Boise Parks and Recreation

Boise Parks and Recreation Enhancing Boise's quality of life through access to parks, open space and affordable programming. Learn more at cityofboise.org/parks
(247)

Welcome to Boise Parks and Recreation, where we seek to provide healthy activities in our community. We're glad you stopped in to learn more about our people and places, and we hope you enjoy exploring the many activities, open spaces, and park facilities available in our city. You are invited to visit Fort Boise Community Center, Idaho IceWorld, Warm Springs Golf Course, Quail Hollow Golf Course

and Zoo Boise as well as the beautiful Boise River Greenbelt, the city's six outdoor pools and more than 100 parks.

One last weekend to Float the Boise River if you don't mind some cooler temps! We’re heading into the final days of the ...
09/04/2026

One last weekend to Float the Boise River if you don't mind some cooler temps! We’re heading into the final days of the official 2026 float season, so if you’ve been waiting to squeeze in one more trip down the Boise River, now’s your chance. Monday, September 7 (Labor Day) is the final day Float the Boise services are offered including shuttles and gear rentals in Barber Park coordinated by vendor Boise River Raft & Tube.

Labor Day Weekend Hours of Operation
• Services open today through Monday (Sept. 4-7)
• Fee Parking at Barber Park: 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Rentals at Barber Park: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Shuttles: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. departing Ann Morrison Park every 20 minutes

Please note, there is NO PARKING in Ann Morrison Park all day on Friday, Sept. 4 due to the Spirit Of Boise Balloon Classic event.

Visit floattheboise.org for important safety reminders and floater tips. Here's to one more safe and enjoyable weekend on the river!

REMINDER: There is no parking all day tomorrow, Friday, September 4 in Ann Morrison Park due to the Spirit Of Boise Ball...
09/03/2026

REMINDER: There is no parking all day tomorrow, Friday, September 4 in Ann Morrison Park due to the Spirit Of Boise Balloon Classic morning launch and evening Nite Glow Spectacular (events are weather permitting and updates will be shared by organizers). Please plan ahead and thank you for your cooperation as we work to keep visitors and participating pilots safe! Visit the official Spirit of Boise website for additional event information: https://spiritofboise.com/

Wondering how weather could impact various events? We recommend checking Spirit of Boise social media accounts (including Instagram) for updates before you head to the park! Local news stations have also been sharing daily updates.

We will never forget.Today, the City of Boise dedicated improvements to the World Trade Center Memorial located in Idaho...
09/02/2026

We will never forget.

Today, the City of Boise dedicated improvements to the World Trade Center Memorial located in Idaho Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park (1791 W. Shoreline Drive)—a place to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, honor the courage of first responders and reflect on the strength found in community connection. As the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks approaches, may this renewed space ensure their stories and sacrifices are never forgotten. We encourage you to plan a visit on the upcoming anniversary to pause and reflect.

About Boise's World Trade Center Memorial
In 2011, the Idaho Fallen Firefighter Foundation and Boise Fire Department spearheaded the acquisition of a 10-foot beam from the World Trade Center (WTC) to be the centerpiece of a memorial in Boise to honor specifically emergency responders lost on 9/11. Steel from the WTC has been incorporated into memorials across the country in every state. Boise’s sculpture was completed by artist J. Amber Klinsky in 2013—Boise City Department of Arts & History.

There are still spots available to join the Foothills Learning Center Folk Art Series starting next week (September 11)....
09/02/2026

There are still spots available to join the Foothills Learning Center Folk Art Series starting next week (September 11). This family-friendly series starts with a lesson in wood carving! Learn the craft from our resident folk artist, including safe methods and various cut techniques. Under expert guidance, test your new skills in a step-by-step program over the course of four sessions. By early October, you could be eating your favorite meal with a spoon you carved yourself!

Click here to learn more and register: https://idboiseweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=222534629

Sewer line work at Whitewater Park Boulevard & Main Street started this week and is impacting access to Esther Simplot P...
09/02/2026

Sewer line work at Whitewater Park Boulevard & Main Street started this week and is impacting access to Esther Simplot Park, Quinn's Pond, and the Boise Whitewater Park. The intersection is scheduled to be closed until Sunday, September 13. During the closure, park visitors are encouraged to access the Esther Simplot Park entrance on Whitewater Park Boulevard via State Street. Another great option is using the northside of the Boise River Greenbelt to access the parks.

Read the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) Traffic Advisory here: https://ow.ly/c6No50ZHYam

Two trail segments in Military Reserve have officially been renamed in honor of a longstanding Ridge to Rivers volunteer...
09/01/2026

Two trail segments in Military Reserve have officially been renamed in honor of a longstanding Ridge to Rivers volunteer and public servant. The Central Ridge Spur name formerly applied to two short, separate trail segments immediately adjacent to Central Ridge Trail. They will now be known as Upper Pete’s Spur and Lower Pete’s Spur in honor of Pete Ritter.

