A new, bright yellow marketing campaign is taking place on the Boise Greenbelt. Chalk stenciling with the phrase “Buck the Quo” is written on the path in places like Ann Morrison Park. City officials say it's one of a limited number of nonprofit marketing campaigns approved by the city.
Any Greenbelt advertising without the City of Boise's permission is illegal. Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway says it’s not often that he says yes to a marketing request.
For example, you won’t see signs promoting a car dealership or restaurant on the popular bike path; Holloway says commercial marketing for companies is not in the public’s interest.
When employees of the J.A and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation approached Holloway with an idea to bring attention to their new education push, he felt it made sense to say yes. Buck the Quo is the name of an updated effort by the nonprofit to encourage Idaho students to attend college.
“We have certain nonprofits that we partner with that we’re doing a lot of different other projects with, so that plays a part into it as well," says the parks and recreation director. "What kind of public benefit does it supply to our citizens?”
Holloway says getting more students to go to college is something the city supports, so he allowed Buck the Quo marketers to use the Greenbelt to advertise their upcoming booth at the Western Idaho Fair. He says once the fair ends August 28, the signs will be removed and the chalk will be washed away.
The city did not receive any funding for use of the path.
Find Frankie Barnhill on Twitter @FABarnhill
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