Boise proclaims Oct. 28 Doug Holloway Day as parks director prepares to retire
October 29, 2025 | Boise City, Boise, Ada County, Idaho
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Mayor Laura McLean read a proclamation at the Oct. 28 Boise City Council meeting declaring the date “Doug Holloway Day,” honoring Holloway’s 24 years with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.
The proclamation noted Holloway served “24 years as recreation superintendent and the director of Parks and Recreation Department,” credited him with adding 27 city park sites during his tenure, cited the 55‑acre Esther Simplot Park completed in 2016, and said his legacy includes preserving more than 2,200 acres of open space in the foothills. “I, Laura McLean, the mayor of Boise, do hereby proclaim October 28, 2025 is Doug Holloway Day in the city of Boise,” McLean read during the meeting.
The council and city staff used the meeting for extended tributes. Council President Nash and multiple councilmembers described Holloway’s leadership and impact on staff culture and community programs; speakers noted the department’s growth in scholarships and recreation offerings, from 244 activities in 2001 to more than 20,000 in 2024, as evidence of expanded access. Holloway was credited with leading complex projects including Esther Simplot Park and the Warm Springs Grill and Golf Community Facility, and for fostering partnerships that city officials said will benefit future generations of Boise residents.
Holloway spoke briefly, thanking colleagues and the council. “I’ve had the greatest job in the greatest organization, you know, in the greatest city,” he said during his remarks.
Several councilmembers highlighted personal memories and community effects: one recalled discussing Spalding Ranch and promising a resident a ribbon‑cutting; others described new community centers, skate parks and youth programs as examples of work that changed neighborhood life and provided crime‑prevention benefits by offering safe places for teens.
Councilmembers and staff also thanked the Parks and Recreation staff by name and acknowledged community partners who assisted department projects. The mayor’s proclamation and the public tributes constituted the council’s formal recognition of Holloway’s career; no policy action was taken as part of the proclamation.
Holloway’s last day with the city was noted as the coming Friday; the proclamation and the council’s remarks marked his official recognition to the public.
The council moved on to regular business after the recognition, including votes on consent items and ordinances.
The proclamation noted Holloway served “24 years as recreation superintendent and the director of Parks and Recreation Department,” credited him with adding 27 city park sites during his tenure, cited the 55‑acre Esther Simplot Park completed in 2016, and said his legacy includes preserving more than 2,200 acres of open space in the foothills. “I, Laura McLean, the mayor of Boise, do hereby proclaim October 28, 2025 is Doug Holloway Day in the city of Boise,” McLean read during the meeting.
The council and city staff used the meeting for extended tributes. Council President Nash and multiple councilmembers described Holloway’s leadership and impact on staff culture and community programs; speakers noted the department’s growth in scholarships and recreation offerings, from 244 activities in 2001 to more than 20,000 in 2024, as evidence of expanded access. Holloway was credited with leading complex projects including Esther Simplot Park and the Warm Springs Grill and Golf Community Facility, and for fostering partnerships that city officials said will benefit future generations of Boise residents.
Holloway spoke briefly, thanking colleagues and the council. “I’ve had the greatest job in the greatest organization, you know, in the greatest city,” he said during his remarks.
Several councilmembers highlighted personal memories and community effects: one recalled discussing Spalding Ranch and promising a resident a ribbon‑cutting; others described new community centers, skate parks and youth programs as examples of work that changed neighborhood life and provided crime‑prevention benefits by offering safe places for teens.
Councilmembers and staff also thanked the Parks and Recreation staff by name and acknowledged community partners who assisted department projects. The mayor’s proclamation and the public tributes constituted the council’s formal recognition of Holloway’s career; no policy action was taken as part of the proclamation.
Holloway’s last day with the city was noted as the coming Friday; the proclamation and the council’s remarks marked his official recognition to the public.
The council moved on to regular business after the recognition, including votes on consent items and ordinances.
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