Julia Davis park
Encyclopedia
Julia Davis Park is the first park in the "string of pearls", the public park system found running through the middle of Boise, Idaho
. It is centrally located within the city of Boise and is bordered by Broadway Avenue to the east, Capital Boulevard to the west, the Boise River
to the south, and Myrtle Street to the north. Found on its grounds are a number of prominent sites that are important to both the history of Boise and to present culture. The Park includes three nationally accredited museums: the Boise Art Museum, the Idaho Black History Museum, and the Idaho State Historical Museum. Also located in the park are the Idaho Rose Society, Zoo Boise, the Gene Harris
Band Shell, and a lush Rose Garden. The park itself exhibits several works of art such as a 2002 statue by Jerry Snodgrass memorializing the pioneers who passed through the area including Julia Davis
. Additionally, the Park has access to the Boise River, recreational sites such as a playground and tennis court, the Greenbelt
, a pond, and a pedestrian bridge over the river connecting the park with Boise State University
. The park was founded in 1907 by Thomas Jefferson Davis and named after his wife.
with hopes of joining in the widely publicized gold rush in the Idaho territory. The brothers came west and settled in the Boise Basin where they staked a claim and mined for a year. In 1863, they built a cabin along Cottonwood Creek near the site of the present Julia Davis Park. On July 4, 1863, Fort Boise
was established and shortly after, the Davis brothers along with seven friends met in the Davis' cabin and planned the formation of the City of Boise. According to one of the friends, William Lowery Ritchie, "in the summer of 1863 the soldiers came and established the garrison; that was some time early in July. It was about that time we met in our cabin and formed a town co." Thus, Thomas came to play a pivotal role in the development of Boise as a city and thus sought to help attract visitors and pioneers to the valley. With his mining claim being less than profitable, Davis turned to the promotion of agriculture by planting 7000 apple trees on his land along the Boise River
. Additionally, he started buying up land in the valley from the United States land office, receiving Cash Certificate No. 1 for 160 acre (0.6474976 km²) in 1868 when the first land office opened up. Within several years, Davis went on to purchase 1150 acres (4.7 km²) additional from the federal government along the foothills and where the town of Garden City
was developed. Along with the land, Davis purchased the first water rights in the valley as well.
Thomas' future wife Julia McCrumb, for whom the park is named, arrived in Boise in 1869 from Ontario
, Canada
to visit her family. In 1871 she and Thomas were married. Upon her death, presumably from Typhoid, in the Autumn of 1907, Tom deeded the property now known as Julia Davis Park in memory of his wife, at an original size of 43 acres (174,015 m²). He required that the land be utilized for public purposes and the park would be forever known as Julia Davis Park. Interestingly, Tom also included in the deed a stipulation that the land would return to the Davis heirs if the property were ever used for any other purpose. Tom died the morning after a much anticipated Damrosch concert. His funeral was attended by many in Boise and his death was a great sadness for them all. Both Tom and Julia’s philanthropy for all of Boise is to be adored, respected, and remembered through our landmark of a memory, Julia Davis Park.
1907- (February 22) Tom Davis offers gift of deed for park to Boise. (September 19) Julia McCrum Davis passes. (November 22) Boise gives $1 to Tom Davis for gift described as 40 acres (161,874.4 m²) to be known “always and forever” as Julia Davis Park.
1908- Tom Davis dies
1908-1918 City upgrades land, adding walls and planting vegetation
1912- A general development plan is developed by Arthur L. Peck
1916- Boise Zoo is created when monkey is found in the Mountain Home
Desert
1922-1932- More land for park is donated by Davis Estate (November 15, 1922; June 25, 1929; May 20, 1931; May 12, 1932
1928- City builds a Bandshell
1929- Boise Zoo expands
1931- Capitol Boulevard Memorial Bridge built by Morrison-Knudsen Company.
1939- Rose Garden dedicated
1940-1941- Park is spread from Broadway Avenue to Capitol Boulevard
1941- Meat eating animals in Boise Zoo are put away due to World War II
’s meat rationing
1950- Idaho State Historical Museum created
1959- Engine # 2295, “Big Mike”, donated by Union Pacific
1966- Greenbelt
created as new city goal
1972- Boise Gallery of Art grows
1980- Bob Gibb Friendship Bridge connects park to Boise State University
1982- Idaho State Historical Museum grows
1986- Boise Gallery of Art renamed Boise Art Museum and renovated
1997- BAM becomes 34800 square feet (3,233 m²)
1998- Old St. Paul Baptist Church becomes Idaho Black History Museum
2002- Memorial sculpture is dedicated to Julia Davis (August 4)
2007- Centennial Celebration of Julia Davis Park (June 23)
. Being so, the museum, as well as Julia Davis Park, proves Idaho’s rich foundation of history, diversity, and “reinvention”. Contributing activities, events, and information, the Idaho Black History Museum is a vital contributor to Julia Davis Park and all of Boise.
