Post Falls Needs Park

Tue., Feb. 22, 2000

By D.F. Oliveria daveo@spokesman.com (509) 319-0354

The Coeur d’Alene Kiwanis Club has a right to feel shell shocked.

Recently, Kiwanians unveiled a proposal to build a park and a swimming area on their land along the Spokane River only to be denounced by Post Falls neighbors. Ross Point-area homeowners are unhappy with the club’s suggestion that it sell half of its 87 forested acres for development to pay for park improvements on the other half. One resident even claimed the park isn’t needed.

This is NIMBYism at its worst, fueled by sales pitches from real estate agents that the Kiwanis property would remain unchanged forever. A growing community like Post Falls needs to develop parks and recreation areas aggressively, particularly along the river. Post Falls would be foolish to reject a gift of prime park land offered by a respected service club from another town.

A public beach at Ross Point, off state Highway 41, would provide an alternative to the increasingly crowded city park and beach just upstream of the Post Falls dam.

The Kiwanians struggled with their decision to sell part of their property, which they’ve owned since 1927. Many fond memories are attached to it. But vandalism forced the club to close it to the public 10 years ago. It would be a shame if territorialism were to keep it closed now. The community should support, and the Post Falls City Council should approve, rezoning that would allow the housing development in exchange for creation of a new city park.

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