Veterans Park Neighborhood Association

In conjunction with the Boise River Sweep VPNA is planning a river/pong cleanup on September 17^th (Saturday) starting at 10 am till noon.  We are meeting at the Idaho River Sports lot at 10am.  We’ll focus on cleaning up of the river and Quinn’s Pond area. Please bring a few trash bags and a pair of gloves.

As part of the Walking Trail project VPNA is organizing a training workshop “ How to conduct effective oral history interviews” led by Brandi Burns, Boise City Historian.

When:        Thursday July 21^st from 7-8:30pm

Where:       2400 West Bannock Street

Who:          Anyone interested in learning the story of our neighborhood can attend

Cost:          Free

In August and September we will be coordinating small backyard potlucks/BBQs where neighbors will have the chance to learn the story of their street, block, etc… Oral histories could be done with longtime residents, refugees, a church/mosque, a business owner, etc… The interviews will be recorded and hopefully portions of them will add human interest to the interpretive walking trail. We’re especially interested in learning from people in all parts of the 30^th Street Neighborhood (see map of proposed trail for area of interest). We want to keep these events intimate so they will be by invitation of the host on whatever date works best.

We need your help to make this work.

Please contact us if you’d like to host an interview or if you know of someone we need to interview or if you have historical information or photos.  email: vpnaboise@gmail.com or call Jeff Anderson at 608-2385

Don’t forget the history walk by Tully Gerlach is this tuesday June 28th starting at 7:30pm at the corner 23rd St and Woodlawn in the parking lot of the Congregational Church. For more info click here

Don’t be late or you might get left behind as we will be walking through the neighborhood after congregating.

The walk is free but bring cash or check to take part in the VPNA raffle with great prizes from…

Idaho River Sports

Moxie Java

Asian Wok

Westside Drive-in

Whiz Kids

and more…

VPNA invites you to a free walking tour “History of Boise’s West End”  by Tully Gerlach.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011, 7:30 pm

We’ll start from the parking lot of the 1st Congregational Church at 23rd St and Woodlawn. The total walk will be about 1.5 miles with lots of stops.

We are hoping to do a VPNA fund raiser raffle as part of the tour so be sure to bring cash or a checkbook to buy tickets.

Tully will focus on the Pleasanton Addition, shown in the attached map, although much of the information applies to the larger neighborhood too.  Tully did this same walk last summer as part of Preservation Idaho’s “Arch Walk” series.

This event is part of a effort to build an interpretive walking trail through the 30th Street neighborhoods which will highlight the area’s history, cultural diversity and architecture. To find out more about this project click here.

Also if this kind of thing interests you, Tully will be doing another Arch Walk for Preservation Idaho on September 29th which will highlight the Fairview Park Neighborhood. Space is limited for the Arch Walks and they often fill up. To register follow this link.

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

This Thursday night is the kickoff Walking Trail Committee Meeting. All are welcome. Rain or shine. Come and find out how you can be involved.

Jeff and Darcy’s – 2400 W Bannock

Potluck at 6pm

Meeting starts at 7:30pm

For all the details see this link…

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.

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 30^th 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.

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.

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