Esther Simplot Park Planning Begins

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On June 8, 2011 VPNA board members Katie Hartman (Pleasanton) and Matt Ellsworth (Park Davis) met with the Simplot Foundation and Boise City officials to discuss the Esther Simplot Park. Prior to the meeting other VPNA board members provided brainstorming ideas for the park, those can be read using this link.  The development of the Esther Simplot Park is a huge opportunity for residents to shape the future of our neighborhood. VPNA welcomes your input. Please either email us your thoughts at vpnaboise@gmail.com or attend the June board meeting (this coming monday at Idaho River Sports 6:30pm) and share your thoughts with us in person. Below is a full account of what was discussed at the June 8 meeting, specific amenities are in bold for a quick read:

Main points of interest:

  • Extensive discussion about project timelines, phasing, and coordination with other nearby/related projects (ACHD’s 30th St. roadway construction, whitewater park – multiple phases, etc.).
  • Discussed flood impacts, how water will move through the park seasonally.
  • Discussed the need for the roadway to complete before the park opens to provide access, but there may be opportunities to do some site work/grading prior to completion of the roadway, and then do “finishing” work as the roadway wraps up to coincide completion of both projects.
  • Consultant pointed out that work that does not occur in/on the edges of the water can move sooner because it doesn’t have the same permitting requirements.
  • Still a question on how to tie any water facilities/ponds back into the river (upstream or down from the irrigation canal).  This has major site/layout and cost implications.
  • Participants shared ideas about the type of park uses that are desired.  The City indicated that the location/layout is fitting for more passive uses (as opposed more active uses like basketball, for example), with an emphasis on natural uses and amenities.
  • The group agreed that the abundance of water is a huge plus and should be a focal point of the park.
  • Everyone agreed that stormwater treatment and control is an important factor for the site. ACHD and Parks stated that there are a couple options for dealing with runoff from 30th street: 1) stormwater goes into a low spot in the park to percolate into ground water or 2) Stormwater could be “treated” by routing it through a series of landscaped natural canals and swales –– an innovative concept in L.I.D., Low Impact Development.
  • Another stormwater source is the large (24″) Pleasenton stormdrain which empties directly into Quinn’s Pond. This water should also be treated and controlled in some way, however the pipe is 7-8′ below grade. There was a comment that likely the pressure in the pipe may be enough to bring the water level up to the surface and into the treatment/control infrastructure for 30th street.
  • It was discussed that Crane Creek should go through a sand filter (to rid it of contaminants) before emptying into the pond.
  • Everyone seemed to want a lot of spots for people to play in/use the water (beaches, shallow “starter” paddle/swimming areas, etc.).
  • It is well established that the park will be alcohol free, unless a permit is issued.
  • The City and ACHD agreed that parking will not be an issue because events exceeding the ample parking provided at the park will be required to submit an event parking plan with the City, to include shuttles to large parking areas nearby, “no parking” signage on local streets, parking patrol and the like.
  • Some sort of concession stand/cafe/food carts are being considered
  • Ideas for a bandshell, floating stage to double as swimming or fishing island, gathering area for concerts, etc. were brought up
  • A goal discussed was balancing Whitewater Rodeo amenities with Beach-goer amenities and fun areas for all ages. Also, balancing a neighborhood park setting with regional whitewater park setting.
  • The idea of connecting Quinn Pond to the Simplot ponds with a “paddleable” lazy river was broadly supported, but the consultant said it will be extremely challenging.
  • VPNA rep expressed interest in community center, year-around uses, dog swim and dog park desires.
  • The consultant discussed the importance of balancing the natural feel of the area with creating a usable and safe park. Bicycle patrol, unobtrusive lighting, spacial design etc. as potential solutions.

Next steps:

  • ACHD will prepare a preliminary schedule for roadway construction to share with Simplot/consultant.
  • Consultant will prepare concept options for discussion among the group and with the public.  Hope to complete preliminary concept by mid-July.
  • City will continue floodplain investigation and communication with irrigation district.
  • Tentative plan for broader public meeting in late July.

Preliminary timeline for comments/review

  • June 20th VPNA board meeting to discuss project, brainstorm, organize next steps and priorities…. board to rally the neighborhood for comments and get word out.
  • Mid-July (7/18) VPNA board meeting. Further determine VPNA’s unified voice for the project and what items we cannot compromise on… “deal breakers” and priorities.
  • Mid-Late July: Consultant to prepare concept drawings for broader public meeting with presentation by Parks’ Wendy Larimore.
  • August-Sept: Additional revisions and meetings TBD
  • Mid-September: Goal to adopt master plan

30th Annual Greek Food Festival

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Don’t forget!  This weekend is the 30th Annual Greek Food Festival. Admission is only $1 donation and children under 12 years old get in free. Plus, the best part is that they have an awesome food and dessert menu along with church tours, Greek music and dancing for entertainment, and free Greek dancing lessons.

Please follow the link to learn more about the event and plan your weekend:  http://www.boisegreekfestival.com/

This event is also a great opportunity for the Neighborhood Association members to gather and socialize and recruit more people to be involved with all the new developments in our neighborhood.