. During the stop, a monkey escaped from captivity and was finally found in the Mountain Home
Desert, long past the circus’s departure. Boise being the home for the newfound monkey, a Boise Zoo was then founded. Boise’s Zoo, located along Julia Davis Park, is a prime example of Boise’s family-fit environment. A trip to a zoo, a lunch in a park, and even a museum voyage enables Julia Davis Park and the surrounding area to be magnificent as it is. Educating children and exposing children to nature, the Boise Zoo contributes many visitors to Julia Davis Park. Currently Zoo Boise is working on a much-anticipated "African" exhibit. This $2.8 Million exhibit will include a new African Village, three small exhibit areas (housing rock hyrax, weaver birds, and lemurs), and two large exhibit areas (housing lions, giraffes, and zebras). This will provide Boise the opportunity to explore ALL cultures and entertain the zoo's master plan of exposing Boise to all Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
). It was also in this year that the Rose Garden was officially dedicated. A key development came later in 1979 with the establishment of the Memorial Rose Fund. This fund was intended to help create memorials in the garden for friends and family members. National recognition was given to the Rose Garden in 1992 when it receive its Public Rose Garden accreditation. As a result of this, 10 bushes of All American winners are given to the Garden yearly. The Garden is also often the site of wedding ceremonies.
, Basques, and Chinese
, each exhibit thrills and entertains. Currently, the Idaho Historical Museum is housing an exhibit titled, "The Brotherhood" and entails the "society with secrets", a.k.a. the Freemasons. Rare folk art
and the history of Freemasons within Idaho
is exposed. The exhibit of "Brotherhood" is on display running from May 24 to September 17, 2008 and the Idaho Historical Museum is opened from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Tuesday-Saturday and from 1:00 pm to 5:00pm Sunday.
, completed in 1988. With a mission to educate/intrigue children and adults, the Discovery Center of Idaho
is an imperative stop along Julia Davis Park. Based on the foundation of Mathematics and Science, DCI provides information and intellectualism amongst Boise’s community. “Where families learn together” is, thus, their slogan...DCI is a definite date stop along Julia Davis Park.
Bandshell. Playing multiple free concerts for the park visitors and bringing musical culture to the people, the Gene Harris bandshell was initially built in 1928 and devoted to Gene Harris
in 2001. Some infamous concerts at the bandshell include, The Velvet Underground
, the Wailers, Pete Seeger
(October 6, 1968), and the Boise City Band (August 15, 1948).
The Grand Plaza is one such modification. Taking form of a broken circle, the Grand Plaza will provide social space, as well as operational space. Centered by a bronze
medallion inset into the pavement, the Grand Plaza extends “roots” throughout the space memorializing historic elements that are significant to the Davis family.
Next, a proposed 5 new or refurbished pavilions will sprout throughout the park. These pavilions will provide a picnic area, concert center, and gathering space.
A new “River Habitat Node” is currently in the works. Using nature’s elements and the surrounding area’s material, each of the five river nodes will bring out the beauty and reflective nature of Boise’s wildlife, brush, and river. Centered around a pedestal made of stained steel
and copper
, telling a slice of the Park’s history, these nodes vow to be respective to the surrounding area and the beauty therein.
Using each history-telling addition to the park, a history walk and a “Quest for the Golden Apple” is planned as a common park activity. This will enable Boise residents to touch base with the roots and become closer to their hometown community. This will also allow visitors to explore our rich history and beautiful scenery.
•Saturday October 4- See Spot Walk annual benefit walk for the Idaho Humane Society starts at the Gene Harris Bandshell.
•Sunday September 21- Pacific Northwestern climbers compete to win a spot in next year’s International Tree Climbing Competition. The winner Scott Nyuli climbed 49 foot in Julia Davis Park.
•Thursday September 18- Idaho State Historical Society luncheon in Julia Davis Park at noon.
•Saturday September 13- The annual “Run with the Animals” 5K benefit for Zoo Boise raised vital funds for the zoo’s new “African Plains” exhibit.
•Friday September 5- The 54th annual Boise Art in the Park kicks off, bringing 250+ artists into Julia Davis to display/buy local art.
