Veterans Park Neighborhood Association

Construction on the Ray Neef River Recreation Park has been progressing very well. The river which had been diverted through Quinns Pond is now back in the natural channel so most of the in-river work is completed. To read more from a recent article from  the Statesman click here.

A few pictures from the Whitewater Park Construction Party. Thanks to Idaho River Sports for hosting the event, McAlvain Construction for offering tours and Capital High School for making a model that brought the project to life.

Above – Capital High School students created this model of the whitewater park.

Above: Next generation testing out the 2 adjustable wave shapers

Above: Cross-section of crest control mechanism. Height of crest controlled by black air bladder.

Above: Walter McBrier, the McAlvain Construction project manager, at the project site where the Boise River has been diverted through Quinn’s Pond. Steel wall is being driven into river channel to prevent undermining of the new diversion dam and wave shapers.

Above: Crane sitting in Boise River Channel downstream of the new diversion dam. The play waves will be located near location of crane. Equipment should be out of river by January 1st.

Everyone is invited to a “Construction Party” being hosted by McAlvain Construction, the City of Boise, and Idaho River Sports this Saturday (11/12/11). This is a celebration of Phase 1 construction of the Boise River Recreation Park.

Location: Idaho River Sports
Time: 10 am to 2 pm.

Walter McBrier, the McAlvain Construction project manager, will be there in the morning to give tours and answer questions about project and the construction. Since it is a construction site, anyone taking the tour is required to wear closed toe shoes and a limited number of hardhats and vests will be available for each tour. Come early to make sure you get on a tour of the site! If you haven’t seen it the construction site is truly something, the Boise River has been diverted through Quinn’s Pond leaving the river channel dry and under construction.

You will also have the opportunity to see the “waveshapper model” built by Centennial High School students, which demonstrates how the waveshapper will provide water to irrigators while also providing an adjustable wave for playing on the river in kayaks, surf boards, canoes and inner tubes. Walt, Friends of the River Park, and Boise City Park and Rec Staff will be on hand to discuss this exciting project. Idaho River sports will be providing hot chili and hot apple cider to warm you up after the tour. Call 336-4844 for more information.

 The Planning and Zoning Commission Monday night approved a river system permit for the first phase of the whitewater park, which will include widening the river bank and replacing of the Thurman Mill Diversion. A spokeswoman for Boise Parks and Recreation tells us that crews will begin preparing the site Tuesday. The Greenbelt will be closed as early as Wednesday when construction would begin.

 The permit allows for clearing and excavation of the river bank at the site and for improvements associated with the replacement of the Thurman Mill Diversion and construction of the first phase of the park. The future park site is located near 3400 W. Pleasanton Ave. west of downtown Boise between Main Street and Veteran’s Memorial Park.

During the five-month construction project, the Greenbelt will be closed on the north side of the river from Main Street to the Pleasanton spur and the 36th Street pedestrian bridge. Signs mark a pedestrian detour around the construction zone.  At more than 100 years old, the existing Thurman Mill diversion is in serious disrepair. Over the years, the structure has created a public safety hazard resulting from a dangerous hydraulic situation at most river flows. The project includes replacement of the aging diversion and construction of a new fully automated structure that will allow for in-river recreation activities.

To take advantage of low water in the Boise River, crews are scheduled to work 10-hour days from 7 a.m. to 6p.m. six days a week, Mondays through Saturdays, for up to three months. Construction may be noisy and require lighting for after-hours work. Improvements will include widening of the river bank, which also will be heavily armored to add stability and reconfigured to allow the public to sit and observe the river and the users of the water park.

In other news… boulders from Bogus Basin will be used in River Park

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.

Great news from an email sent from Friends of Boise Parks…

RIVER RECREATION PARK A HIGHLIGHT OF MAYOR BIETER’S STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS.

The Simplot family will fund construction of Esther Simplot Park and will launch the project next winter with facilities to support the adjacent Boise River Recreation Park, Boise Mayor David H. Bieter announced in his May 18 State of the City Address.

Mayor Bieter praised the Simplot family for moving forward to develop Esther Simplot Park, a 55-acre parcel along the Boise River west of Main Street. The Simplot family donated $1 million in 2003 to complete the purchase of the park. But its development had been considered a later phase after the River Recreation Park was developed and subject to additional fund raising.

The Simplots will move forward with a comprehensive master plan for Esther Simplot Park and will fund construction of the park. They will start next winter by building an access road, parking lot and restroom facilities in tandem with the River Recreation Park.

