Kathryn Albertson Park

A Generous Gift

Kathryn Albertson Park is a 41-acre special use park located near downtown Boise, Idaho. Established in 1989, the park was a gift to the city from Joe and Kathryn Albertson.

Natural Design

The park is designed as a haven for both wildlife and quiet contemplation. It features wide, paved footpaths that meander through natural landscapes, allowing visitors to observe local flora and fauna.

The park incorporates three major landscape features of approximately equal size: vegetation, ponds, and open space. Over 400 trees, 2,000 shrubs, and a variety of flowers and grasses have been planted, offering food and cover for wildlife.

Water Features

Several ponds throughout the park provide habitat for waterfowl and other aquatic life. These ponds are intentionally shallow to warm up quickly in spring and stimulate the growth of aquatic insects and plants, which in turn become food for many kinds of wildlife, especially waterfowl and shorebirds.

Islands in the ponds offer loafing, roosting, and nesting spots for birds.

Gathering Spaces

The park includes two gazebos available for small ceremonies or gatherings. One gazebo, called The Rookery, features a red tile roof that formerly topped Albertsons' first supermarket.

Another gazebo, The Eyrie, overlooks a pond with a rock water fountain.

Visitor Guidelines

To protect the wildlife, visitors are asked to observe animals from a distance. Biking, fishing, boating, swimming, and wading are prohibited in the park.

Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash. The park is open from 6AM to 8PM daily.

Local Significance

Kathryn Albertson Park is part of Boise's "Ribbon of Jewels," a string of riverside parks named for prominent local women.