•Sunday August 17- A new Red Oak is planted in Julia Davis Park at 1:00 PM to celebrate the new enhancements of Julia Davis’ landscape as well as the birth of a 5th Generation Tom and Julia descendant named Brody Myklegard.
•Saturday August 2- The 16th annual Soul Food Festival serves up cultural food straight from the Treasure Valley’s African American tradition and culture.
•Friday July 11- Julia Davis named Best park along the “String of Pearls”
•Friday July 4- Gem State Kiwanis July Fourth Celebration
•Saturday May 3- Wailers play BSU’s Spring Fling
•Monday March 24- Construction begins to update and enhance Julia Davis Park.
Idaho
Idaho is a state in the Rocky Mountain area of the United States. The state's largest city and capital is Boise. Residents are called "Idahoans". Idaho was admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890, as the 43rd state....
. It is centrally located within the city of Boise and is bordered by Broadway Avenue to the east, Capital Boulevard to the west, the Boise River
Boise River
The Boise River is a tributary of the Snake River in the northwestern United States. It drains a rugged portion of the Sawtooth Range in southwestern Idaho northeast of Boise, as well as part of the western Snake River Plain...
to the south, and Myrtle Street to the north. Found on its grounds are a number of prominent sites that are important to both the history of Boise and to present culture. The Park includes three nationally accredited museums: the Boise Art Museum, the Idaho Black History Museum, and the Idaho State Historical Museum. Also located in the park are the Idaho Rose Society, Zoo Boise, the Gene Harris
Gene Harris
Gene Harris was an American jazz pianist known for his warm sound and blues and gospel infused style that is known as soul jazz....
Band Shell, and a lush Rose Garden. The park itself exhibits several works of art such as a 2002 statue by Jerry Snodgrass memorializing the pioneers who passed through the area including Julia Davis
Julia Davis
Julia Davis is an English comedy writer and performer, best known for writing and starring in the BBC Three comedy Nighty Night.-Background:...
. Additionally, the Park has access to the Boise River, recreational sites such as a playground and tennis court, the Greenbelt
Boise greenbelt
The Boise River Greenbelt is a recreational and alternate transportation trail along the banks of the Boise River through Boise, Idaho, U.S.A.. The Boise Greenbelt is more of a greenway than a green belt since its character is linear...
, a pond, and a pedestrian bridge over the river connecting the park with Boise State University
Boise State University
Boise State University is a public university located in Boise, Idaho. Originally founded in 1932 as a junior college by the Episcopal Church, the university became an independent institution in 1934, and has been awarding baccalaureate and master degrees since 1965...
. The park was founded in 1907 by Thomas Jefferson Davis and named after his wife.
History
Julia Davis Park has its roots in the 1862 journey of two orphans, Thomas and Frank Davis, from the city of Cincinnati, OhioOhio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
with hopes of joining in the widely publicized gold rush in the Idaho territory. The brothers came west and settled in the Boise Basin where they staked a claim and mined for a year. In 1863, they built a cabin along Cottonwood Creek near the site of the present Julia Davis Park. On July 4, 1863, Fort Boise
Fort Boise
Fort Boise refers to two different locations in southwestern Idaho. The first was a Hudson's Bay Company trading post near the Snake River on the Oregon border, dating from the era when Idaho was part of the fur company's Columbia District. After several rebuilds, it was ultimately abandoned in...
was established and shortly after, the Davis brothers along with seven friends met in the Davis' cabin and planned the formation of the City of Boise. According to one of the friends, William Lowery Ritchie, "in the summer of 1863 the soldiers came and established the garrison; that was some time early in July. It was about that time we met in our cabin and formed a town co." Thus, Thomas came to play a pivotal role in the development of Boise as a city and thus sought to help attract visitors and pioneers to the valley. With his mining claim being less than profitable, Davis turned to the promotion of agriculture by planting 7000 apple trees on his land along the Boise River
Boise River
The Boise River is a tributary of the Snake River in the northwestern United States. It drains a rugged portion of the Sawtooth Range in southwestern Idaho northeast of Boise, as well as part of the western Snake River Plain...
. Additionally, he started buying up land in the valley from the United States land office, receiving Cash Certificate No. 1 for 160 acre (0.6474976 km²) in 1868 when the first land office opened up. Within several years, Davis went on to purchase 1150 acres (4.7 km²) additional from the federal government along the foothills and where the town of Garden City
Garden City, Idaho
Garden City is a city in Ada County, Idaho, United States. The population was 10,972 at the 2010 census. Garden City is nearly surrounded by Boise but retains a separate municipal government....
was developed. Along with the land, Davis purchased the first water rights in the valley as well.
