A 10-Minute Walk to Nature: How Boise is Building Parks for Everyone

Park access isn’t just about leisure—it’s about health, equity, and community connection. Studies show that access to green spaces reduces stress and improves physical well-being. That’s why Boise continues to invest in smarter park planning, focusing on underrepresented areas using data-driven mapping tools. From small parcels like the new Welford Avenue and Fry Street sites to thoughtful upgrades of existing parks, the city's evolving park strategy meets growing population needs with smaller, more functional, and more inclusive spaces.

Boise’s approach isn’t about replicating the parks of the past—it’s about reimagining public space for the future. The city is prioritizing accessibility, innovation, and community input to make sure every neighborhood has a green space within a short walk.

Why Park Access Matters

Boise already maintains over 100 developed parks and is ranked 19th in the nation for park access. So why continue investing time and resources into this effort? The answer is simple: parks improve quality of life. According to the National Recreation and Park Association, access to parks and green spaces has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while also improving physical health outcomes like blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Recognizing this, the City of Boise sees parks not as amenities, but as vital infrastructure. “We want a city that encompasses everybody,” says Doug Holloway, Director of Boise Parks and Recreation. That means designing green spaces with a focus on inclusion, accessibility, and community engagement.

Smarter Parks for Growing Neighborhoods

Boise’s population has grown by more than 9% in the last decade, making it more challenging to find undeveloped land for traditional large parks. That’s why the city is adapting its park planning strategy to fit the realities of urban growth. Instead of the old model—five to seven-acre parks with restrooms, shelters, and playgrounds—Boise is now focusing on smaller, more adaptable spaces that reflect the needs of individual neighborhoods.

To identify which neighborhoods need parks the most, Boise uses advanced GIS mapping tools provided by the Trust for Public Land. These tools allow the city to locate park “deserts” and target areas where residents currently don’t have walkable access to open space. This strategy also guides real estate acquisition efforts and helps the city form partnerships with private landowners to preserve what little undeveloped land remains.

Two recent examples of this approach are the Welford Avenue and Fry Street park sites. Both are under one acre and located in high-priority areas where traditional park development isn’t feasible. Still, together they’ll bring nearly 6,000 residents across 2,700 households within walking distance of a park.

The Future of Parks in Boise

As Boise continues to grow, the city’s parks will continue to evolve. While older parks like Ann Morrison and Julia Davis sprawl across dozens of acres, newer spaces will likely be smaller and more focused on community-specific needs—like accessible pathways, pollinator gardens, or shaded gathering spots. The goal is to make every park a place where people of all ages and abilities can connect, play, and recharge.

“Having a public outdoor space is the most important component to create a community within a neighborhood,” says Holloway. Boise’s commitment to this vision ensures that no matter where you live in the city, you’re never too far from nature—and from making a new memory.