A major new public park taking shape at Expo Idaho in Ada County has earned international recognition before it even opens its gates, receiving the Award of Excellence in Concept and Public Space Design from the World Landscape Architecture Awards. The honor places the 50-acre park among the top-recognized projects out of more than 275 submissions worldwide, putting Ada County on the global map for innovative public park design.
What the Park Will Offer Ada County Residents
The project has been in development for more than five years and is designed to serve a broad cross-section of the community — from young children to seniors. Features include a nature-inspired playground, a skate park, walking trails, restored waterways, and open recreational spaces along the Boise River Greenbelt.
The skate park alone covers two acres within a surrounding five-acre property and sits directly along the Greenbelt corridor. Ada County Parks Senior Project Manager Josh Brown described the design as intentionally immersive, noting that the pump track is surrounded by trees to create a natural atmosphere. “It’s cut through the landscape, so if you visit the pump track over there, there’s trees wrapped all around you, so it’s like skating through the forest,” Brown said.
The broader park aims to draw teenagers, families, and older residents alike, offering dedicated spaces that serve multiple generations rather than targeting a single age group or interest.
A No-Property-Tax Project for Treasure Valley Taxpayers
For Ada County homeowners and taxpayers, one of the most notable aspects of the project is how it is being funded. Project construction does not use local property tax dollars, a detail that sets it apart from many large-scale public works efforts across the Treasure Valley. As Ada County residents continue to feel the squeeze of rising property assessments and increased tax burdens, the ability to deliver a world-class park without tapping local property taxes is a meaningful distinction.
Ada County Commissioner Rod Beck framed the project in terms of its long-term value for the community. “This is going to be a generational park,” Beck said at a public appearance. “This is going to be something that’s going to be here for years and it’s going to be something that the entire community can enjoy.”
International Recognition Before Opening Day
The World Landscape Architecture Awards program received more than 275 project submissions, making the Award of Excellence a competitive achievement. The park’s recognition in the Concept and Public Space Design category speaks to the planning and design vision that has guided the project through more than five years of development.
Ada County is home to some of the fastest-growing communities in the nation, and public green space has become an increasingly urgent topic across Boise, Meridian, Eagle, and the surrounding Treasure Valley. Residents in the region have watched development outpace recreational infrastructure, making projects of this scale particularly significant for the long-term livability of the area. Those interested in how local parks programming is evolving can also follow recent updates on Boise Parks decisions affecting summer programming across the Treasure Valley.
What Comes Next
The grand opening of the Expo Idaho park is scheduled for Friday, October 23, 2026. Ada County residents, families, and recreation enthusiasts are expected to get their first full look at the completed 50-acre park on that date.
As opening day approaches, Ada County Parks officials are expected to release additional details about programming, access, and events tied to the launch. Community members interested in staying informed about the project can monitor announcements through Ada County government channels. The park’s location along the Boise River Greenbelt positions it as a natural anchor for one of the most-used recreational corridors in the region, connecting it to miles of trails already enjoyed by cyclists, walkers, and outdoor enthusiasts across the valley.