Walk In The Park

Join us in our vision of the future and a tour through the Second Century of Julia Davis Park:

The Rotary Grand Plaza is where we meet for our walk.  Located in the alleé stretching from the Boise Art Museum to Zoo Boise, it is a natural gathering place.  In size, it is similar to the Boise Centre on the Grove, but shaded by trees and dotted with cut stone benches and low walls, this space feels more intimate – an extension of the natural landscape.

From here, we turn to face the Boise River.  The scent of roses reaches us from the Rose Garden on our right.  Behind us, a statue of Julia Davis beckons other visitors.  Animal cries from the Zoo occasionally join in the chorus from delighted school children disembarking buses to tour the Idaho History Museum, the Black History Museum and the Discovery Center of Idaho.  Before us lies the Agriculture Pavilion and Plaza, an open air structure with picnic tables and a restroom.  Today, the space hosts a bustling family reunion.  We’ll return later to visit its displays on Idaho agriculture and industry, and explore the plaza surface, impressioned with brands from local ranches.

We proceed along the History Walk, and I point out vignettes along the way that describe the development of our community, and the figures from our history whose vision and insight play a role in the quality of life we each enjoy today.

Ahead, in the screen of trees that separates park from river, a window seems to open, drawing us from verdant shade to the River Habitat Node along the bubbling Boise River.  Small children exclaim here over duck and fish sightings.  They wave at passing rafters.  We enjoy the view from our bench, and after a short interlude, join commuters on the Boise Greenbelt to continue on our journey.

Traveling east along the Greenbelt, we follow the zoo perimeter and pass tennis courts. Here in the expanse of lawn, students languish in dappled sunlight, on break from classes at neighboring Boise State University.  Ahead and to our left we are drawn to a pond, and its charming Children’s Pavilion cantilevered over shimmering depths.  Paddleboats crisscross on the water.  We’ll turn and continue on to the RA Bloch Plaza and Pavilion, replete with art and inspiration. This is a quiet place, designed for meditation and reflection for those upon a journey.  It will be where we end our tour of the Second Century of Julia Davis Park.