March 2012 - Construction crews are completing work on the first in-river phase of the much anticipated Boise River Recreation Park, and city officials, volunteers and others are getting ready for subsequent phases of development in the area.

Phase I – Boise River Park - Construction crews have rebuilt the Thurman Mill Diversion Dam with Wave Shaper and completed all in-river work. The area is still an active construction site, as our contractor replaces the Greenbelt, rebuilds the shoreline, and City crews proceed with landscaping the area. City crews are also testing the Wave Shaper device as the Boise River flows increase. This work completed in April 2012. The official opening of the park in June was a great success and photos can be viewed by clicking here.

Phase II - Esther Simplot Park - Plans for development of the Esther Simplot Park have been approved by the Boise City Parks Commission and are proceeding into the permitting process. Construction should start in the Fall of 2013.

Phase III – Boise River Park – Planning and design has started for construction of the in-river and bankside improvements to the Boise River Park section downstream from the new dam, once downstream water users have approved of plans for the Esther Simplot Park and pending availability of funds. This section of the park will feature in-river drops and chutes for a total ¼ mile recreational experience in the river.

The volunteer organization, Friends of the Park, is still raising money to add a restrooms and a changing area in Esther Simplot Park near the river put-in, cover contingency costs associated with Phase I construction, and to develop the design for the park downstream of the rebuilt dam.