Boise Parks and Recreation

Esther Simplot Park will be closed to all vehicles next week from Monday, June 22 to Friday, June 26, 2026 for resurfacing 🚗⛔ The parking areas inside the park will be striped and seal coated during this temporary closure (specifically planned for this period with weather conditions and the summer event season in mind). If you plan to visit during this time, please be prepared to bike, scoot or walk to the park. The paths and park features will remain open to users. Thank you for your patience as these necessary parking lot improvements are completed as quickly and efficiently as possible!

Thank you for your patience as hazard mitigation on the Boise River continues. We'll share updates from the Float the Boise River partnership as we get them!

☀️ We know it's hot and cooling off in the water sounds inviting. But it's still not time to Float the Boise.

While we're getting closer to the official start of the 2026 float season, the float route from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park has not yet been cleared for recreational floating. Boise Fire dive crews are currently completing hazard mitigation and safety preparations along the river corridor.

The Boise River remains a dynamic natural waterway, and conditions can change quickly. Even with mitigation efforts, hazards may still exist along the float path.

Please be patient as our partners work to complete this important safety work. We'll share updates as soon as preparations are finished and an official opening announcement is made.

🚫 Float season is not open yet.
🚫 The float route is not cleared.
✅ Stay tuned for updates.

Visit floattheboise.org for condition reports and official updates.

Still haven't taken a tour of the historic Boise Depot? You're in luck! Our guides are giving free tours this Sunday, June 21 at noon and 1:30 p.m. No tickets are required and kids are welcome to attend. Our Sunday open house hours run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. if you'd just like to pop by and look around. The bell tower will be open and offers one of the best views of Boise!

🚫🔥Please remember, personal fireworks are not allowed in City of Boise parks and open spaces. They can cause fires, damage playgrounds, scorch turf, harm trees, and leave behind dangerous debris. Help us keep our parks safe, beautiful, and ready for everyone to enjoy.

We're one week away from the fourth annual Boise Dandelion Festival with City of Good! Join Boise Parks and Recreation and a variety of vendors and partner organizations at Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park between 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 20 for this family-friendly and FREE event. Dandelion beer and root beer will be available for purchase, made by Woodland Empire Ale Craft using dandelions picked from pesticide and herbicide-free parks in Boise. Plus, live music, demonstrations and more! Get the details: https://cityofgood.com/dandelionfestival

Photos: Boise Dandelion Festival (2024)

Welcome to Boise, Jay!

Meet Jay! Zoo Boise's newest resident is a six-year-old male Linné’s two-toed sloth. He now lives in the Small Animal Kingdom rainforest with porcupine Ozzy.

He’s still settling into his new home and chooses where and how he wants to spend time. But hint, look up to find Jay!

Zoo Boise is a division of Boise Parks and Recreation.

Everything is coming up roses🌹These dedicated volunteers care for the Rose Garden in Julia Davis Park by meeting weekly in the spring and summer months to w**d, prune, pick up debris and more. Right now, with ongoing improvements taking shape in the graden, they’re working extra hard by replanting rose bushes into their new, improved and more accessible park space in the heart of Boise❤️‍🩹

Please join us in thanking this special group for all they do! To learn more about this unique volunteer opportunity and improvements coming to the Rose Garden, visit our website: https://www.cityofboise.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/julia-davis-park/rose-garden-improvements/

The 38th Annual Idaho Youth Adaptive Sports Camp is happening this week at Fort Boise Community Center. It's an opportunity for kids and teens with a physical disability to get outside and play a variety of adaptive sports, all with the help of our AdVenture Program - Boise Parks & Recreation Adaptive Recreation staff and a host of incredible volunteers. The four-day camp is full of fun and inspiring moments. Thank you to everyone who makes it possible for kids of all abilities to play!

A legacy of preservation 🌻 Boise's conservation story began with a historic $10 million Foothills Levy, which was approved by voters in 2001. Over the last 25 years, this community-driven effort has protected more than 12,500 acres in the Boise Foothills, helped preserve future park sites, promoted clean water projects and more. We're proud to be stewards of these important outdoor spaces, while continuing to support Boise's trail system, parks and pathways into the future.

You can learn more about the city's open space levy history and view a list of all levy-supported purchases and projects on our website: https://www.cityofboise.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/open-space/open-space-levy/

In recent weeks, there have been multiple fires reported in Boise parks related to the use of illegal fireworks. Boise Fire Department, Boise Police Department and Boise Parks and Recreation want to remind residents and visitors that personal fireworks are not allowed in city parks 🚫 Anyone found possessing or using fireworks could be charged. Thank you for leaving the fireworks at home when visiting parks and open spaces. It’s up to all of us to protect the beautiful outdoor spaces we know and love.