West Bench

Energize Our Neighborhoods has selected the West Bench for its upcoming projects. This large neighborhood stretches from the busy corridor of Fairview up to Settlers canal, and from Mountain View and Cole over to Maple Grove. Residents enjoy easy access to amenities, shopping, restaurants, breweries, and proximity to other parts of town.

Mountain View Park
Mountain View Park

Projects

Thank you to everyone who attended the Open House or mailed in your postcard. A total of 328 votes were received, and Energize will begin moving forward on the two projects that received the most votes:

Settlers Canal Project | Focus Areas: Healthy Communities and Transportation

Project Site Map | This project will be the cleanup, beautification and enhancement of the area along Settlers Canal along Goddard Rd. It was selected based upon the following feedback:

  • Better connectivity and safe access to amenities and a school
  • Access to pedestrian-friendly walking areas, pathways, trails
  • More pedestrian and bike-friendly
  • Better sense of community/neighborhood pride
  • Cleanups/beautifications

Next Steps

The City partnered with U of I graduate students to develop design concepts for a linear park to include a walking/biking path and landscaping. We held a public input session in September 2019 for West Bench residents and community stakeholders to share ideas and input about elements and priorities for the space that the U of I team could incorporate into design concepts. We then shared some of those preliminary concepts and asked residents to provide another round of input to prioritize features and amenities for the space via an online survey. Over 139 people completed the survey, prioritizing the following:

  • Pollinator/sensory garden
  • Secondary path/interpretive walk
  • Gathering space
  • Benches and seat walls
  • Bus shelter
  • Additional amenities like drinking fountain, trash receptacle, bike rack, and bike repair station may also be considered.
  • Click here to view of summary of the results

The concepts and images below are examples of designs, features, and amenities based on the survey results. They are meant to demonstrate the size and possibilities for the space. They are not exact drawings or final designs. This project will be completed in phases as the property is made available, funding is acquired and updates will be provided.

Concept elements like canal access, setback, and fencing requirements will be reviewed with the canal company.

New landscaping will focus on xeriscape options, native shrubs/grasses/forbes, and shade trees.


Spaulding Ranch Orchard | Focus Areas: Healthy Communities

This project will be the first phase of the overall improvement of the area. It was selected based upon the following feedback:

  • Access to food/produce
  • Community garden / more green space
  • More opportunities to engage and connect with neighbors
  • Building/strengthening relationships, sense of community, and neighborhood pride

Spaulding Ranch Parks & Recreation coordinated a volunteer planting day on Nov. 9th. Over 25 volunteers planted 500 sagebrush and bitterbrush on the site. Work must be done on the lateral and irrigation system to get the site ready for planting of the orchard in the fall/winter of 2020. Click here for ongoing updates about the overall site.


Community-Building Committee

Throughout the Visioning process, residents expressed a desire for more events/activities and more opportunities to engage and connect with neighbors, build relationships, and strengthen the sense of community. A committee of residents was formed to identify barriers, goals, and strategies for engaging and connecting residents. If you are interested in being part of this committee or in volunteering at future events, please contact us at energize@cityofboise.org.

Developing a Shared Vision

A visioning event brings neighborhood residents together to develop a shared vision for where they live, work and play. No idea is too big or small; the goal is to think creatively and passionately about future investments that support the group's shared vision.

  • Throughout 2018, stakeholders had multiple opportunities to provide their feedback.  Using an online survey and in-person events, a total of 7 visioning events were held, with 206 total participants providing their feedback about neighborhood projects.
  • In 2019, stakeholders were invited to an open house event and provided a mail-in voting option to prioritize neighborhood projects.
Green grass at Fairmont Park
Fairmont Park

Past Neighborhood Investment Projects

The West Bench Neighborhood Association has made investments over the years to the beautification of its neighborhood.

West Bench Neighborhood Association

Learn more about the Neighborhood Association, board members, current activities, and upcoming events.

Message Sent Successfully!

Message Failed To Send.

Send a Message to Energize

Thank you for your interest in Energize Our Neighborhoods with the City of Boise. Please fill out the form and someone will reach out to you shortly.