What Some Cda Folks Think

What would you do with downtown green spaces? We asked our readers and a class of Coeur d’Alene High School students to answer that question. Here are a few of the responses:

“Adding more events and festivals to downtown would be beneficial … We would have a very diverse and attractive city.” Kelsi Luhnow

“The parking lot next to The Coeur d’Alene Resort should be minimized. I would replace it with more playing fields and park area.” Jaime Verde

“A library could take just a portion of either of the two study areas and be a great complement to downtown. The best site would be at McEuen Field.” Kyle Chambers

“Some of the nicest public areas in the world originally were opposed by anti-development forces. That includes the Eiffel Tower, the Sydney, Australia, Opera House, the Denver Public Library. My hope would be that all options are looked at carefully and individually, and evaluated solely on the basis of the greatest good of the greatest number of people, taking into account fairness and owner property rights.” Foster W. Cline

“I would like to see more concerts brought to the Rotary bandshell … There is always the complaint that young people need to find `good’ things to do with their time.” Courtney Coleman

“A sports facility and a large bandstand could be built. With these improvements, downtown can become both a cultural and commercial destination.” Jim Hall

“I urge people to remember our downtown as it was in the old North Shore logging days. I urge them to take particular note of the incredible improvements, thanks to our thoughtful and forward-looking businessmen working under the guidance of our ever-present and ever-so-willing pundits. Then they will be able to temper their comments and suggestions from a mature perspective.” Jack W. Rogers

“We do not need another library, and there must be a better place for a pool than by a lake. McEuen Field and the city park should remain as they are today.” Alex Keil

“I think the public likes the baseball fields. The restrooms might be improved and cleaned more regularly. The Third Street boat ramp could be expanded. An amphitheater might be nice.” Abbot Taylor

“I would like to see more and better pedestrian links to the beach and North Idaho College.” Priscilla Gonzales

“Renovation of places such as Memorial Field would polish the image of the city. I feel lucky to have grown up in Coeur d’Alene and hope to hold onto the memories from my childhood.” Lauren Voat

“I’m a firm believer in maintaining the little green space remaining in the downtown area … To do away with areas of this nature in pursuit of a few additional tax dollars would diminish the uniqueness and charm of the city.” John Scott

“Coeur d’Alene residents do not want the field areas or parking areas changed. Just because a big developer wants it different is no reason to overrule the desires of the citizens.” Larry Kenck

“Not everyone wants to attract more people to this area, but we realize that much business depends on tourism. Yet, we need to look at the whole picture … The items sold downtown are grossly overpriced.” Kira Thompson

“I sincerely hope the City Council and Urban Renewal Agency realize that if they destroy the scenic area we now have, they will never be able to have it back again.” Christena Wood

“It doesn’t make any difference what the community desires. If Hagadone Enterprises decides it is good for them, it will happen. Case in point, the removal of the cedars to make room for the hideous condos; the building of that monstrous European-style resort.” Shirley Hethorn