Paddlers Rally for River Recreation

Hundreds of paddlers gathered recently in a flotilla of kayaks, rafts and canoes on Boise’s Quinn’s Pond for the Rally for River Recreation, featuring an announcement by Boise City Mayor Dave Bieter. To see pictures of the event, visit the Boise River Park website gallery. Mayor Bieter earned a cheer from the crowd when he noted that after years of negotiations, the city has reached an agreement with the first of several irrigation companies along the 1,900 foot stretch of the river.

The agreement clears the way for permit applications and fundraising that will make it possible to begin construction on the first phase of the Ray Neef, MD, River Recreation Park. Phase I includes rebuilding the Thurman Mill diversion, which creates the 36th street wave – a popular feature with kayakers.

Garden City Mayor John Evans was also on hand to announce that Garden City is the recipient of stimulus funding from the federal government to build a footbridge over the river in the area of the park.

Jo Cassin and Stan Kolby of Idaho River Sports helped organize the Rally, inviting exhibitors from AIRE, Idaho Whitewater Association, Idaho Rivers United, Idaho Conservation League, Alpineglow, New River Gear, Core Concepts, REI, Cascade Outfitters, Riverroots, Bear Valley Raft Company, Salmon River Foods, Northwest River Supply and Bear Valley Raft Company. The blue grass band “Shakin’ Not Stirred” entertained the crowd.

Paddling enthusiast Sam Goff, who produces the annual PBR Revival Whitewater event on the Payette River near Banks, Idaho, helped galvanize the assembled boaters to gather on Quinn’s pond for the announcement and a photo opportunity. He is looking forward to producing the PBR and other events at the new park.

Friends of Parks board member Rick Ferguson thanked park supporters, and introduced members of the Ray Neef, MD family. Dr. Neef’s mom, Margo, noted that the primary purpose behind their pledge of $1 million to name the park after their late son was to emphasize the importance of safety in river sports. The rebuilding of the decades-old Thurman Mill diversion will address several safety concerns. For more about the inspirational life of Ray Neef, visit the River Recreation Park website.

Many thanks to the volunteers who worked on this event. In addition to Sam Goff’s promotional efforts, photographers Leo Geis of Idaho Airships and Mike Leeds of Michael Leeds photography donated their time to record the event. Bob Fries of Remote Productions donated the audio visual equipment for the event, so that paddlers and shore dwellers alike could hear the announcements.

Friends of Parks is a volunteer organization dedicated to completing the Ray Neef, MD, River Recreation Park. To date, they have raised about $2.25 million toward the park including $750,000 in funding from the City of Boise. The group is working on raising an additional $4.5 million to complete the park. Visit www.boiseriverpark.com to see a video about the project or make a contribution online.

Contact: Beth Markley, CFRE (beth@markley.com)

Ray Neef, MD Boise River Recreation Park
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