Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse breaks ground

The J. A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation (JKAFF) broke ground on Nov. 11 for the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse in east Boise, a unique facility to serve the needs of adaptive athletes with the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) and military members, veterans and their spouses with the Mission43 veterans organization.

In April, the JKAFF bought 6.79 acres on East Barber Valley Drive. By May, anyone paying attention knew why: JKAFF wanted to build an athletic facility for physically challenged individuals and for post-9/11 veterans and their spouses. The facility would also serve as the headquarters for JKAFF-founded veterans organization Mission43 and for the Idaho branch of the CAF. The site for the fieldhouse abuts the Boise Greenbelt.

According to the project plans submitted to the City of Boise, the main building will be approximately 46,000 square feet and will include an aquatic center with an overhanging obstacle course, a gymnasium, performance fitness areas, conference rooms, storage, administrative offices and a climbing wall. The site will incorporate temporary housing for visitors, a wellness center and parking. The wellness center will include hyperbaric oxygen therapy for members with injuries.

The Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse is designed for “people with physical limitations to give them a safe place for classes, events and also to connect with others who understand what they are going through.”

The general contractor for the project is Engineered Structures Inc. (ESI) of Meridian. The design is a collaboration by Pivot North Architecture of Boise and Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture of Denver and Dallas. The Fieldhouse is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2023.

Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse groundbreaking

The event drew members of the JKAFF, CAF-Idaho, Mission43, Idaho Governor Brad Little, Boise Mayor Lauren McLean, veterans and their families and many adaptive athletes.

“Our coalition became partners with CAF about five years ago,” said Jamie Scott, the JKAFF board chairperson. “It’s been an incredible and inspiring journey. CAF believes in inclusion. They believe that powered sport can help people with physical challenges live fuller lives. We want Idaho to be a world-class destination for adaptive recreation. We have several CAF athletes here today and we are so proud to support you.”

“Watching Mission43 and CAF, the synergy has been amazing,” Scott continued. “We felt so inspired by this partnership. We wanted to build a permanent home for both organizations so they continue to do their incredible work…While we hope this facility will be amazing, we know the true magic will be within the people that visit it.”

J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation

The JKAFF is committed to making Idaho an exemplary model for innovative learning, a destination for accessible world-class recreation and the most desirable state for life after the military. As one of the premier philanthropic organizations in Idaho, JKAFF has funded multiple outdoor recreation facilities throughout the Treasure Valley, including the Rhodes Skate Park, the whitewater park on the Greenbelt and the riverside Kathryn Albertson Park in Boise. The organization founded Mission43 to improve post-military life in Idaho. JKAFF also funds all-day kindergarten for the Bluum network of public charter and private schools and programs like Teach For America in rural and low-income Idaho school districts, along with its many other projects.

Mission43

Founded in 2016, Mission43 is an initiative of the JKAFF, which fully funds the organization. Mission43 provides services to current military, post-9/11veterans and their spouses from Idaho: “the resources for personal growth and opportunities to be active members in their communities.” It focuses on three areas: education, employment and community engagement. The name was inspired by Idaho’s admission to the republic as its 43rd state.

Challenged Athletes Foundation Idaho

The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization headquartered in San Diego and has offices in San Francisco, New York and Boise. The organization was founded in 1994 to “provide opportunities and support to people with physical challenges, so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics.” It supports athletes “at every level and ability.” CAF
Idaho provides funding for training, travel and adaptive sports equipment not covered by medical insurance for Idahoans with permanent physical disabilities. CAF also operates camps and clinics, hosts athletic events and runs a mentorship program to connect those with physical challenges.