If you either live or have visited Boise in the last few years, it’s likely you’ve noticed the giant building referred to simply as “JUMP”. The massive structure is the focal point of the capital’s downtown area and it certainly draws attention to itself. For one, it’s structurally unlike any building you’ve seen before and in front of it is one of the most eccentric playgrounds in the state. Complete with a massive 5-story slide, this play area is certainly unique and it makes for an unusual outing for both kids and adults.
JUMP Boise is a lot of things, but it can be most simply described as a community gathering place. It's become the go-to venue in Idaho's capital for classes, workshops, events, festivals, and so much more. Since it opened just a few years ago, JUMP has proven to be full of surprises, and a new one was just unveiled.
At last, the massive 5-story-tall spiral slide at JUMP has opened to the public for the season. Although JUMP originally opened in 2015, it wasn't until last summer that the slide was actually completed.
The idea for the spiral slide came from the City Museum in St. Louis, which boasts an incredible 10-story slide. There are no age restrictions to plunge down the slide, but all sliders must be at least 44 inches tall.
The slide's purpose is meant to encourage both young and old to try new things, even if they feel scary at first. In fact, that's the purpose of the community center as a whole. You can see JUMP's mission reflected in other quirky playground structures such as The Climber or The Mister.
JUMP is the type of place that was built in order to inspire residents to go out on a limb, whether that means taking a cooking class in the center's community kitchen or dancing inside of "The Flutter Foot"—a performance theater that invites people to unleash their inner dancer.
Surprises really do linger around every corner at this unique destination. One of JUMP's most notable features are the many vintage tractors and steam engines that have been carefully placed around the center. Dating back to 1885, they represent both innovation and Idaho's agricultural roots.
Eccentric structures like The Nest, described as a "safe place to hatch new ideas and let your imagination take flight", continue to encourage innovation and creativity among Idahoans.
It's impossible to try to put JUMP into a box, because this unique destination serves many purposes. However, its main purpose is to provide a space for the community to come together, create new things, and take chances. So go ahead and plunge down that 5-story slide, even if it seems scary at first!
Have you visited the 5-story slide at JUMP yet? This unique “meeting place” just gets weirder and weirder, but that’s what we love about it! For more unique destinations, check out our list of The 9 Weirdest Places You Can Possibly Go In Idaho.
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