After several years of fits and starts the Rotary Park on the Greenbelt is finally finished! A "Grand Unveiling" celebration was held at the park on Sunday October 4th. The project has been a collaboration of three Boise clubs - Metro, Centennial and Eagle/Garden City, working with the City of Boise Parks and Recreation Department. The park features a 1932 monument originally placed nearby by the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, commemorating Oregon Trail pioneers. This is one of 48 monuments placed by the D.A.R. around southern Idaho in the 1930s. There are three interpretive signs telling some fascinating history of the area including the monuments; the 50 year history of the Greenbelt, what was once known as Government Island and the nearby "Trestle Bridge".
Rotarian John Biggs, of Boise Metro, spearheaded the project. He said "we are so pleased the way it turned out. We are grateful for the support from the community". Total cost of the project was $85,000. Funds were raised through the sale of commemorative bricks. Major grant support was provided by District 5400 and the Greater Boise Rotary Foundation.
The park is located on the south side of the Boise River, about 4 tenths of a mile east of Joe's Crabshack restaurant, near the Riverside Hotel.