After decades of planning, countless studies, a number of revisions and spirited public discussion, a downtown Coeur d'Alene centerpiece—McEuen Park—will soon energize the Lake City’s increasingly vibrant city center.

Reconstruction of McEuen Park is nearing completion. The world-class park will be substantially complete on May 2. This means visitors can walk through the 20-acre park and enjoy the vast amenities.
An all-day dedication will be held during the city’s Parks Day Saturday, July 12. Festivities will begin with a pancake feed and include plenty of entertainment, activities, a dedication ceremony and a free movie in the evening.

Park upgrades include a natural amphitheater, a new pavilion, donor wall, a grand plaza and waterfront promenade, scenic paved trails, new public art, a re-designed Veteran’s Memorial, an amazing interactive playground for kids of all ages, a new dog park, more user-friendly and efficient public parking, a new Front Avenue promenade with community gathering areas and an interactive splash pad with more than a dozen colorful water features.

"What we’re seeing is the transformation of a downtown park that will allow for much greater use for the community,” said acting Coeur d’Alene Parks Director Bill Greenwood. “Reconstruction of McEuen Park will change the character of our downtown in such an awesome and positive way."

Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association Manager Terry Cooper said the reconstruction of McEuen Park will be a strong draw to the city center.

“The parking facility and addition of green space, along with the great children’s playground, splash pad, and all the other additions, will make it a great place for family outings for young families and grandparents to come and have a good time,” Cooper said.

Coeur d'Alene native Sandy Emerson served for years on the volunteer McEuen Park Steering Committee charged with considering park upgrades.  “When you look at this waterfront and its potential, it's just amazing,” Emerson said.

Greenwood is eager to experience the new park. “I can’t wait to jump through the splash pad and play the drums on the playground,” he said.