[ad_1]
Mayor Lauren McLean, members of Boise City Council, the Boise Parks and Recreation Department, and representatives from JA and the Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation and McMillen Jacobs Associates gathered at Kathryn Albertson Park today (September 21, 2021) for a dedication and a ribbon cutting. The event marks the completion of two years of work to update this Ribbon of Jewels Park located just off the Boise River Greenbelt, which serves as a refuge for native wildlife and plants in the heart of the city.
“Kathryn Albertson Park is a great example of how we integrate park and open space into the fabric of our city,” said Mayor McLean. “The focus on promoting native plants, pollinators and habitat in this park update is a prime example of our Objectives of the America the Beautiful initiative and the city’s commitment to thoughtful restoration in our parks and open spaces.
Improvements to Kathryn Albertson Park began in September 2019 and were recently completed just in time for the fall season, one of the most beautiful times to enjoy the nature park.
“I am very happy with the work that has been done to breathe new life into this park after more than 30 years as one of the gems of our Ribbon of Jewels parks located along the River Boise,” said Doug Holloway, Director of Parks and Recreation. “This park is a favorite haunt for wildlife enthusiasts, bird watchers, photographers, and families because of its design and focus on preserving the environment, and these helpful updates will serve park users and the animals that inhabit this urban oasis for decades to come. “
CONTEXT OF THE PROJECT
The focus of the first phase of the park refresh was landscaping with irrigation modifications, converting some areas of open grass to meadows, and installing a boardwalk and gazebos. The reason some areas of grass turf in the park are turning into meadows and pollinator gardens is that one of the goals of this park refresh is to reinforce the identity of Kathryn Albertson Park as an intentionally organized nature park. Grasslands provide improved habitat for native insects, birds and small mammals while also helping to mitigate some of the geese in the park, as a prairie is not their preferred grazing environment.
Phase two of the park updates included improvements to the main entrance to the park next to the parking lot, including a new esplanade with interpretive signs. New demonstration plantings, renovated toilets and a picnic park have also been added to the front lawn of the park. New signage at Kathryn Albertson Park includes orientation and educational elements focusing on the nature, environment and wildlife of the park.
To learn more about the park refresh project and design elements, Click here.
HISTORY OF THE PARK
Kathryn Albertson Park is a 41 acre special purpose park. A haven for wildlife and quiet contemplation, the park features wide paved paths and bookable outdoor gazebos in a beautiful natural setting.
Dedicated on October 17, 1989, Kathryn Albertson Park was donated to Boise and the people of Idaho by Joe and Kathryn Albertson – a unique and treasured treasure tucked away near downtown Boise.
You can find out more about Kathryn Albertson Park on the City of Boise website.
[ad_2]
Source link