Esther Simplot Park is the new gem in Boise’s “String of Pearls” park system through the generosity of the Simplot Family.

In 2003 J.R. & Esther Simplot gave the City of Boise a $1 million gift that allowed Boise Parks & Recreation to purchase a former gravel and concrete plant property on the Boise River for a future Esther Simplot Park. The city had previously acquired 39 acres in 1992, a portion of which was donated by the Quinn-McEntee family. The majority of the purchase became the 32 acre Bernadine Quinn Riverside Park which is commonly referred to as Quinn’s Pond, which is 22 acres in size. Thanks to the 2003 donation from the Simplot Family, the city was able to purchase the remaining 16.5 acres at the former site of the Consolidated Concrete Co.

The 55-acre Esther Simplot Park site encompasses over 23 acres of ponds for fishing, wading, canoeing, paddleboarding and swimming. The park features trails, docks, wetlands, boardwalks, shelters, grassy open areas, a playground, bridges and restrooms.

Funding for development of the park has been provided by the Simplot Foundation with Scott and Maggie Simplot leading the way.

One of the key features of the park is a “meandering stream” that connects the park’s two ponds with Quinn’s Pond creating a circuit for paddling that encompasses a total of over 50 acres. Plus it creates an interface with the Boise River Park as well as Veteran’s Memorial Park further downstream with its approximately 74 acres including another 21 acres of ponds and waterways. This brings to almost 69 acres of navigable ponds.

For more about Esther Simplot Park and on-water activities – click here!