Please respond to ACHD’s proposal to connect Willow Ln. and Alamosa St.

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ACHD is exploring the possibility of constructing a new street connection between Willow Lane and Alamosa Street using property owned by ACHD.  Click here to view the handouts provided at the most recent open house and email comments to ACHD directly.  Or click here to fill out a short survey about this project before June 6th, 2011.  If you have more questions, contact Jeff Lowe ACHD Transportation Planner at 387-6235.

5 Sections of Greenbelt Closed by High Water

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Five sections of the Greenbelt have been closed because of high flows on the Boise River.

Areas that have been closed include:

• The tunnel on the south side East Parkcenter Bridge near Bown Crossing
• Loggers Creek footbridge from Leadville Avenue east to the West ParkCenter Bridge in Southeast Boise.
• The Bethine Church River Trail, a gravel section from the Cottonwoods Apartments on Riverstone Lane east to the powerline corridor near East Gossamer Lane in Southeast Boise.
• The Broadway Avenue underpass on the north side of the river near Boise State University.
• The Main Street tunnel on the north side of the river near Bernardine Quinn Riverside Park

First Interpretive Trail Meeting June 9th

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In case you missed it, VPNA won a Boise City neighborhood reinvestment grant for almost $16,000 to construct an interpretive walking trail through the 30th Street neighborhoods.  The trail will lead from the new greenbelt bridge and future whitewater park, past points various points of interest to Fairview Park. For more information about the trail click here. The first organization meeting is coming up soon. All are encouraged to attend.

  • Date:                     Thursday June 9, 2011
  • Location:              2400 W Bannock St  (kitty corner across the street from the tennis courts)
  • Pre-Meeting Potluck starts at 6pm (bring something to share and a lawn chair if possible)
  • Interpretive Trail Meeting starts at 7:30pm

The committee that comes out of this meeting will organize community workshops, conduct oral history interviews, collect photos, pick the trail’s name, the trail’s final route and the information on interpretive signs.

Anyone interested in working together, building community and learning more about the neighborhood is welcome to join the committee. If you are interested but can’t make this meeting or want more information please contact Jeff Anderson at vpnatrail@gmail.com or at 608-2385.

“30th Street Area” or “West End” or “something else”?

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Check out historian Tully Gerlach’s blog titled “The West End: The Name and the Place” on Preservation Idaho’s website. Tully draws attention to the interpretive trail that VPNA is planning in the 30th Street area (more on that from us later this week). His article also  offers some interesting history of why Veterans Park Neighborhood Association stretches from Thrift Way Lumber all to way to 19th Street. Perhaps most discussion worthy is Tully’s argument for using the name “West End” for the neighborhoods in the “30th Street area”.

Tell us what you think…

VPNA’s is interested to know your thoughts related to the the moniker “West End”. As residents how do you refer to the neighborhoods between State St and Main St and between 19th St and the river? Do you like West End or prefer something else?  Please email us at vpnaboise@gmail.com and we’ll pass along your thoughts to Stephanie Inman whose working on the 30th Street Area “branding” plan (see previous post for background on that project).

30th St Branding Project

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The City of Boise has hired Stephanie Inman to help develop a “neighborhood branding” plan for the 30th Street Extension. It’s an exciting way to use public art to highlight the best things in the area. It’s also first time someone has been hired by the City for this purpose.

To share your feedback Stephanie came up with the following questionaire. Please answer the following questions and email them to sinman@stephanieinman.com by May 31, 2011.

  1. What is your interest in this area? Do you live or work nearby
  2. What do you feel is unique about the area surrounding the present 30th Street?
  3. What do you like and dislike about the area? What are you most proud of?
  4. How is this neighborhood different from the North or East Ends?
  5. After the park and parkway are finished, how would you like people to describe this neighborhood? Please use descriptive adjectives.
  6. Any other relevant information you’d like to share?

Thank you for your interest in Boise’s 30th Street Extension Area branding project.

Russian Food Festival!

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St. Seraphim of Sarov will host its 6th annual fundraiser this weekend. The festival will feature an opera, an iconographer and great food. The family event features hot food you can eat on the spot, as well as packaged items you can savor later.
Location: 872 N. 29th St.
Hours: Friday, May 13 – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, May 14 – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

ACHD open house Willow Lane & Alamosa St Connection

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May 23, 2011 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Taft Elementary School
3722 Anderson Street.

The Ada County Highway District (ACHD), working with local agencies, is seeking comments on a proposed new street connection between Willow Lane and Alamosa Street using property owned by ACHD. The purpose of the project is to enhance connectivity and provide safe neighborhood access to the traffic signal at State Street and Willow Lane.

ACHD representatives will be available at the open house to gather your input and answer questions. Written comments can also be submitted by mail or e-mail to 3775 Adams St. Garden City, ID 83714 or projects@achdidaho.org by June 6, 2011. For more information please contact Jeff Lowe, ACHD Transportation Planner, at 387-6235.