Thomas' future wife Julia McCrumb, for whom the park is named, arrived in Boise in 1869 from Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
to visit her family. In 1871 she and Thomas were married. Upon her death, presumably from Typhoid, in the Autumn of 1907, Tom deeded the property now known as Julia Davis Park in memory of his wife, at an original size of 43 acres (174,015 m²). He required that the land be utilized for public purposes and the park would be forever known as Julia Davis Park. Interestingly, Tom also included in the deed a stipulation that the land would return to the Davis heirs if the property were ever used for any other purpose. Tom died the morning after a much anticipated Damrosch concert. His funeral was attended by many in Boise and his death was a great sadness for them all. Both Tom and Julia’s philanthropy for all of Boise is to be adored, respected, and remembered through our landmark of a memory, Julia Davis Park.
History At A Glance
1899- Tom and Julia Davis offer a section of their orchard lands for use as a park. (Boise is hesitant to act)1907- (February 22) Tom Davis offers gift of deed for park to Boise. (September 19) Julia McCrum Davis passes. (November 22) Boise gives $1 to Tom Davis for gift described as 40 acres (161,874.4 m²) to be known “always and forever” as Julia Davis Park.
1908- Tom Davis dies
1908-1918 City upgrades land, adding walls and planting vegetation
1912- A general development plan is developed by Arthur L. Peck
1916- Boise Zoo is created when monkey is found in the Mountain Home
Mountain Home, Idaho
Mountain Home is the largest city and county seat of Elmore County, Idaho. The population was 14,206 at the 2010 census. Mountain Home is the principal city of the Mountain Home, ID Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Elmore County....
Desert
1922-1932- More land for park is donated by Davis Estate (November 15, 1922; June 25, 1929; May 20, 1931; May 12, 1932
1928- City builds a Bandshell
1929- Boise Zoo expands
1931- Capitol Boulevard Memorial Bridge built by Morrison-Knudsen Company.
1939- Rose Garden dedicated
1940-1941- Park is spread from Broadway Avenue to Capitol Boulevard
1941- Meat eating animals in Boise Zoo are put away due to World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
’s meat rationing
1950- Idaho State Historical Museum created
1959- Engine # 2295, “Big Mike”, donated by Union Pacific
1966- Greenbelt
Boise greenbelt
The Boise River Greenbelt is a recreational and alternate transportation trail along the banks of the Boise River through Boise, Idaho, U.S.A.. The Boise Greenbelt is more of a greenway than a green belt since its character is linear...
created as new city goal
1972- Boise Gallery of Art grows
1980- Bob Gibb Friendship Bridge connects park to Boise State University
1982- Idaho State Historical Museum grows
1986- Boise Gallery of Art renamed Boise Art Museum and renovated
1997- BAM becomes 34800 square feet (3,233 m²)
1998- Old St. Paul Baptist Church becomes Idaho Black History Museum
2002- Memorial sculpture is dedicated to Julia Davis (August 4)
2007- Centennial Celebration of Julia Davis Park (June 23)
Idaho Black History Museum
Nestled next to the historic Julia Davis Park lies the Idaho Black History Museum. Built in 1995, the museum is the oldest black history museum in the Pacific NorthwestPacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is a region in northwestern North America, bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and, loosely, by the Rocky Mountains on the east. Definitions of the region vary and there is no commonly agreed upon boundary, even among Pacific Northwesterners. A common concept of the...
. Being so, the museum, as well as Julia Davis Park, proves Idaho’s rich foundation of history, diversity, and “reinvention”. Contributing activities, events, and information, the Idaho Black History Museum is a vital contributor to Julia Davis Park and all of Boise.
Zoo Boise
In 1916 a circus traveled through Mountain HomeMountain Home, Idaho
Mountain Home is the largest city and county seat of Elmore County, Idaho. The population was 14,206 at the 2010 census. Mountain Home is the principal city of the Mountain Home, ID Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Elmore County....
. During the stop, a monkey escaped from captivity and was finally found in the Mountain Home
Mountain Home, Idaho
Mountain Home is the largest city and county seat of Elmore County, Idaho. The population was 14,206 at the 2010 census. Mountain Home is the principal city of the Mountain Home, ID Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Elmore County....
