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COEUR d'ALENE - Imagine the not-too-distant-future of East Sherman Avenue.

Imagine bike lanes, trees and shrubs, more local vendors of colorful wares and delicious fares, refurbished buildings, community gathering places, maker spaces and more.

It's not too hard to imagine if you come to the Park(ing) It on Sherman (Better) Block Party, happening today from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the 1600 block of Sherman Avenue.

The block party, presented by the Coeur d'Alene Realtors Association, the city of Coeur d'Alene and Coeur d'Alene 2030, brings to life a version of what many people have shared they would like to see spring up on the east side of town. The 2015 East Sherman Survey brought to light hopes for a maker's district, a pocket park and more landscaping.

"I'd kind of like to see an open market," said Laurie Dutkiewicz of Coeur d'Alene, who was among many curious citizens who checked out the scene Friday when the free two-day event opened. "We just have to get people interested and start making people think, get people involved."

Faux building facades have been erected to represent potential future businesses, such as "Sherman Chic," an "upcycled artisan furniture and decor store," and "East Side Brewing," a faux venue that gives a nod to the local pub scene. A green "landscaping strip," where street trees and hanging flower baskets have been placed, gives people an idea of how East Sherman could look with beautifying natural accents.

"I think it's a great idea," Dutkiewicz said. "I just like that they're planting some ideas out there, showing people an idea of what they'd like to do down here."

The Park(ing) It on Sherman event offers an assortment of entertainment and interactive activities, such as live music, "Food Truck Alley," a beer garden, family-friendly art projects, jugglers from Sorensen Magnet School jugglers, BMX bike demonstrations, a "mommy and me" yoga class, breakdancing performances and more. Visitors will also have opportunities to contribute their thoughts for the future of East Sherman and enter the "Name the District" contest.

Jason and Bernadette Myers of Hayden brought their two children and nephew to the block party Friday because they own property downtown and wanted to enjoy the music with their kids, who love to dance.

"We have young kids and just wanted to come see what was happening," Bernadette said. "Also, we're kind of curious about what the revitalization plans are. Obviously, we support this end of Sherman being improved."

They both agreed that boutique restaurants and places for kids to play, such as green spaces and parks, would be most welcome additions to the area.

"It would be nice to extend the downtown feel," Jason said. "They can't build setbacks like this anymore, so they should improve what they've got."

Danny Davis, president of the Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors, said the event was made possible by about 50 hard-working volunteers as well as a Smart Growth Grant his association received from the National Association of Realtors. Shining a light on East Sherman's potential is one of the main reasons for the event.

"This is a great location to do it," Davis said. "Hopefully we can create a little bit of a snowball effect so the community can say, 'Yeah, I can see that it can be something different and something special."

A lifelong Coeur d'Alene resident, Davis said he has heard people talk about what to do with the east side of Sherman Avenue for years. He said the Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors is happy to be able to give back to the community through an event that gives people an opportunity to celebrate and look at the future together.

"The community is our lifeblood, they take care of us," he said. "In return, we want to take care of them and help improve our home, because it's our home too. We all share this."