Comments on: Citizens locked out of Boise Depot

By: Kelly

Kelly — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:30:10 +0000

I think that the train depot knows what it needs to do to preserve the building and above all I think that is the most important thing to consider. Also, I know that if you call ahead the staff would be more than happy to schedule you a tour.

By: gundee

gundee — Tue, 13 Sep 2005 13:05:54 +0000

We had our wedding there. And we’re far from “wealthy” to boot. Let me clue you int that once they have your grand they don’t treat you very well at all. It’s like they welcome your money but don’t want to actually have to provide any services in return.

And yes, the elevator up to the bell tower does cost an extra $60. But even after you’ve forked over the dough you can’t even take your new wife up there and give her a kiss w/o being accomnpanied by security. None of our guests actually went up there. I mean, who wants to have to hunt down security to just so they can check out the view?

IMHO, the current manager and her arrogant attitude need to be sent packing. Or at the very least given a big wallop up side the head and reminded who’s footing the bill for her salary.

By: Claudia Miller

Claudia Miller — Wed, 25 May 2005 00:50:07 +0000

Why not staff the depot with volunteers? We trust volunteers to take care of some of the hospital services. I”ll bet if asked you would have enough to keep the depot open on weekends and have free tours for the general public. After all. . .we own it.

By: Richard Kaylor

Richard Kaylor — Fri, 20 May 2005 12:33:42 +0000

I asked the City of Boise to respond to your article on access to the Boise Depot. Here is their response:

To the Boise Guardian

The Boise Parks & Recreation has been evaluating the operations and services available at the Boise Depot in an effort to cut costs and make facility operations more efficient. The move follows the December 2004 retirement of Georgia Marshall, the Depots only full-time staff member.

The Walk-in public hours was discontinued in January 2005. However, Group or individual tours can be scheduled by calling the reservation line 384-4228, currently we are only providing tours Tuesday or Thursday when scheduled, Elevator rides to the Bell Tower are offered as part of the tour, there is no charge for this service.

Private Events can be scheduled between 7:00 am and Midnight. Weddings/Receptions, Fund-raising Events, Corporate parties, Business Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners.

I am sorry you missed the 80th Anniversary Event April 16 & 17 we hosted a two day free event with the Depot doors open all day both days, elevator rides, and historical displays were available to all the visitors both days.

We hope to have Staff assigned to the Depot on a regular bases by mid June for at least 3 days a week W-F from 1pm to 5pm. Since January, Parks & Recreation facility reservation staff has assisted with scheduling over 135 events at the Depot for 2005, and have provided scheduled tours on a weekly basis. Our staff also provides services to over 1500+ customers scheduling city park’s picnic and garden facilities, in addition to the 147 Community Events held in our city Parks each year.

I hope I have address your concerns. BPR is reviewing many possibilities for the Depot and welcome suggestions, we no longer have staff assigned just to the Depot, for this reason we do hope you will understand our re-inventing the options offered. Please call me at 384-4060 ext 321 if you have additional questions. Or call the Facility Reservation Line and request to schedule a time to tour the Depot. 384-4228.

Thank you,
Ginger Jewell, Park Event Coordinator
Boise Parks & Recreation
1104 Royal Blvd, Boise ID 83706
208 384-4060 ext. 321
Fax 208 384-4127
gjewell@cityofboise.org

visit our website at http://www.cityofboise.org/parks/reservations

By: Georgia Marshall

Georgia Marshall — Wed, 18 May 2005 19:04:37 +0000

Remember, the view from the bell tower at any $900 event, costs $60 more for four hours!