So, clearly the developer did not donate the land to make a park – despite VNA’s statement above “Simunich Family has honored this vision”. They could have donated it or put an easement on it at any time if that was their intent.
Otherwise, waiting and hoping the city will BUY it, is something else ___.

Most other parks are DONATED or funded purchases and get the family naming rights. Including the Whitewater Park you mentioned as a ‘distraction’ to a Vista park.
Here for example in SouthEAST Boise (not downtown) just a couple months ago a NEW Boise park https://www.kivitv.com/news/land-donated-for-new-southeast-boise-park

Good luck getting another neighborhood park!

2.5 Public Park System
Introduction As the population of the Vista Neighborhood increases, so will its demand for public open spaces. The provision for local parks and activities suited to the needs and desires of the population will serve to attract and retain families within the Vista Neighborhood. Background Report Findings Provision of Park and Recreation Services – The Vista Neighborhood is considered deficient in neighborhood parks. The Comprehensive Park and Recreation System Plan supports the purchase and improvement of a neighborhood park on the east side of Vista Avenue. Besides the acquisition of neighborhood parkland, opportunities to provide park area exist in the form of: (1) shared facilities with Whitney and Hawthorne Elementary Schools; (2) through the provision of mini-parks; and (3) by managed use of linear open space uses along the New York Canal and Union Pacific Railroad rights-of-ways. The economic and demographic character of Vista Neighborhood households supports locating a community center that serves low to moderate income families, and the young and aged members of the population. During the decade from 1980 to 1990 only two age groups saw an increase in population; people between the ages of 35-44, and over 65 years old. In 1990, more than 40% of the population was under 19 years of age, or over 65 years old. In regards to income, 40%-50% of the housing units within the Vista Neighborhood are rental, as compared to a citywide average of 34%. During the 1997/98 school year 63% of the Whitney Elementary School student body qualified for free and reduced lunches, as did 48% at Hawthorne Elementary School; the city average for that school year was 33%. These statistics are a reflection of the fact that more than 50% of the households in a large portion of the Vista Neighborhood earn low to moderate incomes. Plan Objectives: ¸ Increase the amount of green and open space within the Vista Neighborhood. ¸ Maintain and provide significant vegetation throughout the Vista Neighborhood. ¸ Manage and maintain the neighborhood’s park and recreation facilities in a manner that makes them attractive, safe, and functional for the population it serves.

3.4 Openspace
Current Park Facilities: The Vista Neighborhood contains one park, located at 2800 Canal Street on
the west side of Vista Avenue. Approximately 5.75 acres in size, Shoshone Neighborhood Park is
developed with restrooms, a children’s play area, tennis courts, and a ball field. There are no parks on the
east side of Vista Avenue, forcing those who desire to use Shoshone Park to cross a five (5) lane arterial
roadway. Neighborhood parks are located just outside the eastern boundary of the Vista Neighborhood
but are relatively inaccessible due to three significant barriers: the Union Pacific Railroad, Federal Way
and the New York Canal. Exhibit 5 below shows the current park coverages for the Vista Neighborhood
Area. Note that the land east of Vista Avenue is devoid of parks, and the crosshatched area displays park
coverage that is marginal due to poor accessibility.

Planned Neighborhood Park: The Comprehensive Park and Recreation System Plan supports the
purchase and improvement of a neighborhood park on the east side of Vista.

Meeting details:

Thursday, February 21
6:00 to 8:00 pm
Library! at Bown Crossing
2153 E. Riverwalk Drive

https://www.livboise.org/liv-stories/2019/help-inform-the-fy20-budget/

Obviously the City has not had 2020 vision on the potential for this park site even though discussions about it have gone on for many, many years through at least two different Park Directors. It also was discussed during the Energize Our Neighborhood – Vista debacle

This is nothing like the ACHD elected commissioner and the bridge to the private property.

This Simunich (sp?) property was in play for many years and the neighborhood should have (like dirt turns to gold), and may still have a chance. It is up to the Simunch’s to contribute to society and include amenities for the neighborhood. The city does have money. In fact about 100 million or so. . .

Vote in the next election – if there is a new mind to put to work.

Other old-timers might remember 20 years or so ago, when my friend Wayne Davis grew irises – acres and acres of them, in every imaginable color!

That property might not be “paradise,” but our Overlords salivate when they think of paving it and putting up a parking lot… and collecting all that tax money!

And you Vista Neighbors – you elected Team Dave to make the tough decisions. Now please just stand out of the way; they will do what’s best.

Ironic that when one is talking about the City not talking directly to a neighborhood association about a potential development, the association president and voice on this guest post is a REALTOR.
Same for the previous VNA president.
Is this now a steady marketing strategy for REALTORS?

How crazy would it be if the City revealed some “inside information” to VNA and then the realtor for the future development turns out to be Henry Wiebe, or a connected broker? Ouch!

Kind of reminds me of the ACHD bridge and Commissioner (Realtor/Attorney) Arnold. Working the inside angle for one’s own benefit. Of course.
Realtors are always looking in the dirt to get an easy listing.

The VNA doesn’t have much credibility in this issue and the city certainly doesn’t have to reveal negotiations between the city and a private owner.

The real travesty here is the 60 acres of PRIME real estate is paying less than $5,000 in property taxes! A typical house across the street pays $1,600 for 1/5 acre.

And when this place does go to development there will be the VanishingBoise people, and others crying about developers while forgetting about the Simunich family and the millions they got for selling the place.

Just more of the same….

EDITOR NOTE–You got this one wrong. Thjese guys were seeking a park–NOT development. Boise City was NOT negotiating, they simply were stonewalling in the name if “lack of funds.”