Ritter became Ridge to Rivers’ first Volunteer Trail Ranger approximately 23 years ago. While serving as Boise’s Deputy Chief of Police, he volunteered his time to patrol trails, provide information to visitors, and encourage responsible trail use. Pete has remained involved with the Trail Ranger Program throughout its history. Pete also dedicated 30 years of service to the Boise Police Department. Following his retirement, he became Ridge to Rivers’ Lead Trail Ranger. In that part-time role, he oversaw the volunteer ranger program and represented Ridge to Rivers at countless community events and outreach opportunities. He served in this capacity for seven years before stepping away to complete additional missionary work. Upon returning to Boise, Pete again joined the Trail Ranger Program as a volunteer and continues to serve the Ridge to Rivers community today.

Pete’s decades of public service, leadership, volunteerism, and commitment to Boise’s trail system make this naming an appropriate recognition of his contributions. Thank you to the Boise City Council for approving the designation and helping cement Pete’s legacy in the Boise Foothills.

In order to meet growing demand for dedicated pickleball courts in the City of Boise, Boise Parks and Recreation is cons...
09/01/2026

In order to meet growing demand for dedicated pickleball courts in the City of Boise, Boise Parks and Recreation is considering converting some or all of the four tennis courts at Owyhee Park, located on the Bench near Vista Avenue and I-84, to dedicated pickleball courts. There is a need for access to dedicated pickleball courts on the Boise Bench; the closest tennis courts are located less than one mile away (a 2-minute drive) at Shoshone Park while the closest dedicated pickleball courts are more than five miles away at Eagle Rock Park.

Two options are under consideration by city leaders:
• Full Conversion: Replace all four tennis courts with 12 pickleball courts
• Hybrid Conversion: Retain two tennis courts and add six pickleball courts

Residents are encouraged to provide feedback on the court conversion options, and can do so via an online form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/62DKVPR

To learn more about this proposal, and the department's five-year pickleball court management plan, visit our website: https://www.cityofboise.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/owyhee-park/owyhee-park-master-plan-update-court-conversion-proposal/

9/1/26 9:30 a.m. Update: All trees have been reserved. Thank you!Original Post:Mark your calendar! Tree orders open at 9...
08/31/2026

9/1/26 9:30 a.m. Update: All trees have been reserved. Thank you!

Original Post:

Mark your calendar! Tree orders open at 9 a.m. tomorrow, September 1 for Boise residents to participate in the Fall 2026 Elaine Clegg City of Trees Challenge free tree giveaway. A variety of trees will be available on a first come, first served basis in partnership with Trees Idaho. Please, only one tree per household! Click here for more details: treesidaho.org/cotc2026

Our FREE US Open Family Day event in partnership with the Idaho Tennis Association (USTA/Intermountain Idaho). continues...
08/30/2026

Our FREE US Open Family Day event in partnership with the Idaho Tennis Association (USTA/Intermountain Idaho). continues until 8 p.m. today (Sunday, August 30) 🎾 Join the ultimate local watch party in Borah Park with free tennis lessons, swimming at Borah Pool from 3 to 6 p.m. and matches streaming live on a massive outdoor screen. Plus, local food trucks on site with treats and eats to purchase. See you at Borah Park!

Additional event details available here: https://www.cityofboise.org/events/parks/2026/august/us-open-family-day/

The Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic returns to Ann Morrison Park this Wednesday, September 2 ✨Don’t miss your chance to ...
08/30/2026

The Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic returns to Ann Morrison Park this Wednesday, September 2 ✨

Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic, as dozens of hot air balloons rise above Boise (all launches are weather dependent). The event is open to the public and admission into the park is free. Here’s a quick look at the five-day schedule via Spirit Of Boise Balloon Classic organizers:

🎈 Wednesday, September 2 is Kid’s Day — free tethered rides offered for kids, first come first served starting at 7:40 a.m.
🎈 Thursday, September 3 is First Launch with a morning takeoff scheduled at 7:20 a.m.
🎈 Friday, September 4 is Sponsor Day with a morning balloon launch, plus the evening Nite Glow Spectacular at 8:45 p.m.
🎈 Saturday, September 5 is the Family Morning balloon launch at 7:20 a.m.
🎈 Sunday, September 6 is the Great Launch with balloon inflation at 6 a.m. followed by a final morning flight at 7:20 a.m.

Please remember, no pets or drones in the park (it can delay or cancel balloon flights!). Parking in the park is limited, so plan ahead. On Friday, Ann Morrison Park is closed to thru traffic all day, with no parking due to the Nite Glow Spectacular!

🔗 Visit the Spirit of Boise website — spiritofboise.com — for more information.

Address

1104 Royal Boulevard
Boise, ID
83706

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+12086087600

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Boise Parks and Recreation posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Boise Parks and Recreation:

Shortcuts

Share