“This is one of the most significant donations in the history of the Boise parks system,” the mayor said. “And in addition to dollars injected into our local economy, it means that the redevelopment jump-start this area needs will happen that much sooner.”

Construction of Phase I of the Boise River Recreation Park will continue in the fall and is scheduled for completion spring 2012.  Phase I includes the rebuilding of the Thurman Mill diversion to include patented Wave Shaper technology.  Phase II of the park includes downstream water features and is in the planning stages pending agreements with downstream water users.

UPCOMING EVENTS TO HIGHLIGHT THE RIVER REC PARK

6/18/11, Steve Fisher Film: “Halo Effect” – Raffle proceeds to benefit the Boise River Recreation Park. The Egyptian Theater, 7:30 – 11 pm. www.egyptiantheatre.net.

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

From the Idaho Statesman 4/6/2011

BY CYNTHIA SEWELL - cmsewell@idahostatesman.com

By this time next year, river rats should be cavorting in the city’s new whitewater park.

Without the $950,000 infusion from the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation, the city might have missed the narrow window to do the in-river construction work this fall and winter, which would have delayed the project another year.

“It is very gratifying to see visions like this one become reality,” said J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation executive director Jamie MacMillan.

The donation brings the foundation’s total gift to the city’s Ray Neef MD Boise River Recreation Park to $1.7 million, more than half of the estimated $2.8 million cost for the project’s initial work.

This fall, after river and irrigation canal water levels drop, crews will demolish the aging Thurman Mill diversion dam and replace it with a state-of-the-art computerized diversion dam and two “wave shapers” — features that will provide boaters waves of varying difficulty year-round. Water features also will include in-river drops, chutes and boulder obstacles as well as riverbank seating.

Construction on the first set of planned river features should be complete by spring 2012.

So far, $1.2 million worth of design, engineering and site preparation work has been done. The city of Boise has allocated $850,000.

In addition to the Albertson Foundation’s gifts, the Friends of the Park, an organization of boating enthusiasts and civic leaders, has raised almost $1 million in cash and pledges.

The river recreation park, located upstream of Veterans Memorial Park, is one of the central elements of the city’s new plan for the larger 30th Street area. Other upcoming improvements include a new 30th Street extension and two additional riverside parks — the Esther Simplot and Bernardine Quinn parks.

The new 36th Street footbridge at the whitewater park connects to Garden City’s waterfront district and is already receiving a lot of foot and bike traffic, according to Idaho River Sports co-owner Jo Cassin.

In 2005, Cassin and partner Stan Kolby moved their business from Hyde Park to 3100 W. Pleasanton Ave., to be closer to the Boise River and the river recreation park.

“This section of the city is going to be absolutely beautiful,” said Kolby.
Read more:

Funding for the River Recreation Park got a big bump today. Here are the highlights…

Thank you Albertson Family!

March 21, 2011 VPNA Annual Meeting: Mark your calendar for the evening of March 21st, 2011 when we will hold our annual neighborhood meeting. Place and time to be announced.

November 2010 Help the City Re-name 30th Street Extension: To find out more read this document. If you have ideas, please forward them to us. The city will be conducting a survey soon to vote on names, more info will follow.

November 4th, 2010 Bridge Update from Parks and Rec: “I’m sure you’ve guessed it… Yes, the bridge has been delayed again. Apparently the original trucking company had some issues, so a new one is in the works and apparently it takes a long time to get permits to haul an oversized load.  Anyway, it is to arrive next week with installation to follow the week of the 15th. We have had some complaints that the detour we have indicated to the Garden City side is actually closed.  We will be closing the Boise Greenbelt between the Pleasanton spur and Veteran’s Park while the bridge is placed and the following three weeks to install the ramp.”

October 29th, 2010 Bridge Update: Exciting news! The delivery of the pedestrian bridge crossing the river at the end of Pleasanton is planned for November 4th and 5th.  They will set it the first half of the following week. The Greenbelt will be close beginning the 8th and will be closed downstream of the Pleasanton spur for approximately 3 weeks to install the bridge and build the new Greenbelt.  The Greenbelt will be closed on the Garden City side until the bridge is set, but will be open once the bridge is in place.

October 28th, 2010 Jordan Street Garden News: We capped off the season with our Jordan Street Garden Fall Clean-up party yesterday.  With the help of the gardeners and some fantastic volunteers from Idaho Power’s Green Team, we brought a perfect end to our second successful year. Read more…