Kuna
Description
Kuna is a city in Ada County, Idaho, United States. It is part of the Boise City–Nampa, Idaho Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 15,210 at the 2010 census.
Kuna is one of the fastest-growing areas in Idaho, having nearly tripled in population between 2000 and 2010.
Geography
Kuna is located at 43°29′35″N 116°25′8″W / 43.49306°N 116.41889°W / 43.49306; -116.41889 (43.493092, -116.418936) at an elevation of 2,694 feet (821 m) above sea level. Kuna's business center is approximately 18 miles (29 km) southwest of downtown Boise, the state capital.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 18.18 square miles (47.09 km2), of which, 18.08 square miles (46.83 km2) is land and 0.10 square miles (0.26 km2) is water.
South of Kuna is located the Kuna Caves, an underground lava flow cave.
A small seasonal creek, Indian Creek, runs through the city. It is now used as an irrigation canal, filled by the New York Canal from the Boise River Diversion Dam. One of the few small floatable waterways in the region, Indian Creek is a favorite swimming spot for local residents.
History
Kuna originated as a railroad stop with coach transport to Boise. It is popularly believed, as cited by the Kuna Chamber of Commerce, that the translation of the name "Kuna" means "the end of the trail", but Charles S. Walgamott cites the origin of the name as a Shoshone Indian word meaning "green leaf, good to smoke" (see "Six Decades Back", a memoir of Walgamott's adventures in the late 19th-century in southern Idaho).
The Western Heritage Historic Byway, designated as a national as well as a state scenic byway, travels around a number of historic sites in the area.
Culture
During the first weekend in August, there is an annual celebration called Kuna Days. Regular festivities include vendors in the park, live music at the bandshell, a free kids carnival, a rubber duck race in Indian Creek, a BBQ fundraiser at the Fire Station, a Parade, a Street Dance, and a Fireworks Show.
The Snake River Birds of Prey Festival is held every year in mid-May. Taking advantage of the nearby Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, which holds North America's densest population of nesting raptors, it offers lectures and tours about raptors, as well as about local history.
Recreation
Veteran's Memorial Park
In the city center is Colonel Bernard Fisher Veteran's Memorial Park, named after one of the city's most famous residents.