On the Greenbelt

By David Proctor

As an adjunct to the book A Pathway of Dreams, On the Greenbelt is a travel guide to the Boise Greenbelt path system, a system much-loved by users but one that is not always as easy to navigate as it may appear. The Greenbelt, after all, is part of a growing and changing Ada County. In the course of its construction and expansion, accommodations had to be made – and continue to be made – for such things as the course of the river and its channels, existing property uses, construction projects, roadways, the safety of its users and the desires of the municipalities through which it runs. The changes can come quickly, which can result in a bit of an adventure for someone unfamiliar with all the options the Greenbelt trails offer.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Randy Stapilus
• Release date: Apr 25, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311029119

Book preview

Introduction

The Boise River Greenbelt is one of the city’s major points of pride, and deservedly so. Its creation was a major achievement, it sets an example for cities across the country and it has become the sparkling chain upon which hang the city’s Ribbon of Jewels – an enviable and still-growing park system that helps make Boise one of the most livable cities in America.

And to the great credit of all concerned, the Greenbelt no longer stops at the Boise city limits or with the Boise city parks. It is now possible to travel from its most eastern point, Lucky Peak State Park in Ada County, west through Boise, Garden City and the city of Eagle to State Highway 44. With these additions to Boise’s original path, the Greenbelt now measures 21 miles end to end and comprises 57 miles of trail on both sides of the river, including all access roads and divided paths.

The ultimate dream of many Greenbelt supporters is to extend the path west all the way to the Snake River, though the shorter-term goal of the Boise River Trail Foundation is Eagle Island State Park.

Since the idea was conceived in the early 1960s, the Greenbelt has become an integral part of life in the greater Boise area. Its paved paths offer access to the river, a wide variety of parks that offer everything from shade for naps to kayaking, from a non-motorized commute to exercise stations and playgrounds. There are also history lessons along the path for walkers, runners, cyclists, rollerbladers, skateboarders and those in wheelchairs. For walkers and runners there are also unpaved pathways through natural areas that feature abundant wildlife.

As an adjunct to the book A