Desert, long past the circus’s departure. Boise being the home for the newfound monkey, a Boise Zoo was then founded. Boise’s Zoo, located along Julia Davis Park, is a prime example of Boise’s family-fit environment. A trip to a zoo, a lunch in a park, and even a museum voyage enables Julia Davis Park and the surrounding area to be magnificent as it is. Educating children and exposing children to nature, the Boise Zoo contributes many visitors to Julia Davis Park. Currently Zoo Boise is working on a much-anticipated "African" exhibit. This $2.8 Million exhibit will include a new African Village, three small exhibit areas (housing rock hyrax, weaver birds, and lemurs), and two large exhibit areas (housing lions, giraffes, and zebras). This will provide Boise the opportunity to explore ALL cultures and entertain the zoo's master plan of exposing Boise to all Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Rose Gardens
The addition of a rose garden to the park originated with H.C. Schuppel in 1935, a chairman of a rose garden club called the "Cut Worms." Work on the project began in earnest in 1939 with a total of 2800 roses planted (some from Villa Nurseries in Portland, OregonPortland, Oregon
Portland is a city located in the Pacific Northwest, near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2010 Census, it had a population of 583,776, making it the 29th most populous city in the United States...
). It was also in this year that the Rose Garden was officially dedicated. A key development came later in 1979 with the establishment of the Memorial Rose Fund. This fund was intended to help create memorials in the garden for friends and family members. National recognition was given to the Rose Garden in 1992 when it receive its Public Rose Garden accreditation. As a result of this, 10 bushes of All American winners are given to the Garden yearly. The Garden is also often the site of wedding ceremonies.
Idaho Historical Museum
Located along Julia Davis Park is yet another enjoyable attraction. The Idaho Historical Museum, founded in 1907, is the single most visited museum in Boise. Exhibits include a variety of eclectic and diverse topics. Based on Idaho’s rich history with Native AmericansNative Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
, Basques, and Chinese
Chinese people
The term Chinese people may refer to any of the following:*People with Han Chinese ethnicity ....
, each exhibit thrills and entertains. Currently, the Idaho Historical Museum is housing an exhibit titled, "The Brotherhood" and entails the "society with secrets", a.k.a. the Freemasons. Rare folk art
Folk art
Folk art encompasses art produced from an indigenous culture or by peasants or other laboring tradespeople. In contrast to fine art, folk art is primarily utilitarian and decorative rather than purely aesthetic....
and the history of Freemasons within Idaho
Idaho
Idaho is a state in the Rocky Mountain area of the United States. The state's largest city and capital is Boise. Residents are called "Idahoans". Idaho was admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890, as the 43rd state....
is exposed. The exhibit of "Brotherhood" is on display running from May 24 to September 17, 2008 and the Idaho Historical Museum is opened from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Tuesday-Saturday and from 1:00 pm to 5:00pm Sunday.
Discovery Center of Idaho
Next to Julia Davis’ pond lies the new and unique Discovery Center of IdahoDiscovery Center of Idaho
Discovery Center of Idaho or DCI is an interactive Science museum in Boise, Idaho located at 131 Myrtle St. The Discovery Center of Idaho's mission is to inspire lifelong interest and learning in science, technology, engineering and math.- Exhibits :...
, completed in 1988. With a mission to educate/intrigue children and adults, the Discovery Center of Idaho
Discovery Center of Idaho
Discovery Center of Idaho or DCI is an interactive Science museum in Boise, Idaho located at 131 Myrtle St. The Discovery Center of Idaho's mission is to inspire lifelong interest and learning in science, technology, engineering and math.- Exhibits :...
is an imperative stop along Julia Davis Park. Based on the foundation of Mathematics and Science, DCI provides information and intellectualism amongst Boise’s community. “Where families learn together” is, thus, their slogan...DCI is a definite date stop along Julia Davis Park.
Boise Art Museum
Founded in 1931 as Idaho’s premier art association, the Boise Art Museum provides an epicenter for Boise’s art scene. Along Julia Davis Park, the BAM organizes the appearance of fine art that would otherwise pass from the communities eyes. Each year, with assistance from Boise’s local art scene, cooperative government, and Idaho Parks and Recreation Department, the Boise Art Museum hosts “Art In the Park” in Julia Davis Park. An event to bring about Boise’s local art scene and locally owned businesses, assisting visitor numbers to Julia Davis Park.Bandshell
Located inside of Julia Davis Park is the Gene HarrisGene Harris
Gene Harris was an American jazz pianist known for his warm sound and blues and gospel infused style that is known as soul jazz....
