The ponds at Esther Simplot Park are open again after algae bloom

The city of Boise announced Monday that both ponds at the Esther Simplot Park are again open to the public, after a potentially toxic blue-green algae bloom forced their closure on Sept. 25.

Pond No. 1, the bigger of the two ponds at the park, was previously closed in July due to an algae bloom but reopened in early August.

“We’re pleased the treatment plan was successful and that the ponds are now safe and back open,” said Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway in a news release. “Our Parks and Recreation and Public Works teams did an amazing job working together to resolve the algae issue.”

Dogs are never allowed at Quinn’s Pond or Esther Simplot Park, including ponds No. 1 and No. 2 and the previously designated dog off-leash area. Pond No. 1 is the larger of the two ponds at Esther Simplot Park and it includes the children’s beach area. Pond No. 2 is the smaller of the two ponds and on the western side of the park.

The city of Boise diligently monitors water quality at Esther Simplot Pond and Quinn’s Pond to protect public health.

Southwest District Health also announced on last month that it had lifted its Aug. 8 e. Coli advisory for Lake Lowell’s lower dam, though the blue-green algae bloom advisory for the entire lake still remains.

This story was originally published September 25, 2018 at 2:35 PM.