PARK: What comes to mind?

The word “Park,” what is the image that comes to your mind? I think of the beauty of Coeur d’Alene with the lakes, the trees and people enjoying picnics, sitting on blankets watching the fireworks on Fourth of July, strolling with friends, children playing and just enjoying the natural beauty that we are so fortunate to have in North Idaho.

That word, especially as it pertains to downtown Coeur d’Alene has begun to warp into disagreements between friends and colleagues, between city leaders and the public, and between downtown merchants. The “them against us” attitudes and feelings need to stop, even on our City Council! It is embarrassing to hear and see, and sets a very poor example of “compromise” to the public. What’s the old saying, “For the people by the people?” Why is it happening without public input or a vote?

For years, people have complained that we need additional parking in the downtown area. Yes, we do! Didn’t the LCDC purchase property on Lakeside near the old Federal Building to put a multi-level parking structure in the mid-90s? That was one reason we bought our building on Sherman Avenue in 2008. What happened to that, and why hasn’t it happened yet? Sure would solve many issues concerning any additional parking structures at McEuen Park, or anywhere in the downtown corridor.

We are not Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle or any other large city that must provide green space because of the concrete jungles in those cities. We are Coeur d’Alene in beautiful North Idaho. People move here because it’s not like the above mentioned places, and for the natural beauty of the lakes, the trees, the people and especially for quality of life.

There are millions of dollars being borrowed, to develop the park as planned. Wouldn’t that money go a long way to help many of the people in our community who have been affected by the economic downturn? How about more public transportation, warming shelters, food banks and kitchens, or day care for children and seniors, so caregivers can have a break or go to work. Maybe we could help from widening the gap between the “haves and the have-nots” if those funds were appropriated like that, instead.

Regardless, it’s too much money to spend until our economy recovers.

I know most of the City Council members, past and present, and thank them for their service, time spent in countless meetings and being the target of public criticism. As leaders, please listen to the people who have concerns, or may disagree. Leave McEuen beautiful and natural. Maybe a foot path or two, some nice restrooms, and a few picnic areas would be a nice addition. Skip the BIG CITY Bling. It’s not for the visitors, or the locals… everyone sees what we have and they like it just the way it is!

KAREN CORCORAN

Coeur d’Alene