A key section of the Boise River Greenbelt in Garden City has reopened after being closed for construction since September, restoring access for commuters, runners, cyclists and other recreational users, according to Ada County officials.
The quarter-mile stretch between the Boise Riverside RV Park and the Plantation Island Bridge was temporarily shut down as work began on The Park at Expo, a roughly 50-acre redevelopment project underway at the former Les Bois horse racetrack site. The long-abandoned racetrack is being transformed into a mixed-use destination that will include sports facilities, event space, food trucks and a community plaza.
Ada County officials said the newly reopened concrete pathway is now wider and smoother, offering improved safety and accessibility for Greenbelt users. While construction continues nearby, the reopened section allows people to move through the area and observe major changes taking shape in Garden City.
From the path and a newly constructed bridge, walkers and bikers can see two new pavilions and the emerging Athletic Club Boise Stadium. The stadium will serve as the home venue for AC Boise, the professional soccer club announced in 2024 as part of the United Soccer League. The team’s inaugural season is scheduled to begin in March 2026.
County officials emphasized that the area’s appearance will continue to evolve as construction progresses. In a news release, Ada County said: “Those views will look a lot more beautiful in spring and summer once the construction is complete and native plants and trees have been planted.”
According to the county’s website, The Park at Expo is expected to reach completion in late summer 2026. By then, officials say the area will be filled with new landscaping designed to create a greener, more inviting riverfront experience.
For now, Greenbelt users will encounter a 6-foot chain-link fence separating the path from active construction zones. Ada County urged visitors to avoid attempting to cross the fencing, citing “the dangers associated with an active construction site.”
Despite the ongoing work, the reopening marks a significant milestone for one of Boise’s most heavily used recreational corridors, restoring a vital connection while a major new public space takes shape along the river.
Originally reported by Zoe Tuttle in Idaho States Man.
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