Families that rely on Boise shelters often aren’t allowed stay during daytime hours. That’s not a major problem when the weather’s warm, because they can go to parks or walk the Greenbelt.

It is a problem in the winter, especially for families with young children.

Boise Parks and Recreation will operate a temporary shelter this year to give those families a place to go. Seasonal employees will provide educational programs and materials; arts and recreation activities; and access to the community center’s computers, books, games, art supplies and toys, such as foosball and air hockey tables.

Some meals will be provided, Boise Parks and Recreation spokeswoman Amy Stahl said.

This is the fourth year the city has opened a daytime shelter in the cold-weather months. Last winter the shelter served 41 families who made a total of 3,109 visits.

The Salvation Army, Interfaith Sanctuary, Corpus Christi House and the Boise School District refer families to the day shelter.

The parks department paid a little more than $22,000 to operate the shelter last winter.

“We expect it to be pretty much the same, but hopefully it’s a little bit lower,” recreation coordinator Paul Schoenfelder said. “You never know.”

Sven Berg: 377-6275