Boise Greenbelt reopens, except for 5 spots with big problems

Most of the Greenbelt along the Boise River will reopen Wednesday following extensive spring flooding-related closures, according to the city of Boise.

All but about 11 miles of the pathway through this city closed earlier this year as the river reached flows as high as 9,500 cubic feet per second.

Still, a few sections remain closed as officials work to ensure they’re safe to use. Those portions include:

• Part of the Greenbelt path through Marianne Williams Park in Southeast Boise
• The entire Bethine Church River Trail near the Cottonwood Apartments in Southeast Boise
• The south side of the Greenbelt underneath the W. Parkcenter Boulevard Bridge to Loggers Creek
• The north side of the Greenbelt near Veteran’s Memorial Park
• A section of the north side of the Greenbelt that connects Esther Simplot Park to Veteran’s Memorial Pond

Earlier this week, city managers said it could cost millions to repair damage to some parts of the pathway caused by unstable ground and high water. The city of Boise has set aside $1.4 million for repairs, according to the release.

Portions of the Greenbelt remain closed in Eagle, according to Tim Williams with Parks and Recreation. The city has reopened sections from Edgewood Lane to Eagle Road and parallel to Idaho 44, he said. But other sections are too dangerous, thanks to weakened trees that are at risk of falling. Waterlogged soil is another concern, Williams explained.

“If somebody’s walking on that saturated trail, it could break off where it’s near the river,” he said.

Garden City officials on Wednesday said closed portions of the Greenbelt in that city have not yet reopened. Specifics on those sections were not immediately available.

Despite the reopening of much of the Greenbelt, the Boise River is still deemed in dangerous condition. Officials reminded Greenbelt users to avoid the water, including avoiding allowing pets to swim in the river.

“We continue to ask Greenbelt users to obey all posted signs and stay out of closed and fenced off areas for safety reasons,” said Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway in the release. “Dangerous conditions still exist in some areas because of trees with roots undermined by the water, as well as bank and pathway stability concerns. Please be alert and aware of your surroundings when traveling on all paths.”

This story was originally published June 28, 2017 at 10:14 AM with the headline "Boise Greenbelt reopens, except for 5 spots with big problems."