Boise can look forward to a new park along the Greenbelt

On Monday, local dignitaries joined Boise Mayor Dave Bieter, The Thelma B. Lee Trust and the Harris Family Limited Partnership to announce the dedication of the Golda Harris Nature Preserve.

Comprising land donated by the Thelma B. Lee Trust and the Harris family, the preserve will span three acres near Warm Springs Boulevard and Park Center Bridge. The Golda Harris Nature Preserve will provide the public with a quiet area that will join riparian areas known for a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, deer, otter and mink.

“Our world-class park system and Greenbelt are hallmarks of our beautiful city and, if made official by the council, the Golda Harris Nature Preserve will be an outstanding addition,” said Bieter on Monday.

“On behalf of the residents of Boise, I’d like to thank both the Harris families for this generous donation and the opportunity for preserving the habitat that allows diverse and important wildlife to flourish just minutes from downtown.”

Thelma Lee, the daughter of Ivan and Golda Harris, said, “Golda would feel humbled to know this beautiful spot had been set aside in her memory — a public place where others can come as she once did, sit for a while, and enjoy nature's peacefulness and the opportunity for reflection.”

Once approved by the Boise City Council later this month, the City of Boise will begin construction of the preserve. It’s expected to last approximately five years.

This story was originally published October 19, 2015 at 7:30 AM with the headline "Boise can look forward to a new park along the Greenbelt."