As most Boise parks go, Manitou Park is actually a step above. Located in Southeast Boise, the surrounding neighborhood is well-established and fairly family-friendly. The park itself is 11 acres of large open areas, mature shade trees, and all the things needed to keep the kids busy for a few hours.

There is also a creek that runs through the back of the park, which is great fun for the kiddies who want to try to chase the ducks or see where their backpack will float off to. Just don't forget the water wings for the little ones.

While not one of the coolest public parks in Boise, Manitou is a nice neighborhood park and a better place to send the kids to play than the Greenbelt after dark in a thunderstorm. Just saying.

If your name is Muffy, Buffy, or you're just too hoity-toity for your own good or white and can't play basketball, you can reserve the tennis courts by calling the folks at Boise Parks and Recreation, (208) 384-4486. Tell them Jack sent you and you'll get a free ticket to Mayor Bieter's next colonoscopy. Just remember that one court must be open at all times for vagrants, yuppie gangsters, or Jimmy Conners; no one likes balls bouncing off them while they're trying to nap or deal.

I don't recommend a field trip out to this particular park, but if you're in the area and the kiddies could use a good running, stop on by and enjoy your tax dollars at work.