Discover District 16
This is District 16
Our District, shown in the map above, includes both portions of Boise and Garden City.
The people of District 16 are represented by one Senator, and two Representatives (one of which is me). Use this tool to look up your representatives and learn more about those in other districts, too.
Places & Spaces
Arts
Surel’s Place
Surel’s Place has been hosting its Artists in Residence Program since 2012, hosting artists from over 30 states and across the globe. Every artistic discipline — from visual, literary, and performing artists to sculptors, choreographers, writers, and composers — has called Surel’s Place home. Three times a month, Surel’s Place hosts free or low-cost community workshops, readings, performances, and exhibits.
Surel Mitchell Live-Work-Create District
Surel’s Place is at the heart of the Surel Mitchell Live-Work-Create District, established in 2007 by the Garden City city council. This district spans between 32nd and 37th streets on both sides of Chinden Boulevard, and is home to the Visual Arts Collective (VAC), Whitewater Park, the Riverside Hotel, the Audio Lab Recording Studio, Barbarian Brewing, Western Collective Brewery, and Telaya, Split Rail, and Coiled Wineries.
Visual Arts Collective
This contemporary fine arts gallery, performance house, and cultural center has hosted variety shows, burlesque and drag performers, comedians, thespians, and more. The VAC recently expanded its nightlife offerings with the completion of its Show or No Show lounge. It’s dedicated to the joy of artistic expression by providing Boise and the Treasure Valley a place to engage in interactive art.
Sports Teams and Venues
Athletics Club Boise
Athletics Club Boise is kicking off its inaugural soccer season in 2026. Boise’s first professional soccer team competes in the men’s USL League One and the women’s USL Super League. The team’s first home game is on April 4, 2026, at the Expo Idaho soccer stadium.
Boise Hawks at Memorial Stadium
The Boise Hawks, part of the Pioneer Baseball League, offer the classic America’s Pastime experience: hot dogs, peanuts, Cracker Jacks, and spud races. This 3,400-seat stadium hosts seasonal community events from trunk-or-treats to winter coat drives, in addition to regular season games.
Western Idaho Fairgrounds
Idahoans can see just about anything at the Western Idaho Fairgrounds, including the Boise Music Festival, the Western Idaho Fair, and seasonal markets and conventions in the expo center. The surrounding area’s newest development is The Park at Expo Idaho, a sweeping multi-use, 50-acre plan due for completion in late summer 2026.
Libraries
Boise Public Library
The Boise Public Library has two branches in District 16: Library! at Collister and Library! at Cole and Ustick. Its mission is to “provide access and opportunity for everyone by connecting people to ideas, information, and community.” And its free programs serve thousands of Idahoans annually.
Garden City Public Library
The Boise Hawks, part of the Pioneer Baseball League, offer the classic America’s Pastime experience: hot dogs, peanuts, Cracker Jacks, and spud races. This 3,400-seat stadium hosts seasonal community events from trunk-or-treats to winter coat drives, in addition to regular season games.
parks
Winstead Park
As a resident of the Winstead Park neighborhood, I might be biased when I say that it’s one of the best spots in District 16 for dog-friendly walks, picnics, and playdates. But that doesn’t make it any less true. This 11-acre park features open play areas, covered picnic areas, walking paths, a playground, and tennis courts.
Riverside and River
Pointe Parks
Two of Garden City’s hidden gems, these parks offer fishing spots, picnic areas, and shaded walking and running trails. Riverside Park is one of the best places in District 16 to see local anglers cast out for rainbow trout, bluegill, and largemouth bass. And its wildlife viewing area is an ideal place to spot waterfowl and local wildlife.
Esther Simplot Park
Esther Simplot is home to 55 acres of parkland, 23 of which are dedicated to fishing and swimming ponds. With accessible watersport rentals on the shore and ample beaches, it’s an ideal District 16 destination. Easy access to the Greenbelt gets visitors close to drinking and dining along the riverside.
Fairmont Park
The seven-acre Fairmont Park offers a playground, tennis courts, picnic shelters, and a municipal pool. It’s the official home of the Fairmont Swim Team, an ages 5-18 recreational team. Locals love Fairmont Park for its variety of amenities and shaded areas.
Mountain View Park
Located in west Boise, this eight-acre neighborhood park is accessible via Ustick Road or Cole Road. Its playgrounds, walking paths, and basketball courts make it an ideal spot for dog-walks, meet-ups, pick-up games, and more. Stop by Common Ground Coffee and Market on your way!
Mystic Cove Park
The Greenbelt’s Mystic Cove Park is, perhaps, most well known for its big blue bench — aptly named Blue Bench by artist Derek Hurd. It was installed in 2019 as part of the Garden SITy Art Benches Project. Its angular design features a porthole facing the woods and an opportunity to admire the sky from its seat.
Sunset Park
Sunset Park serves residents and visitors to Boise’s historic North End, on N. 32nd St. Its many trees provide ample coverage from the Idaho summer sun, while also offering play areas, a softball field, tennis courts, basketball courts, and a picnic shelter. The park dedicates 4.3 of its 10 acres to off-leash dogs from sunrise to 10 a.m.
Veteran's Memorial Park
Veteran’s Memorial Park stands in honor of the 217 Idaho veterans lost in the Vietnam War and the Battle of Wake Island following the attack on Pearl Harbor. In addition to making space to remember Idaho’s veteran community, the park features Greenbelt access, open fields, and a nature play area to encourage cooperative play in a natural setting.