Back Story

The Foote Park Interpretive Center was built to improve the existing Foote Park Site and as a grassroots effort to honor two individuals, Arthur De Wint and Mary Hallock Foote, who had important impacts on the physical and cultural developments of the American West, particularly in Idaho’s Treasure Valley. Arthur was the original designer of the New York Canal System. Mary was a noted illustrator and author who wrote of her time in Boise in her book The Chosen Valley. This Center tells the story of the Footes’ significant contributions and their vision of the Treasure Valley populated with thousands of prosperous families.

The Center was envisioned, researched, developed, managed and built by its co-founders, Mary Ann Arnold and Dr. Janet Worthington in collaboration with the U. S. Army Corps of engineers. Funding was through the Capital Campaign conducted by the co-founders and the in-kind site work and development by the Corps.

Foote Park is located on US Army Corps of Engineers property near Lucky Peak dam across from Discovery Park on Idaho Highway 21. It can be reached by crossing the dam and following the signs. It is free and open during daylight hours.

Features

Interpretive Panels showcasing:

• Stone House built by Arthur
• Life Stories if Mary & Arthur (2 Panels)
• Fresno Scraper used in period canal construction
• Arthur’s Legacy / Founding of Morrison Knudsen / MK Sponsorship
• Audio Boxes featuring Arthur & Mary
• Mosaic with artwork & Arthur’s original canal plan
• “Stone House Window” inspired by one of Mary’s illustrations
• Native Plant Circle featuring plants from Mary’s era

Project History in Photos

From start to finish – a successful example of Private & Government collaboration

Awards

Foote Park Interpretive Center

• Nominated for 2021 selection – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Excellence in Partnerships Award
• National Excellence Award, AASLH (American Assoc. for State & Local History) – 2020
• Orchid Award Honoree, Idaho Historic Preservation Council – 2019