Ray Neef, MD River Recreation Park: Boise, ID

RESTORING A RIPARIAN ECOSYSTEM

A Neglected River Becomes a Gem for the Whitewater State – The Boise River as it flows through downtown Boise was in bad shape.  Now, the Boise River Recreation and Management Plan—developed with Friends of the Park and State and Federal natural resource agencies, is revitalizing the river. The McLaughlin Whitewater Design Group has worked with the City of Boise to design a whitewater park that promotes both land-based recreation and whitewater boating.

Restoring Wildlife Habitat and Providing a Natural Place to Gather

“The River Recreation Park is playing a central role in the economic redevelopment of this area of Boise while increasing river safety and providing healthy recreation alternatives for the citizens of Boise. The McLaughlin Whitewater Design Team members have proven themselves to be innovative engineers capable of finding creative solutions to various design challenges.”

- Tom Governale, Superintendent of Parks, Boise Parks and Recreation

“The Boise River Recreation Park is redefining a portion of the Boise River that has been neglected for years,” notes Jo Cassin, co-owner of Idaho River Sports, the city’s paddling shop that she and co-owner Stan Colby relocated to be near the whitewater park. “An old concrete plant, slaughter house and dumping grounds left the area dirty, polluted and unsafe. This project will protect the existing banks from erosion, restore riparian areas, and improve fish and wildlife habitat while providing the community with a natural place to gather.”

The whitewater park designed by MWDG

• Reduced a severe hazard to provide year-round, high quality recreation
• Adjusts to varying water flows with the assistance of patented Wave ShaperTM technology
• Meets the Thurman Mill Canal District’s irrigation needs
• Serves a variety of recreational river enthusiasts, including kayakers and board surfers

Services Provided – Conceptual Alternatives / Public Input / Physical Model / Preliminary and Final Design

Learn more about this exciting project at the Ray Neef, MD Boise River Recreation Park website.