Bigger Green Spaces, Deeper Roots: Boise’s Plan for Two New Parks

If you already live in the Treasure Valley or are thinking about relocating here this update from the City of Boise is one of those “quiet but big” stories worth paying attention to. The city is moving forward with acquiring two new parcels of land to expand park access: one a sizable donation in the Foothills, the other a compact but meaningful piece on the Bench. (KTVB)

These acquisitions aren’t just parcels of land, they're signals of what Boise values (and what it’s becoming): more open space, more walking-friendly neighborhoods, and stronger connections between residents and nature. In this post for I Heart City of Trees, we’ll break it all down in plain English what the plan says, why it matters to you, and what questions still linger.

What the Proposal Involves

Here’s what we know so far based on city reports and coverage:

• The first parcel: 44 acres in the Boise Foothills, just above the Warm Springs Golf Course, being donated by the Satz family. The idea is to protect wildlife habitat, expand trail access, and preserve open space near key Foothills reserves. (City of Boise)

  
  

• The second parcel: A very small piece 0.19 acres on Hummel Drive (near Oaklawn Drive) on the Boise Bench, currently a former well site owned by Veolia Water, set to be conveyed to the city at no purchase cost. The plan is for this to become a pocket park, within a 10‑minute walk of roughly 380 residents. (City of Boise)

  
  

• These moves are aligned with the city’s goal of ensuring that most Boiseans live within a 10‑minute walk of a park or green space. City officials have emphasized the “10‑Minute Walk to a Park” ambition. (City of Boise)

  
  

• Funding: For the Foothills parcel, while the land is donated, the city used around $20,000 from the Open Space and Clean Water levy to cover title work and closing fees. (City of Boise)

  
  

• Timing: The city council agenda listed the vote for Tuesday, October 28, 2025 to approve the acquisitions. (KTVB)

  
  

In short: one big chunk of land for future recreation/trails and one small neighborhood‑green space within reach for more residents.

Why This Matters for the Treasure Valley

You might ask, “Okay, but how does this affect me whether I already live here or I’m thinking of moving here?” Great question. Here are the key implications.

1. Improved Access to Green Space

Whether you’re in southeast Boise near the foothills or on the Bench, having parks nearby means more than just trees and grass. Research shows that having a park within walking distance improves mental health, supports physical activity, and boosts community connection. For families, that means easier access to outdoor time with kids or pets without needing to drive 20 minutes.

2. Preserving the Foothills and View Corridors

The 44‑acre donation helps protect the natural edge of Boise where development pressure is real. When a city preserves land instead of letting it be subdivided, it keeps trails, wildlife habitat and views intact. For residents, that can translate into better quality of life and even stronger home‑values by retaining the character we often move here for.

3. Neighborhood Equity: Pocket Parks Matter

The small 0.19‑acre site may seem trivial at first glance but its location matters. On the Bench where park access has historically lagged compared to more affluent or geographically advantaged areas this type of “walk‑to” green space addresses equity. If you’re choosing a neighborhood, or already live there, seeing the city invest in your corner shows that the community isn’t being overlooked.

4. Real Estate and Living Experience

For folks relocating to Idaho: you’ll want to look at more than just the house. What are the nearby amenities? Can you walk to the park? Are there trails? Do you feel connected to the outdoors? This move by Boise signals that the city sees open space and walkability as part of the long‑term plan not just car‑dependent sprawl. That insight should factor into your neighborhood search.

What’s Still Unclear (and What to Watch)

No big urban planning move is without its open questions. Here’s what we still don’t fully know and what you should keep an eye on.

• Usage and Access Plans for the 44‑Acre Foothills Parcel: We know the land is being donated and will be preserved, but the timeline for trail access, parking, amenities (if any) or how much “wild” it will remain hasn’t been detailed yet.

  
  

• Design and Amenities of the Pocket Park: For the Hummel Drive site, what will the park actually look like? Will it be a bench and lawn? Or playground? The article notes it’s intended as a “future park” but doesn’t go deep into design.

  
  

• Maintenance and Operational Costs: Donating land is one thing; maintaining it is another. Will the city levy (tax) funds be sufficient to sustain these spaces long‑term?

• Neighborhood Input and Equity Oversight: Will the Bench neighborhood have input into the pocket park design? Will the city ensure it serves all residents fairly and avoids unintended consequences (eg: gentrification or parking stress)?

  
  

• Connectivity and Trails: Especially for the foothills parcel how will it tie into existing systems like the Ridge to Rivers trail network? How accessible will it be? Is there parking or transit access considered?

What Locals and Future Movers Should Watch

Whether you’re planting roots here or still weighing the move, these are actionable ways to stay engaged and informed:

• Attend Council/Planning Meetings: The next Boise City Council meeting includes the vote for the acquisitions. If you care about access, trails or green space, consider tuning in or attending. (City of Boise)

  
  

• Track the Open Space & Clean Water Levy: Boise’s ability to buy and maintain land depends on this kind of funding. The 2025 levy will allow land purchases in foothills and across the city. (boisedev.com)

  
  

• Neighborhood Involvement: For those on the Bench or near the Foothills, join local neighborhood associations or parks committees to shape how these spaces turn out.

  
  

• Consider Walkability in Home Search: If moving here ask about “minutes to park” or existing green‑space access. The fact that Boise is explicitly targeting “10‑minute walk” adds value to homes near future parks.

  
  

• Think Beyond Recreation Think Habitat and Nature: For the Foothills site, part of the value is wildlife and habitat preservation not just trails. That impacts views, ecosystems and quality of life.

For Someone Considering Moving to Idaho

If you’re thinking of relocating to the Treasure Valley, this kind of development is one more data point: Boise cares about green space, about walkability, and about neighborhoods. That matters when you're choosing where to live.

Here’s how to apply this news:

• Look at neighborhoods near water/wildlife/open space. These tend to hold value and quality of life.

• Consider future‑proofing: even if a park isn’t built yet, if it’s planned and planned well, that’s a plus.

• Ask: “How close is the nearest park?” “Is there trail access?” “Is this area underserved by green space currently?” These questions matter.

• Recognize trade‑offs: More green space often means stricter land use rules, possibly fewer build‑outs, maybe higher home costs but also better long‑term living experience.

Vision for How This Could Play Out

Imagine an afternoon: You finish work in Boise, hop on a nearby trail from the Foothills parcel, ride toward the Ridge to Rivers system, and end up overlooking the city. Or you live on the Bench, and instead of driving to a big park, you stroll 5‑10 minutes to a quiet neighborhood green spot where kids play and neighbors gather. That’s the kind of city Boise is signaling it wants to be.

By securing both a large “future trail/hills” site and a hyper‑local “walk to green spot,” the city is balancing the wide‑open Idaho feel with the walkable, close‑to‑home convenience many movers look for.

Final Thoughts

When cities talk about acquiring land for parks, it can sound like bureaucratic tech talk but for the people who live there (or want to live there), it’s deeply meaningful. These two parcels may seem modest, one big, one very small but together, they reflect Boise’s dual identity: mountain‑front outdoors and neighborhood‑rooted community.

For Treasure Valley locals, it’s a tip of the hat to our outdoor heritage and neighborhoods. For newcomers, it’s another signal: Boise isn’t just about houses and valleys; it’s about green space, access, and quality of life.

If you’re looking for a place where you can step outside your door and be somewhere both “connected” and “natural,” these moves matter.

Want to stay on top of stories like this open space, parks, trails and what they mean for life in Boise and the Treasure Valley? Follow @iHeartCityOfTrees for local updates, analysis, maps, and more.