About
While J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation Boise Whitewater Park is a mouthful, it can be boiled down to two key words: whitewater park.
Situated in the heart of downtown Boise, this park offers a one-of-a-kind experience where the serene beauty of the Boise River meets the exhilarating challenge of kayaking and surfing.
The story of Whitewater Park intertwines with the inspiring journey of Joe and Kathryn Albertson. Born in 1906 in Yukon, Oklahoma, Joe moved to Caldwell, Idaho, where he would later shape a legacy of innovation and generosity. His future wife, Kathryn, born in Boise, Idaho 1908, shared Joe's ethos of hard work and giving back to the community.
Their paths converged at The College of Idaho, leading to a lifelong partnership marked by their mutual commitment to education and community development. Joe's entrepreneurial spirit, ignited by a clerk position at a local Safeway store, culminated in creating the Albertsons grocery chain in 1939, championing customer-centric services and a vision for self-service supermarkets.
Their love for the outdoors and desire to share it with others is evident in their creation of Kathryn Albertson Park and their involvement in the development of the Boise Whitewater Park. From its adjustable wave features to the expert-only challenges and beginner-friendly zones, the park is a haven for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Even if you're not a water sports enthusiast, there is plenty to enjoy at the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation Boise Whitewater Park.
Fun Facts & Cool Features
Originally known as the Boise River Park or 36th Street Wave, it boasts one of the world's first adjustable river waves. This innovative feature was initially designed for kayakers but has become a hotspot for river surfers. The park's unique adaptable wave shaper, which modifies the wave to match flow rates and water levels, ensures varied experiences. On some days, surfers might find a smooth, green face; on others, they encounter a more challenging hole-like wave.
The park's design results from a unique partnership between S2O Design, McMillen Associates, the City of Boise, and Farmer's Union Diversion. This collaboration transformed a failing rubble dam irrigation structure into a cutting-edge adjustable diversion and head gate structure, doubling as a whitewater park.
Another fascinating aspect is the park's operational schedule, which is tailored to cater to different activities. Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays are reserved for shaping the wave more for surfing, while on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, it's optimized for kayaking. This thoughtful scheduling ensures that Garden Valley surfers and kayakers can enjoy the park thoroughly, fostering a welcoming and inclusive community atmosphere.
Getting There
Here's how you can get to J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation Park from Boise City:
- Initially, continue to Fairview Ave/W Front St for about 0.7 miles, taking approximately 3 minutes.
- Proceed on W Front St towards W Main St, covering 0.6 miles in about 2 minutes.
- Follow W Main St and N 30th St N/N Whitewater Park Blvd to Esther Simplot Park. This stretch is about 1.1 miles and typically takes around 3 minutes.
- Continue onto Esther Simplot Park to reach your destination.
Cost
There is no cost for entry, making it a budget-friendly destination for locals and tourists.
Local Tips
- The waves at the park are adjusted for either surfing or kayaking, depending on the day. Knowing the schedule in advance can help you plan your visit according to your preferred activity.
- The park is heavily used during lunch hours and after work. If you prefer a less crowded experience, visit during off-peak hours.
- Check their website for information on surfboard leash use.
- While the park is open year-round, check their website for operating hours.