Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial launching point for summer. There's a very good chance this summer will be one of the most memorable in Coeur d'Alene's history - and not in a good way. McEuen Park, that 15-acre municipal magnet of both adoration and condemnation, is the focal point of construction that has closed a hunk of Front Avenue and with it, the Third Street boat launch will be closed for the entire season starting this Saturday. While the city has taken great strides to find free parking for 300 or so vehicles, two painful phenomena await. One is that there is going to be great consternation for locals and visitors alike to access their favorite downtown Coeur d'Alene places this summer/Coeur d'Alene Press Editorial Board. More here.

Question: Will the inconvenience of downtown maneuvering and parking this summer be forgotten when we see the fine park we'll have this fall? Or will it be the final straw for some people at the ballot box this fall?