The Boise River Greenbelt effort started 50 years ago – and the City of Boise is celebrating the effort in a year-long project.

The city shared a 1970 home video from former Boise City Council member Bill Onweiler, which shows aerial shots of the river with his narration.

He touted the first work to make the edge of the waterway public.

“From now on, the banks of the river, 70 feet or more, will be reserved for public recreation forever. In Boise like in few other cities, all its citizens will be able to satisfy man’s urge to recreate on or near the water,” he said in the film.

The film is shot from a helicopter and gives a glimpse of Boise nearly 50 years – with much less development… and even a green football field.

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The city plans a three-day celebration of the Greenbelt anniversary on September 19-21. Concerts, tours and other activities are planned.https://youtu.be/dskPRdi2k9I