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Envisioning public space

Justin Arts and Luke Lott, both 16, shoot off a small jump at Cherry Hill Park in Coeur d'Alene while sledding with friends Jan. 9. The park, one of 17 in the city, includes the sledding hill, a themed playground, tennis courts and a BMX track. (Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman-Review)
By Erica Curless ericac@spokesman.com(509) 459-5439
Justin Arts and Luke Lott, both 16, shoot off a small jump at Cherry Hill Park in Coeur d'Alene while sledding with friends Jan. 9. The park, one of 17 in the city, includes the sledding hill, a themed playground, tennis courts and a BMX track. (Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman-Review)

A dog park likely will top the list of Coeur d’Alene residents’ wishes when it comes to city parks.

City officials are asking residents for ideas for parks and open space as it starts crafting a 10-year master plan.

The city is having public “visioning” workshops Wednesday and Thursday to get suggestions on how parks should look and operate in the next decade.

Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman Lee Shellman said requests for a dog park are the most common.

“That’s the No. 1 thing,” Shellman said. “But that’s also a very expensive proposition.”

Shellman said the main hurdle is finding the land for a fenced park where residents can let their dogs play and socialize with other canines.

“Everyone wants one but not in their backyard,” he said.

Coeur d’Alene is paying the planning consultant company, MIG of Portland, $74,000 to help it draft a master plan for city parks and outdoor recreation.

The last park master plan was done in 1994 by the parks staff.

One of the main components of rewriting the plan is getting public input on everything from new park locations to amenities such as playground equipment to trails and areas to preserve open space.

“We’ve grown and there are just so many more needs now,” said Parks Secretary Jackie Carbone.

The first public workshop will focus on the senior population. The 11:30 a.m. meeting is Wednesday at the Lake City Senior Center, 1916 Lakewood Drive.

The main workshop is 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Woodland Middle School cafeteria, 2101 St. Michelle Drive.

During those two days, Parks Director Doug Eastwood and the consultants will also meet with smaller groups of people, including developers, high school students, the Police Department and the chamber of commerce.

Carbone said the city hopes the consultants will have a draft master plan and recommendations by spring. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission will review the plan before the City Council gives final approval.

Coeur d’Alene maintains 409 acres of parks and natural areas including Tubbs Hill and the segment of the Centennial Trail that’s within the city limits. The city also has 18 developed parks.

For more information, call the Parks Department at (208) 769-2252.