Generous Offer, But Big Tradeoff
At first glance, a proposed $6 million library and botanical garden on Lake Coeur d’Alene’s north shore has appeal.
Who could be against a state-of-the-art library? Wouldn’t a world-class garden enhance the shoreline? Then, there’s the substantial contribution of at least $2 million offered by Duane Hagadone - in exchange for naming the library and garden after his late parents.
Anyone who has visited The Coeur d’Alene Resort and its golf course knows Hagadone’s projects are top notch. And there’s much to be said for a local boy who made good who now wants to give back to his hometown.
Unfortunately, Hagadone’s gift comes with strings attached: He wants the city to close Idaho’s busiest boat launch, at the end of Third Street, and to move McEuen Field’s recreation facilities.
In other words, Coeur d’Alene residents - many of whom grew up playing organized sports at McEuen Field and now watch their children and grandchildren play sports there - are being asked to swap a unique waterfront recreation area for a misplaced library and a tourist attraction.
McEuen Field is worth a lot more than $2 million. In fact, it’s priceless.
The many logistical problems surrounding this proposal are surmountable.
The Third Street boat launch could be moved - and maybe should be moved - to relieve downtown congestion during the summer. However, Kootenai County has searched in vain for years for a suitable replacement. None is in sight. A proposed launch at nearby Blackwell Island would be a poor substitute.
The recreation facilities at McEuen Field could be moved, too. But residents would lose the only active playground on the southern end of town - a “field of dreams” that serves them from the first T-ball game in the morning to the last softball and American Legion game at night.
They’d also lose the memory of Mae McEuen, the guiding force behind the McEuen Field development at the base of Tubbs Hill.
We sympathize with downtown Coeur d’Alene merchants who are groping for something to save their important business district. But they’re fooling themselves if they think a library and a botanical garden will do it. The library wouldn’t attract shoppers, and it would be located as far as possible from the town’s population center.
Before this project moves beyond the conceptual phase, much discussion needs to take place - all out in the open. The public should take the opportunity to speak when the Coeur d’Alene Parks and Recreation Committee meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the North Idaho College Bonner Room.
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