McEUEN: Better to invest in NIC

Our "Freedom Tree" turned into a fountain? Who ARE these people?

Once upon a time, a handshake - or a promise -- was binding and never to be dishonored, no matter what.

Mae McEuen, when donating McEuen Field to the city, did so with the promise to save it - forever. A place where kids could play baseball - bigger kids too - and where families would gather to watch and scream for their team.

This "big city clutter" - called a park - that will accommodate the tourists will destroy the last visage of our old Coeur d'Alene. Those millions of dollars could be delegated to North Idaho College to create an art center and lawns with flowered paths and shrubs along Lake Coeur d'Alene in their developing Education Corridor (and a fountain) and a North Idaho University where students can plan for a bachelor degree.

However, maybe these City Fathers will save a corner for our memorable Playland Pier Carousel - you think?

LILLIAN MOORE LIND

Coeur d'Alene

Editor's note: Lillian's letter was submitted before our story published Wednesday explained that Mae McEuen never owned, and therefore never donated, McEuen Field to the city. That's an oft-repeated story with no basis in fact. The field was named after her on June 12, 1965, because she was the first head of the city's parks and recreation commission and a longtime supporter of youth sports and recreation.