Quinn’s Pond’s formal name is Bernardine Quinn Riverside Park! Quinn’s Pond is a wonderful paddling pond next to the Boise River and Boise River Park next to the new Esther Simplot Park complex.

Location: 603 N. Whitewater Park Blvd.

Description

Bernardine Quinn Riverside Park is an undeveloped park located north of the Boise River between Fairview Avenue and Veterans Parkway, and is dominated by a 22-acre pond. Adjacent to the Greenbelt, the park will include fishing docks, a small beach area for canoe landings, and picnic area with a shelter. Currently, there is one handicap accessible dock on the South end and 2 ramps on the North side at Quinn’s Pond.

A waterway has been engineered and built to connect Quinn’s Pond and the two ponds inside Esther Simplot Park. This waterway helps to improve water quality and wildlife habitat, as well as provide expanded flatwater recreation opportunities, such as stand up paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, etc. Previously the site of the gravel operation for the Quinn Robbins construction company. Land for the park was donated to the City of Boise in 1997.

Rentals and Facilities

Canoe, kayak and stand up paddleboard (SUP) rentals are available at Idaho River Sports!

Bernardine Quinn

Bernardine Quinn, a native of La Crosse, Wisconsin, moved to Boise in 1910 after her father established a cleaning supply firm in the City of Trees. A graduate of St. Teresa’s Academy, Bernardine later served as secretary of the Boise Chamber of Commerce.

In 1924, Bernardine married Maurice Harold Quinn, founder of the Quinn Robbins heavy construction company. A longtime member of the Catholic Women’s League, Bernardine was active in the church throughout her life. She was also involved in civic organizations, including the Silver Sage Council of the Girl Scouts and St. Alphonsus Hospital Auxiliary.

Boise’s Urban Paddling & Surfing Center

Quinn’s Pond is part of Boise’s urban paddling and watersports center. The Boise River stretch of the Boise River Park runs 1,900 feet from just above Quinn’s Pond down river to Veteran’s Memorial Park. All four ponds that are spread out between Bernadine Quinn and Veterans Parks will be interconnected and provide new and unique paddling and recreational opportunities.