McEUEN: Launch ideal for boaters

I am a trailerable sailboat owner and have used the Third Street boat ramp for launching my boat numerous times. Although I lived at Rockford Bay with several launch sites nearby, I chose to use the Third Street launch as it is ideal for sailboat launching and retrieving the boat from the water.

Prior to launching and after the sailboat is pulled from the water the mast must be "stepped" (raised or lowered). The absence of overhead power lines, the level ground of the parking lot and the open space makes it possible for safely carrying out this activity. Also, the concrete ramp provides a level, solid "platform" for launching and retrieving along with a gradual descent into sufficiently deep water to accommodate a sailboat keel. Unlike many other launch sites it is not necessary to "launch" your truck in order to float your boat off the trailer. This long concrete ramp that descends into ever-deepening water also enables boaters to extend their boating season during yearly lake draw-downs.

The Blackwell Island launch is not a facility of equal value to the Third Street site - at least not to me. It would be impossible to sail my boat under the Highway 95 bridge in order to access the lake. Nor is the Higgins launch site of equal value.

The lake is Coeur d'Alene's centerpiece and boating upon this lake is central to the Coeur d'Alene Community. The sight of boats on the lake has tremendous aesthetic and vicarious appeal to those who view this activity - whether its from a window in The Coeur d'Alene Resort or from some other area of the city along the lake. The opportunity for this viewing experience to a visitor or a local is part of what being in Coeur d'Alene is all about. It is boating activity and is of keen interest to those undertaking the activity and, likewise, to those who are not. We certainly would not want to remove this boating activity from city view would we? By the same token, launching and retrieving boats from the water are boating activities. Why must this particular boating activity be taken out of town to either Higgins point or Blackwell Island!

Launching or retrieving boats is not usually a solitary endeavor but almost always includes friends and/or family along with a number of spectators who enjoy viewing the activity. The atmosphere is sometimes festive and most always pleasant and wholly positive. Launching plans also very often include breakfast or lunch at one of the nearby establishments.

My plea is to leave the launch site alone. It occupies a relatively small corner of the park. It is unique. It is an asset and a much needed recreational resource. However, should the landscape architects find the presence of vehicles and trailers offensive perhaps some strategically placed bushes and trees could be used for screening purposes.

I have seen the park renewal plan and while I respect the talents and efforts of those who put it together and while I recognize that the conceptual model reflects the modern tastes of some people, I see it as pretentious and contrived. While the park needs some maintenance, repairs and some updating would it not be possible to come up with something that retains the naturalness and charm of the existing space.

EMMIT ROUTSON

Hayden