Municipal Park-A small gem in a growing city
by GranpaVee on 04/20/08 at 2:16 pm
The 28 acre park, was constructed in the early 1900’s as a tourist campground. As a young boy, my dad would take us there for family reunions and birthday celebrations. (Large events can reserve the Main shelter area).
Stone fireplaces & pick nick areas, with names like Burr Oak and Poplar are used for barbecuing and dot the area. Six water fountains and two restrooms are nearby, not to mention the softball field and new playground equipment. (Call ahead to reserve pick nick areas, or the main shelter).
I often transport busloads of school kids to the park, where they eat lunch and play, after field trips. I use the park between routes, to have lunch or walk. We take our grandkids to the playground during the weekends, and I have a special interest in photography. (See My Secret Spot, last paragraph).
Several roads lead into the park from Walnut Street and parallel each other. The main entrance is a paved road which leads to the main shelter, main restrooms and two parking areas-one in front of the main shelter and a larger one to the west.
The gravel road leads to several more fireplaces at the far end of the park, as well as a turnaround next to the Boise River Greenbelt. (You can access the rest of the extensive greenbelt by walking or biking). I often see people unloading strollers or bikes in this area. (Although people park along both roads, heed the no parking signs )!
If you think you took the wrong road, don’t worry. There is a short gravel access road that curves east to west between the two, just before you turn right to reach the main shelter and restrooms.
The softball diamond is located adjacent to Walnut Street at the front of the park. Several fireplaces, a water fountain and pick nick tables are nearby, as well as a secondary restroom. (Softball field use is first come first serve basis).
Driving up the main paved entrance road, you will notice a plethora of majestic tree’s that shade the park during the summer. Halfway up the entrance you will see the new red and yellow safety playground area, that replaced the rusty swings we used to play on as kids.
Parking in the west lot, we walk over to the playground via the concrete path that leads from there. Swings, slides and assorted play equipment are available for kids aged 2-12. There is plenty of seating to watch the kids or grandkids. The main shelter and restrooms are back by the main parking area, a secondary restroom is nearby.
My Secret Spot
It really isn’t secret, but during the winter months I basically had it to myself. If you walk west from the main parking lot, towards the Willow site-you will spot a small wooden swinging gate. If you enter the gate, you will encounter a wonder world of native plants and animals. Things you may encounter will be a pond, ducks, Blue Heron, Geese, wild birds, beaver, muskrat, and an occasional tourist with a camera! (Hint: Peer over the bridge to see the giant trout below!!)
From there you can bear right to explore the rest of the Nature center or bear left over the bridge, back to the greenbelt. I have taken well over 500 photographs in this area alone.
I’m sure you will enjoy Municipal Park as much as my family has for years!
Located at 500 S. Walnut St., Boise, Idaho
Directions
Municipal Park Reservations & Fee’s
Wheelchair Accessible Tables at most sites.
Power: All sites have 110v outlets/20 amp breakers.
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