F
U
n
Eagle abounds with inexpensive recreational activities for the young,
and the young at heart.
story Liza Walton
photography Eric Jacky
n just a few short weeks, the streets take our friends there when they come Eagle City Parks
I
of eagle will be flooded with to visit,” she says. “You can tube or www.cityofeagle.org (208) 489-8777
children, eager to experience some raft there too, and walk back.”
Arboretum Park, 312 E. State St.
summer fun. When the inevitable
For Kaylyn t., age 11, a sixth grader
With 37 varieties of trees, native plants,
happens, and your child or grandchild
at rolling hills elementary, going to
and a variety of roses, ground covers and
whines, “there’s nothing to do!” you’ll
eagle’s parks is a fun treat. “i like to go
perennials, arboretum Park is a delightful
have a ready response, thanks to our
to merrill park because i like spending
place to take a budding naturalist.
foolproof guide to inexpensive activities
time with my family and playing tag
the plants and trees are identified by
for kids of all ages, right here in eagle.
with them. hill road is fun to play
name stakes containing the scientific
from cycling at the idaho Velodrome
baseball,” she says. her sister Cami, age
name as well as the common name and
to relaxing on the beach at eagle island
9, a third grader at rolling hills, also
family. there are picnic tables and
State Park, there are plenty of low-cost
likes Steve guerber Park, often called
walking paths for public enjoyment.
ways to enjoy a summer day together.
hill road by locals. “i like hiking the
With three active eight-year-old triplets, hill at hill road Park,” Cami grins.
Friendship Park and Tennis
eagle resident kathleen elliott is always
if you’re looking for a pleasant way
Court, Corner of Ranch Drive
looking for things close to home to keep
to spend an afternoon with your
and Stierman Way
her children entertained. “some of our
family, here are a few suggestions.
friendship park has playground
favorites are playing at steve guerber equipment for both younger and
Park on hill road, or floating and fishing
Eagle Island State Park
older children, a tennis court, and a
the Boise river, depending on the flow,”
4000 W. Hatchery Rd, Eagle, ID 83616
covered facility as well as barbecues
she says. the kids also enjoy biking with
(208) 939-0696
for family picnics. nearby orval
their father, an avid cyclist, at the idaho
parksandrecreation.idaho.gov
krasen park is perfect for families with
Velodrome on horseshoe Bend road. eagle island State Park is a 545 acre younger children, and also features
later in the summer, when the water levels day-use park with a swimming beach, tables, benches, and barbecues.
are lower, they love to splash and play in picnic area, and waterslide, as well as
the river behind the hilton garden inn. hiking paths and a disc golf course. the
Heritage Park and Gazebo,
tammy Warnick, whose husband Bill
park’s master plan promises many new
185 E. State Street
owns the lawn detailer, a full service
and exciting changes over the next few
the ground level water feature at heritage
yard care company in eagle, loves to
years. construction has already begun on
park is one of the most popular places for
take the family downtown for a lazy
a new entrance from highway 44. the
children to cool off in the summertime.
summer afternoon outing. “one of our
park plans to offer canoeing, kayaking, ice
a fixture of downtown eagle, heritage
favorite things to do in the summer is to
skating, and camping. there is currently
park’s gazebo is available for public
ride our bikes down to heritage Park,
an 18 hole disc golf course open from
use and often offers concerts during the
play in the fountains, and enjoy snow
april to october, with a 9 hole course
eagle city market on saturdays and on
cones at the sno shack or ice cream at
open year round. the waterslide is open
summer evenings. you can park your car
the little store on State Street,” she says.
in the summer for an additional small fee.
next to the park and stroll the streets of
her eight and ten year old daughters
the park’s daily entrance fee is $4.00,
downtown eagle, enjoying the shops and
also enjoy the rope swing on the Boise
or you can purchase an annual pass
restaurants that line old state street.
river behind Bella aquila, while she
for $25.00 that will let you visit eagle
and Bill enjoy a picnic lunch with
island and all of idaho’s state parks
their two-year old on a blanket. “We
throughout the year. picnic shelters
can be reserved for $40.00 per day.
may | JuNe 2009 35
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