SCNA – Pathway Grant Announcement
Paths Shown in Red on BSD Property Overlay
We are excited to announce that the South Cole Neighborhood Association has been awarded a $75,000 grant through the City of Boise's Neighborhood Investment Program (part of the Energize Our Neighborhoods initiative) for FY26!
This funding will support the construction of a new accessible pathway connecting our neighborhood to West Junior High School. The project aims to replace an existing dirt trail with a safe, paved route that benefits students, families, and the entire community by improving pedestrian access, safety, and connectivity in southwest Boise.
Key details:
- Project Name: Pathway to West Junior High
- Grant Amount: $75,000
- Purpose: Build and improve an accessible pathway for safer walking and biking to school and neighborhood amenities
- Partners: The pathway will be built, managed, and maintained by the Boise School District, ensuring long-term upkeep and community benefit.
- Impact: Enhancing neighborhood livability, encouraging active transportation, and strengthening ties between residents and local schools.
This award is part of a larger $631,200 investment by the City of Boise in neighborhood projects across the city for 2026. We're grateful to Mayor McLean, the Boise City Council, and the Energize Our Neighborhoods team for recognizing the importance of this project to South Cole.
Stay tuned for updates on planning, construction timeline, and opportunities to get involved. Thank you to all our residents for your support — this is a win for our whole community!
We look forward to seeing this pathway become a reality — safer walks, stronger connections, and a brighter South Cole! 🚶♀️🌳
Updates on the West Junior High Pathway Project
Grant Idea
Students Provided Photos
The Muddy Path Problem
At the end of 2024, SCNA began collaborating with the Boise School District and with SWACA to propose an idea for the Neighborhood Investment Grant through the City of Boise. SCNA proposed paving pathways for students walking to West Junior High.
The Muddy Path Problem
Students Provided Photos
The Muddy Path Problem
Students walking or riding bikes to West Junior High, from the neighborhoods to the east and west, travel along muddy and sometimes very dark paths.
Students Provided Photos
Students Provided Photos
Students Provided Photos
Students provided photos of the current walking path.
Students Provided Photos
Students Provided Photos
Students Provided Photos
More Student Photos
Parents Provided Photos
Students Provided Photos
Parents Provided Photos
Students are entering the path from the Creekwood Neighborhood.
Flood Area
Students Provided Photos
Parents Provided Photos
The path often floods near the Five Mile Creek area, so students created a temporary bridge.
Jan 2025: SCNA Applies for NIP Grant
Jan 2025: SCNA Applies for NIP Grant
Jan 2025: SCNA Applies for NIP Grant
SCNA's awesome grant writer prepared the grant application and all of the required documentation. It included project details, budget estimates, letters of support from BSD facilities and officials, pictures of the project area, and all of the application forms.
Aug 2025: Boise Selects SCNA Grant!
Jan 2025: SCNA Applies for NIP Grant
Jan 2025: SCNA Applies for NIP Grant
In August 2025, SCNA was notified by the City of Boise that our neighborhood was selected to receive the pathway project grant!
Sept 2025: Award Accepted
Jan 2025: SCNA Applies for NIP Grant
SCNA Board representatives accepted the award from Nicole (Energize) and Mayor McLean.
Feb 2026: We will update soon on updates from BSD
Feb 2026: We will update soon on updates from BSD
BSD has started on the pathway design. Updates are coming soon!