Eagle Island State Park (Idaho)

Eagle Island State Park is a public recreation area on the southwest outskirts of the city of Eagle, Idaho. The state park covers 545 acres (221 ha) that are bordered by the north and south channels of the Boise River. The park's recreational facilities include swimming beach, picnic area, equestrian trails, and a water slide.[1]

Not to be confused with Eagle Island State Park (Washington).
Eagle Island State Park
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape)
Location in Idaho
Location in the United States
LocationEagle, Idaho, United States
Coordinates43°41′13″N 116°23′05″W[1]
Area545 acres (221 ha)[1]
Elevation2,524 ft (769 m)[1]
DesignationIdaho state park
Established1983
AdministratorIdaho Department of Parks and Recreation
WebsiteEagle Island State Park

History

The grazing land where the park stands was purchased by the state in 1929 and used as a penitentiary farm until 1977, when the site was turned over to the Idaho Department of Lands.[2] In response to a poll concerning disposition of the land in the local newspaper, the Land Board voted to set aside the property to be managed as Eagle Island State Park.[3] The park was dedicated in 1983.[1]

In his 2006 State of the State Address, Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne envisioned a Central Park-like future for Eagle Island,[4] which was followed in 2010 by talk of disbanding the parks department he had formerly headed.[5][6]

Activities and amenities

The park offers more than 5 miles (8.0 km) of equestrian trails, non-motorized boating, horseshoes, picnicking, swimming, water slide, volleyball, fishing, 18-hole disc golf course, and a zip line.[1] A Sportsman's Access area offers fishing opportunities along the river.[2]

See also

References
  1. "Eagle Island State Park". Idaho Parks and Recreation. Retrieved October 21, 2017.
  2. "Eagle Island Master Plan" (PDF). Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. September 2006. Retrieved March 4, 2011.
  3. "History: State Lands in Idaho". Idaho Museum of Natural History. Retrieved October 18, 2017.
  4. "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."
  5. Betsy Z. Russell (July 6, 2015). "Idaho state parks 'do more with less' five years after budget crunch threatened closures". Idaho Statesman. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
  6. Dennis McLane (September 5, 2018). "Who will carry on Dirk Kempthorne's leadership for Idaho state parks?". Idaho Statesman. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
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