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• Boise Parks & Recreation Home
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• Kathryn Albertson Park

Kathryn Albertson Park is a 41-acre special use park located near downtown Boise. A haven for wildlife and quiet contemplation, the park features wide, paved footpaths and reservable outdoor gazebos in a beautiful natural setting.

Our park map illustrates the location of walking paths, gazebos, restrooms and other amenities.

Colorful, informative signs inlaid in large rocks describe wildlife and environmental themes throughout the park. Highlights also include ponds, a fountain, a variety of mature trees and native vegetation, and glimpses of wildlife, including nesting waterfowl, herons, song birds, and deer.

The park is named for Kathryn McCurry Albertson, a Boise native who met her future husband, Joe Albertson, at the College of Idaho. Joe Albertson was the founder of Albertsons Inc.

To learn more about the design and special features of Kathryn Albertson Park, see our two-sided 8 1/2 x 11 brochure.

Colin Mansfield created Boise Parks for his Eagle Scout project, with the express intent of providing information so that you can more completely appreciate our parks, and their amazing history. 

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Dogs

Due to waterfowl and wildlife nesting, dogs are prohibited in Kathryn Albertson Park from March 1 - June 30. Outside of this time, dogs are required to be kept on leash.

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Habitat

Vegetation in the park was chosen for its diversity in plant size, growth, and type. The plants offer food from the ground level to tree tops as well as nesting cover and protection.

Shallow ponds warm quickly in spring and stimulate the growth of aquatic insects and plants, which in turn become food for many kinds of wildlife. Islands in the ponds offer loafing and roosting spots for ducks and shelter nesting birds from predators.

Sodded lawn, one-third of the total park area, creates an open space and tempts the palates of species such as Canadian geese, pigeons, and rabbits. 

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History & Features

A bit of history can be found while walking around the park.

The Rookery, a gazebo named after a place where birds breed or congregate, sports the red tile roof that formerly topped Albertson's first supermarket, which opened in Boise in 1939. Supporting the roof are broad beams from an airport hangar previously located where Boise State University now stands, and once visited by Charles Lindbergh.

Designed as an outdoor classroom, The Rookery's displays depict wetland habitat, endangered species, bird adaptations, and riparian management. Although most of the rock used in this park is Boise sandstone, inlaid in the floor of The Rookery are small, reddish granite stones imported from Germany. Adjacent to The Rookery is a cross-section of the world's largest ponderosa pine tree, estimated to be 376 years old.

The second gazebo, The Eyrie, was named after the nest of a bird prey. The impressive stone and beam construction of The Rookery is repeated here. You will find a rustic, lean-to roof of huge rounded beams and specially milled split cedar poles. The roof and walls frame a secluded alcove with stone benches that face an arrangement of massive sandstone fountains.

The bird-related names of the gazebos are fitting, as bird watchers will discover. The presence and songs of the birds are an ongoing delight, and highlight any visit to the park. California Quail, Buffleheads, Great Blue Herons, Mallards and Yellowheaded Blackbirds are some of the more commonly sighted and heard birds.

• American Nurseyman magazine article March 15, 1993
• BOISE magazine article Siblings: Ann Morrison and Kathryn Albertson parks
• Idaho Statesman article: The landscape architect behind one of Boise's most beautiful park

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Kathryn Albertson

Kathryn McCurry, a Boise native, met her future husband Joe Albertson, founder of Albertsons, Inc., at the College of Idaho. It was during a chemistry class that she spilled an acid solution on her leg, and Joe came to her rescue. They were married on New Year's Day in 1930.

Kathryn's unassuming attitude has kept her out of the spotlight, but not from being the light in many lives. Her inner strength and caring garner repeated praise, as have the Albertsons' generous donations to Albertson College of Idaho, Boise State University, and other institutions.

Dedicated on October 17, 1989, Kathryn Albertson Park was donated to Boise and the people of Idaho by Joe and Kathryn Albertson -- unique and precious treasure.

The park was designed to be an attractive home for resident and migratory wildlife in downtown Boise.

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Wildlife

Kathryn Albertson Park houses a multitude of animal life. The most easily spotted are the many varieties of birds. Waterfowl, song and game birds, owls, and herons have found their own niches in the park.

Many animals share the water with the ducks and other birds. Salamanders, painted and boxed turtles can be seen as well as bullfrogs which can often be heard. Raccoons, beavers, rabbits, and voles can be found in the park. Red foxes sometimes visit, too.

Many birds and mammals are inactive during the day, so early morning and evening are the best times to observe wildlife. Sudden movements and excessive noise cause most animals to flee and hide, so listen, move quietly, look closely-the most interesting things in nature take place right under your nose.

 

 

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