A new park devoted to gardening education officially opened Monday when Boise city officials and staff from the Boise Urban Garden School (BUGS) cut a ribbon to a 1,500-square-foot, barn-shaped center at Comba Park.

“The new barn is a huge asset for the city because we are able to offer garden-base education to the youth in our community,” said Erin Guerricabeitia, a coordinator with BUGS. “Through our program we are able to teach kids the science of gardening and how to cook from the garden.”

The new building features a commercial kitchen, classroom space and an administrative office.

“The park will allow BUGS to host youth field trips, camps and community education classes serving thousands of children and adults annually,” said Guerricabeitia.

In December 2014, the City of Boise and BUGS formalized a partnership that will further expand the community garden and education-based services. BUGS plans to continue to raise funds for building and garden improvements throughout the city.

Comba Park is located at 2995 N. Five Mile.