Boise city leaders are evaluating options for an outdoor summer concert series in 2017 at a city-operated park.
After a private promoter approached the city with the idea, they put out a request for proposals to allow other private companies a chance to pitch their ideas. The deadline was Monday, October 24, and according to Doug Holloway with Boise Parks and Recreation, two promoters submitted proposals.
"We're in the process now of setting up a team to evaluate those proposals and we will continue to move forward on that," Doug Holloway said. "I anticipate it will be at least two weeks before we get to a point where we're making the decision of whether or not the proposals are adequate or are something we are willing to move forward with."
As 6 On Your Side reported, the original idea didn't settle well with the Idaho Botanical Garden, where live entertainment has been a nine year tradition as part of their Outlaw Field Outdoor Summer Concert Series.
“While we understand that it may not be the intent of the City of Boise to negatively impact the financial stability of the Idaho Botanical Garden (IBG), it is not possible for a small nonprofit organization such as IBG to compete with the resources and the subsidization of a concert series hosted at a City park,” said Erin Anderson, Executive Director, Idaho Botanical Garden. “The Outlaw Field Concert Series is a large part of IBG’s funding. The City’s proposed entry into competition will put our organization’s sustainability at risk and take away vital funds to support our mission as well as the programs and services that we provide in our community. Rather than engage in this competition, we urge the City of Boise to reconsider their intent to support concert series in a public park this summer.”
Stick with 6 On Your Side for updates on this developing story.
