Esther Simplot Site (Undeveloped)
Construction to begin Feb 1st on the 30th Street
Extension Project
Two pedestrian crossings will be maintained throughout
construction - one is located at the back of the Whittier
Elementary School property connecting to the Reflections Apartments
entrance, with another at Pleasanton Avenue, connecting to the
Greenbelt and the pedestrian bridge over the river. Vehicles,
pedestrians and bicyclists will be able to access the Boise River,
Greenbelt, Boise River Park, and businesses in this area by using
Pleasanton Avenue.
Esther Simplot Park is an undeveloped 55-acre park encompassing
17 acres of ponds and 8.9 acres of riparian natural areas.
The park is located between Main Street and Veterans Parkway on
the north side of the Boise River. The north boundary of the site
is adjacent to 31st and Pleasanton streets; the south side borders
the Boise River Greenbelt.
Esther Simplot Park is being developed in conjunction with the
Boise River
Park, an in-river project adjacent to the Boise River
Greenbelt.
A preliminary concept plan for the Esther Simplot
Community Park shows expanded ponds, and a meandering stream.
Natural and paved pathways weave through grassy areas, across
bridges and around islands and picnic shelters.
Park construction is scheduled to begin in late 2012 thanks to
the generosity of the Simplot family.
BACKGROUND
A $1 million gift from J.R. & Esther Simplot in January 2003
allowed the Boise Parks & Recreation Department to complete the
purchase of riverfront property for the future Esther Simplot
Park.
The City of Boise already owned 39 acres, a portion of which was
donated by the Quinn-McEntee family. But thanks to the donation
from the Simplots, the city was able to purchase the remaining 16.5
acres at the former site of the Consolidated Concrete Co.
ESTHER SIMPLOT
Esther Simplot has become synonymous
with the performing arts in Boise since moving here in 1972 as the
wife of industrialist J. R. Simplot.
Her untiring devotion and commitment have included co-founding
the Boise Opera Company and construction in 1992 of the Esther
Simplot Performing Arts Academy and the Academy Annex in 1996.
Esther formed an early appreciation of the arts in her home
state of Wisconsin and graduated magna cum laude from the
University of Indiana with a degree in music. She subsequently
moved to New York City, where she performed with the Riverside
Church Choir, the Canterbury Choral, and the Master Choral, and
sang at Carnegie Recital Hall and the Worlds Fair.
Until his death in 2008, Esther and J.R. Simplot sponsored
numerous artistic efforts. Their commitment to the arts have
enriched the lives of performers and audiences alike throughout the
Treasure Valley.
A Master
Plan is a concept drawing illustrating recreation facilities
and landscape features planned for a park site. It does not
necessarily represent what amenities are currently in a
park.