McEuen public preview tonight

COEUR d'ALENE - It's the first of at least two, so come grab a peek.

Team McEuen, the design team introducing its conceptual plan for a redesigned McEuen Field, is ready to share its vision with the public at 6 tonight.

The second meeting has already been scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 27.

Tonight's meeting will begin with a 45-minute formal presentation describing the proposed additions to the park, such as a water fountain, courtyard, veterans memorial and enhanced entrance features to Tubbs Hill.

After that, the team will break into groups for an informal, one-on-one question and answer session about the specifics, said Dick Stauffer, Team McEuen architect.

Handouts of a condensed version of the plan will be distributed, as will a survey asking the attendee to weigh in on each of the proposed improvements. Surveys can be filled out on the spot or later. For later, drop boxes at public places such as the Kroc Community Center, library and City Hall will be set up to accept the opinions. Exact locations will be announced at the meeting, which is expected to last two hours.

Those on tighter schedules can be in and out of the meeting with all the info in an hour, Stauffer said. The plans can still be viewed, and commented upon, at www.mceuenpark.com.

Lori Isenberg, North Idaho Housing Coalition director, will moderate tonight's meeting at the North Idaho College Student Union Building, in the Lake Coeur d'Alene Room.

A more formal meeting is planned for Jan. 27. At that meeting, an open forum will allow individuals to address the team and public at the same time. Time and place is yet to be determined.