Eagle Island State Park (Idaho)

Eagle Island State Park
Idaho State Park
Country  United States
State  Idaho
County Ada
Location Eagle
 - elevation 2,724 ft (830 m)
 - coordinates 43°41′13″N 116°23′5″W / 43.68694°N 116.38472°W / 43.68694; -116.38472Coordinates: 43°41′13″N 116°23′5″W / 43.68694°N 116.38472°W / 43.68694; -116.38472
Area 545 acres (220.6 ha)
Founded 1977
Management Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
IUCN category V - Protected Landscape/Seascape
Location of Eagle Island State Park in Idaho

Eagle Island State Park is a state park of Idaho, USA, providing day-use recreational facilities near Boise. The park is 8 miles (13 km) west of the state capital on the outskirts of the city of Eagle. Facilities include a swimming beach, a picnic area, more than 5 miles (8.0 km) of equestrian trails, and a water slide. Eagle Island State Park is bordered on the north and south by two forks of the Boise River. A Sportsman's Access area offers excellent fishing opportunities along the river.

History

The park was created in 1977 when the Idaho Department of Correction turned over the land that had been previously used for the Eagle Island Prison Farm to the Idaho Department of Lands. In response to a poll concerning disposition of the land in the local newspaper, a year later the Land Board voted to set aside the property to be managed as Eagle Island State Park.[1]

Future

During his 2006 State of the State Address, Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne declared his vision of the park's future:

"Eagle Island State Park along the Boise River, with our rapid population growth, will become as valuable to the Treasure Valley as Central Park is to New York City. But unless we make the investment, Eagle Island’s potential will not be realized. My proposal adds needed improvements: campgrounds, equestrian trails, and more greenbelt along the Boise River."

Recreation

Facilities include flush toilets, group shelters, and a water slide. Non-motorized boating is allowed. Available activities include horseshoes, picnicking, swimming, volleyball, fishing, a 9-hole disc golf course, and a Zip line.

References

  1. Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (September 2006). "Eagle Island Master Plan" (PDF). Retrieved 2011-03-04.
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