A splash pad. Cotopaxi store in downtown Boise. Planetarium in a museum. Coming near you

The latest proposed developments, housing and other construction projects, and new businesses around Idaho’s Treasure Valley:

Boise

A new splash pad is now open at Molenaar Park in Southwest Boise.

The splash pad, found next to the park’s accessible playground and restroom, has various spouts, fountains and sprays for kids to play in and cool off during the hot summer months. It also offers shade.

Kids play in the new splash pad at Molenaar Park. City of Boise
Kids play in the new splash pad at Molenaar Park. City of Boise

“We’re committed to making sure every Boisean is within a 10-minute walk to a park or open space reserve, and incorporating amenities like this provide even more opportunities for families to get outside and recreate,” Boise Mayor Lauren McLean said at a dedication ceremony last week.

The splash pad is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily through Labor Day weekend in September.

Boise Mayor Lauren McLean, center, and Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway, center right, cut a ribbon alongside more than a dozen kids at a dedication ceremony for the new splash pad. City of Boise
Boise Mayor Lauren McLean, center, and Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway, center right, cut a ribbon alongside more than a dozen kids at a dedication ceremony for the new splash pad. City of Boise

Water for the splash pad comes from a deep well at the site. After water runs through the feature, it travels into an underground storage tank, and once the tank is full, the water is pumped out and passed through a sanitation system before being deposited in the park’s pond, according to a new release from the city.

The water is recycled and used a second time to irrigate grass and other landscaped areas of the park.

Kona Ice, a mobile franchise selling frozen treats, opened a new shaved ice truck in west-central Boise.

The truck plans to make stops at fairs, festivals and other events throughout Boise and Caldwell. Customers can choose from over 20 flavors and a range of combinations.

The owner of the truck, Andy Ostler, said in a news release that he’s excited to collaborate with schools and other local organizations.

Utah developer Layton Construction has filed a request for a permit for the design of the Victory Plats project at 8373 W. Victory Road, between South Trabuco Avenue and South Milwaukee Street.

The development of 301 apartments and townhouses on 15 acres would consist of one-, two- and three-bedroom units, according to the application.

The Idaho Statesman previously reported on the City Council approval in March.

Cotopaxi leased 1,909 square feet in the heart of downtown at 100 N. 8th St., according to Cushman and Wakefield.

The Utah-based company sells popular outdoor gear in shades of its trademark bright colors and is best known for its pledge to produce its products in ethical, sustainable ways.

Cotopaxi products include backpacks, jackets and other outdoor gear. Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi products include backpacks, jackets and other outdoor gear. Cotopaxi

Branded Bear Tattoo is opening this month in the North Pointe development located at 7610 W. State St., Suite 135. The tattoo shop will hold a soft opening on June 3. Its owner, artist Ryan Cushinery, previously worked at Burn the Boats Tattoo in Meridian, according to his Instagram announcement.

Driven Jiu-Jitsu leased 2,600 square feet of retail space in Overland Market at 8610 W. Overland Road in Boise, according to TOK Commercial.

The martial arts school offers classes to both children and adults.

Meridian

The Children’s Museum of Idaho is expanding its location at the corner of Progress and Central avenues.

The expansion includes 4,000 square feet that would include a planetarium and five new exhibit galleries, according to a news release from the museum.

The museum will remain open as the construction continues through the end of the year.

The planetarium and new space is expected to open in early 2024, executive director Pat Baker said in the news release.

Menchie’s leased 1,100 square feet of retail space in Ten Mile Retail at 3149 W. Quintale Dr., according to TOK Commercial.

The California-based company owns a chain of frozen yogurt shops with more than 400 locations across 11 countries, according to its website.

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt offers customers a variety of toppings. Menchie's Frozen Yogurt
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt offers customers a variety of toppings. Menchie's Frozen Yogurt

Nampa

Beaux Design Build leased 7,084 square feet of industrial space at 3618 E. Newby St., according to Colliers.

It is a design-build company specializing in homes, meaning the designer and contractor work together as a team under one contract. Owned by Christopher Beaux, the Idaho-based company has designed more than “3000 custom home and builder plans” in the past 30 years, according to its website.

Caldwell

Renovations at the Walmart on Ustick Road in Caldwell are now complete.

The store’s remodel includes updated drive-thru pharmacy lanes, expanded online and pickup delivery, new bakery items and additional checkout areas.

The location at 622 E. Ustick Road held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the new changes and a mural by local artist Andrew Houser. The store’s manager also announced over $3,000 in community grants.

Kuna

The Boys & Girls Club is holding a groundbreaking ceremony in June for a new location planned in Kuna.

The event is scheduled for Friday, June 30, at noon near Butler Park. There will be free hamburgers, fries and cookies courtesy of CS Beef and Simplot.

The Boys & Girls Club plans to build a new location at W. Mendi Place in Kuna. Kuna Boys & Girls Club
The Boys & Girls Club plans to build a new location at W. Mendi Place in Kuna. Kuna Boys & Girls Club