Boise families gathered Friday morning as the Idaho Botanical Garden officially opened the first phase of a 10‑acre expansion. The project, the largest physical transformation in the garden’s 24‑year history, increases the developed footprint from 15 to 25 acres.
What the Expansion Adds
The new space includes a Parking Garden, the Borbonus Family Educational Arboretum and a sizable Event Lawn funded by Regence BlueShield of Idaho. Additional pathways, accessible areas and infrastructure have been installed to support future gardens and facilities.
Community Impact
Boise City Council Member Jimmy Hallyburton noted that the ideas behind the expansion have been years in the making. “Erin, the director, has been working and thinking about this for years, solving parking issues and creating new gathering places,” he said. He emphasized that the garden already draws more than 140,000 visitors annually, and the added space will give families, students and concert‑goers more room to learn, worship, and enjoy the outdoors.
Hallyburton highlighted the garden’s role as a year‑round gathering spot, from concerts to the beloved Winter Garden aGlow holiday lights display. The new entrance and plaza will give the Winter Garden a larger canvas, enhancing the experience for longtime attendees.
Future Plans
Phase One also sets the stage for a permanent, year‑round home for the Boise Farmers Market, which will begin moving onto the property this November. Long‑term plans include a Visitor & Education Center, an Events Center, a Therapeutic Garden, a Culinary Garden, a Scholar Garden, and additional plant collections.
While the grass is still establishing and many flowers have yet to bloom, council member Hallyburton reminded visitors that the garden will continue to evolve. “Someone with a vision and an organization like Idaho Botanical Garden can take a blank field and turn it into something beautiful for our community,” he said.
Public Celebration
The garden will host a public celebration on Saturday, August 29. Members receive a preview from 10 a.m. to noon, after which the new areas open to all visitors. The event will feature live music, local food trucks, family‑friendly activities and tours of the new spaces. Admission is included with regular garden tickets and free for members.
For many Boise residents, the expansion represents an investment in family‑friendly recreation, educational opportunities and a venue for community worship and fellowship, aligning with the city’s growing need for shared, outdoor spaces.
Original reporting: 580 KIDO Talk Radio (Boise) — read the source article.
