A proposed pedestrian bridge in Garden City would connect a disconnected segment of the Boise River Greenbelt, eliminating a gap that currently forces users to detour onto city streets or navigate uncertain alternate routes. The Foundation for Ada/Canyon Trail Systems (FACTS) is leading the effort to construct the bridge linking the Greenbelt at 52nd Street in Garden City to existing trail infrastructure on Plantation Island in Ada County, addressing a long-standing break in what many residents consider a vital recreational corridor.
The gap exists in an area undergoing development pressure, and local leaders believe the bridge would improve safety and connectivity as the region continues to grow. FACTS, Garden City, and Ada County previously secured a $2.18 million federal grant to support the project, but the organizations are now working to raise remaining local matching funds necessary to unlock federal construction dollars.
Current Conditions Force Risky Detours
Trail users encountering the gap at 52nd Street currently face limited options, none of them ideal. Some attempt detours through nearby streets, while others try alternate routes—sometimes only to discover those pathways are closed or not suitable for continuous use.
One resident’s recent experience illustrates the frustration. Jacob Guardado said he “ran into a property where the greenbelt ends… then it says detour. So we took the detour… only to find out it’s not open.” The situation has been further complicated by ongoing construction related to the Park at Expo Idaho, which has temporarily closed portions of the Greenbelt pathway itself.
Garden City Mayor Bill Jacobs acknowledged the connectivity challenge and outlined how the bridge would resolve it. Once completed, users would have a direct, safe route: “You don’t have to go on city streets. You can ride over through the fairgrounds, across the island, back onto the south side of the river on the Garden City side.” The bridge would allow pedestrians and cyclists to remain on the trail system rather than mixing with vehicular traffic on adjacent streets.
Part of a Larger Vision for Ada County
The Garden City bridge project fits into a broader initiative by FACTS to systematically eliminate gaps throughout the Boise River Greenbelt corridor. The organization’s mission extends from Lucky Peak Dam to the Snake River, covering a significant stretch of the recreational pathway that runs through multiple Ada County communities.
Connecting these segments creates a more cohesive trail network for the region’s growing population, supporting both recreational use and active transportation as an alternative to vehicle commutes. The Greenbelt serves residents across Boise, Eagle, Meridian, Garden City, and surrounding areas, making connectivity improvements a matter of concern across the Treasure Valley.
Funding Path Forward
The $2.18 million federal grant represents significant progress, but FACTS must secure matching local funds to proceed with construction. These matching contributions typically come from the participating local jurisdictions—in this case, Garden City, Ada County, and FACTS itself through fundraising efforts.
Once the local matching funds are confirmed and committed, the federal dollars can be released to support bridge design and construction. The timeline for completion depends on the pace of fundraising and the complexity of permitting and environmental review for a structure that crosses Ada County property and interfaces with Plantation Island.
What Comes Next
Residents and trail users interested in the project can stay informed by monitoring updates from FACTS, Garden City, and Ada County officials. The bridge project may also be discussed at future Garden City City Council meetings and Ada County Commissioner sessions, where the public can learn more about funding progress and construction timelines.
For those concerned about Greenbelt connectivity and gaps in the Ada County trail system, attending local government meetings or contacting elected officials can help ensure the project remains a priority. The bridge represents one of several infrastructure improvements underway in Ada County aimed at improving safety, connectivity, and quality of life for residents across the region, alongside ongoing Ada County Roads Authority management of competing construction pressures throughout the valley.