Boise Parks and Recreation

09/10/2026

Soon the City of Trees will start showing its true fall colors 🍂 From Hawkins Range Reserve to Cottonwood Creek, there are many beautiful places to explore in the Boise Foothills.

Bookmark this webpage and check out fall color hikes and rides recommended by our Ridge to Rivers trail team throughout the season: https://www.ridgetorivers.org/trail-guide/fall-colors/

Photo: Fall Colors in Military Reserve (October 2024)

09/09/2026

🎨Art in the Park returns Friday, September 11 in Julia Davis Park! Hosted by the Boise Art Museum, this three-day, open-air festival features more than 200 talented artists. Visit the park to browse booths, purchase artwork and other handmade goods, and more.

Please note, parking is extremely limited in Julia Davis Park during the event. Click here for more information and to view the full schedule and parking information from event organizers: https://boiseartmuseum.org/art-in-the-park/

09/09/2026

FEEDBACK OPPORTUNITY REMINDER 📢 Boise Parks and Recreation is considering converting Owyhee Park’s tennis courts into pickleball courts to help meet growing demand for pickleball play in Boise by providing more equitable access to dedicated courts. The tennis courts at Owyhee Park (3400 E. Elder Street on the Bench) have been identified as a possibility for court conversion due to the location of the courts within the park and in relation to nearby residences, along with the ambient noise from I-84 and local traffic.

There are two court conversion options that could be adopted by city leaders following public input: a full conversion to 12 pickleball courts, or a hybrid conversion to half tennis courts and half pickleball courts.

The court conversion options will be presented to the Boise Parks and Recreation Commission at next meeting scheduled for September 16 & 17, 2026. We want to hear from you! Fill out the online submission form for the Parks and Recreation Commission to consider your testimony if you haven't done so already: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/62DKVPR

09/08/2026

Our thoughts are with Zoo Boise ❤️ Claudia will be deeply missed.

We are heartbroken to share that Claudia, our beloved sarus crane, passed away yesterday at the age of 37.

Claudia was born on July 14, 1989, and came to Zoo Boise in April 2006. For more than 20 years, she was a familiar presence at the zoo, and many guests may remember her for her impressive dancing and unmistakably loud calls. A necropsy and laboratory testing will be conducted. However, results may take some time.

Life expectancies for sarus cranes are around 15 years in the wild and up to 40 years under human care. Sarus cranes are found in parts of Asia and Australia and are currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Claudia will be greatly missed by the Zoo Boise team and by the many guests who got to know her over the years.

Zoo Boise is a division of Boise Parks and Recreation.

09/08/2026

Join the Boise Police Department and partners for a special All Abilities Welcome event at Ann Morrison Park on Saturday, September 12! This sensory-friendly environment is designed for members of the disability community to connect with local first responders and civil servants in a relaxed, supportive environment. Pop-by the shelter inside the park between 10 a.m. and noon for fun activities, giveaways and more!

Click here for additional event details: https://www.cityofboise.org/events/police/2026/september/all-abilities-welcome/

09/07/2026

9/9/2026 Update: The bonded rubber surfacing work was delayed by one day. Our team is finishing up these improvements and the playground will reopen Thursday afternoon (September 10th). Thanks for your patience!
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Heads up, West Boise! The playground at Cottonwood Park is scheduled to be closed this Tuesday and Wednesday (September 8 & 9) for resurfacing. Thanks for your understanding while this important maintenance project is completed.

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day, Boise! Today marks the final day to take advantage of shuttle bus service from Ann Morrison Park and gear rentals in Barber Park during the official 2026 Float the Boise River season! These services are coordinated by vendor Boise River Raft & Tube. Equipment rentals are open today until 6 p.m. Click here to view the holiday schedule and coordinate your float trip: https://www.floattheboise.org/pages/parking-rental

Please plan ahead for weather conditions. At current river flows, it takes up to three hours to complete the six-mile float from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park. Be safe and have fun!

09/06/2026

Thanks for splashing with us all summer long, Boise! As a reminder, Boise park splash pads, misters, the Grove Plaza fountain and the interactive fountain in Ann Morrison Park will end their seasonal run on Tuesday, September 8 (the final day of operations is Labor Day). Here's to cooler temperatures and the start of fall in the City of Trees 🌳

Photo: Ann Morrison Park Interactive Fountain

09/04/2026

One last weekend to Float the Boise River if you don't mind some cooler temps! We’re heading into the final days of the official 2026 float season, so if you’ve been waiting to squeeze in one more trip down the Boise River, now’s your chance. Monday, September 7 (Labor Day) is the final day Float the Boise services are offered including shuttles and gear rentals in Barber Park coordinated by vendor Boise River Raft & Tube.

Labor Day Weekend Hours of Operation
• Services open today through Monday (Sept. 4-7)
• Fee Parking at Barber Park: 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Rentals at Barber Park: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Shuttles: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. departing Ann Morrison Park every 20 minutes

Please note, there is NO PARKING in Ann Morrison Park all day on Friday, Sept. 4 due to the Spirit Of Boise Balloon Classic event.

Visit floattheboise.org for important safety reminders and floater tips. Here's to one more safe and enjoyable weekend on the river!

09/03/2026

REMINDER: There is no parking all day tomorrow, Friday, September 4 in Ann Morrison Park due to the Spirit Of Boise Balloon Classic morning launch and evening Nite Glow Spectacular (events are weather permitting and updates will be shared by organizers). Please plan ahead and thank you for your cooperation as we work to keep visitors and participating pilots safe! Visit the official Spirit of Boise website for additional event information: https://spiritofboise.com/

Wondering how weather could impact various events? We recommend checking Spirit of Boise social media accounts (including Instagram) for updates before you head to the park! Local news stations have also been sharing daily updates.