BOISE- The parks that make up the "Ribbon of Jewels" along the Greenbelt are some of Boise's biggest attractions.
For the past few decades, Kathryn Albertson Park has been a haven for wildlife, and for people looking for some quiet time.
"It's a sanctuary,” said Doug Holloway, director of Boise Parks and Recreation. “You have this enormous wildlife and vegetation sanctuary that's home to a number of species of animals."
Now, city leaders are proposing some changes, and they're asking for your thoughts.
Holloway says the park was developed in the mid to late 80's, meaning a lot of what you see is outdated.
“Time to just do a little bit of a facelift. Nothing major," he said.
Parks and Rec has a few ideas, one of which is upgrading signs.
"A lot of the signage is not readable,” Holloway said. “It’s in locations that you cannot get to because you have to walk through vegetation to get to it. So really the signage is one of the first things we wanted to do."
That process led to other ideas, like upgrading bridges, adding decks overlooking ponds and a boardwalk.
"The boardwalk we have, for example, at Esther Simplot Park,” Holloway said. “It was thought that maybe we could…have some boardwalks in some of the areas of Kathryn Albertson's as well."
Holloway says maintaining the park's character is a top priority. He says his office has worked closely with Idaho Fish and Game in developing the concept designs to make sure wildlife isn't disturbed.
"That is really the biggest attraction to Kathryn Albertson Park,” Holloway said. “We certainly want to make sure that's preserved."
There's an open house Thursday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Boise Depot where the public can review the concept, ask questions and give feedback.