PARK(ing) it on Sherman

COEUR d'ALENE — A block party with a creative spin, and a better vision for the East Sherman corridor in Coeur d'Alene, are all part of the festivities today and Saturday during the city's second "PARK(ing) it on Sherman" event.

The free event in the 1200 block of Sherman Avenue is from 4 to 9 p.m. today, and from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday. According to a news release from the city, the block party is a part of a worldwide "PARK(ing) Day," where parking spaces are turned into public spaces.

"But there is a bigger goal for Coeur d'Alene's celebration," the release states. "PARK(ing) it on Sherman is part of the visioning and master planning effort to revitalize East Sherman Avenue, and permanent improvements on how the area could look in the future will be part of the event."

Improvements, according the release, include new benches with planter boxes, and a mural that will be painted on the Sherman Avenue Idaho State Liquor Store facility during the event. There will also be a crowdfunding opportunity, with the city and CDA 2030 seeking donations for a new signalized crosswalk that will be installed at 13th Street and Sherman Avenue.

"The city will purchase two to install at the intersections of Ninth and 21st streets, and would like to do more," the release states. "But with a tight budget, the city wanted to empower the community to be a part of the public safety solution in the area and help initiate a grassroots effort to encourage positive changes on Sherman."

Other event highlights include performances by the Sorensen juggling team and CDA SK8PRK BMX demo team, live mural painting, a pop-up town hall meeting, food trucks, a beer garden, and live music.