The Park at Expo Idaho
Garden City, Idaho
Owner: Ada County
Landscape Architect: PORT Urbanism
Architect: Marlon Blackwell Architects
Contractor: CM Company, Inc.
Skate Park Designer: California Skateparks
Awards: “Outstanding Plan” by the American Planning Association Idaho Chapter and the ASLA Honor Award for Planning & Analysis by the ASLA Illinois Chapter
The Park at Expo Idaho is a transformative public project that will revitalize 50+ acres of the Expo Idaho fairgrounds into a dynamic community space, with completion anticipated in 2026. Funded in part by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the project represents the first phase of a multi-year effort to redevelop the beloved 240-acre Expo Idaho Property without using local tax dollars. Situated along the Boise River, the park will serve as a regional hub for entertainment, outdoor recreation, and environmental connection. Key features include nature trails, open spaces, sports courts, a running track, a winter ice-skating loop, nature play areas, and a world-class skatepark designed by California Skateparks, the team behind the skateparks for the Paris Olympics. Beyond its recreational offerings, the park is poised to enhance urban biodiversity by integrating natural landscapes into this vibrant spot in Garden City.
Plan North Engineers is honored to serve as the structural engineer of record for this landmark project, collaborating with esteemed architect Marlon Blackwell and the landscape architecture firm PORT. Our team is developing structural solutions to support the park’s diverse amenities while prioritizing sustainability and long-term resilience. This pioneering project has already been recognized with the Outstanding Plan Award by the American Planning Association (APA) Idaho Chapter, affirming its vision for creating public spaces that inspire and connect. As part of Ada County’s broader effort to reimagine Expo Idaho, The Park at Expo Idaho is set to become one of the region’s most iconic and cherished destinations.
Renderings courtesy of Marlon Blackwell Architects, PORT Urbanism, & Ada County. For more information, check out the latest updates from Ada County.