that is serving it in the present and will continue to do so into the far future.