Bandshell. Playing multiple free concerts for the park visitors and bringing musical culture to the people, the Gene Harris bandshell was initially built in 1928 and devoted to Gene Harris
Gene Harris
Gene Harris was an American jazz pianist known for his warm sound and blues and gospel infused style that is known as soul jazz....
in 2001. Some infamous concerts at the bandshell include, The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground was an American rock band formed in New York City. First active from 1964 to 1973, their best-known members were Lou Reed and John Cale, who both went on to find success as solo artists. Although experiencing little commercial success while together, the band is often cited...
, the Wailers, Pete Seeger
Pete Seeger
Peter "Pete" Seeger is an American folk singer and was an iconic figure in the mid-twentieth century American folk music revival. A fixture on nationwide radio in the 1940s, he also had a string of hit records during the early 1950s as a member of The Weavers, most notably their recording of Lead...
(October 6, 1968), and the Boise City Band (August 15, 1948).
Julia Davis Park: The Second Century
With support from Boise Parks and Recreation, Julia Davis Park is a premier park for all of Boise. However, to maintain its reputation, projects are underway to advance and benefit the park and its surroundings. The Boise City Department of Parks and Recreation and the Julia Davis Centennial Committee have been thinking uniquely to rebuild, energize, and “reinvent” Julia Davis Park for the park’s “Second Century”. Such projects include a new “Grand Plaza” for large events and gatherings, a history walk amongst several new pavilions, the addition of four new river nodes, and a new “Golden Apple” interactive history tour.The Grand Plaza is one such modification. Taking form of a broken circle, the Grand Plaza will provide social space, as well as operational space. Centered by a bronze
Bronze
Bronze is a metal alloy consisting primarily of copper, usually with tin as the main additive. It is hard and brittle, and it was particularly significant in antiquity, so much so that the Bronze Age was named after the metal...
medallion inset into the pavement, the Grand Plaza extends “roots” throughout the space memorializing historic elements that are significant to the Davis family.
Next, a proposed 5 new or refurbished pavilions will sprout throughout the park. These pavilions will provide a picnic area, concert center, and gathering space.
A new “River Habitat Node” is currently in the works. Using nature’s elements and the surrounding area’s material, each of the five river nodes will bring out the beauty and reflective nature of Boise’s wildlife, brush, and river. Centered around a pedestal made of stained steel
Steel
Steel is an alloy that consists mostly of iron and has a carbon content between 0.2% and 2.1% by weight, depending on the grade. Carbon is the most common alloying material for iron, but various other alloying elements are used, such as manganese, chromium, vanadium, and tungsten...
and copper
Copper
Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu and atomic number 29. It is a ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. Pure copper is soft and malleable; an exposed surface has a reddish-orange tarnish...
, telling a slice of the Park’s history, these nodes vow to be respective to the surrounding area and the beauty therein.
Using each history-telling addition to the park, a history walk and a “Quest for the Golden Apple” is planned as a common park activity. This will enable Boise residents to touch base with the roots and become closer to their hometown community. This will also allow visitors to explore our rich history and beautiful scenery.
2008 Events
•Sunday October 19- The 2008 CROP benefit walk for the Idaho Foodbank starts at the Gene Harris Bandshell, last year they raised over $9,000.•Saturday October 4- See Spot Walk annual benefit walk for the Idaho Humane Society starts at the Gene Harris Bandshell.
•Sunday September 21- Pacific Northwestern climbers compete to win a spot in next year’s International Tree Climbing Competition. The winner Scott Nyuli climbed 49 foot in Julia Davis Park.
•Thursday September 18- Idaho State Historical Society luncheon in Julia Davis Park at noon.
•Saturday September 13- The annual “Run with the Animals” 5K benefit for Zoo Boise raised vital funds for the zoo’s new “African Plains” exhibit.
•Friday September 5- The 54th annual Boise Art in the Park kicks off, bringing 250+ artists into Julia Davis to display/buy local art.
•Sunday August 17- A new Red Oak is planted in Julia Davis Park at 1:00 PM to celebrate the new enhancements of Julia Davis’ landscape as well as the birth of a 5th Generation Tom and Julia descendant named Brody Myklegard.
•Saturday August 2- The 16th annual Soul Food Festival serves up cultural food straight from the Treasure Valley’s African American tradition and culture.
•Friday July 11- Julia Davis named Best park along the “String of Pearls”
•Friday July 4- Gem State Kiwanis July Fourth Celebration
•Saturday May 3- Wailers play BSU’s Spring Fling
•Monday March 24- Construction begins to update and enhance Julia Davis Park.