Skyway Elementary Fundraiser Set for Earth Day to Revamp School Garden

The Parks and Recreation Committee of the City of Coeur d'Alene convened on April 14, 2025, to discuss various community initiatives and address public inquiries regarding local parks.

The meeting began with a presentation by a committee member, Jern, who announced a fundraiser for the art department at Skyway Elementary School. Scheduled for April 22, coinciding with Earth Day, the event aims to revamp the school's garden and will run from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. The committee expressed support for promoting the event on the city’s website and through their communication channels to encourage community participation.

Following this announcement, the meeting transitioned to public comments. Resident Brian Stevens raised questions about the ongoing stormwater management project at Fippany Park. He inquired about the restoration plans for the area, specifically whether it would be reseeded with grass or transformed into a different landscape. The committee confirmed that the area would be reseeded with bluegrass, as previous attempts with clover had not yielded satisfactory results.

Stevens also asked about the possibility of converting part of the park into a skateboard park. The committee clarified that while there is significant interest in skateboarding facilities, the existing skateboard park is already heavily utilized, and the current project focuses on enhancing the park's infrastructure with a loop for better accessibility.

Additionally, Stevens inquired about the fields located between Riverstone and Highway 95, which appear to be designated for sports use. The committee acknowledged that these fields were part of a design plan established years ago in collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

The meeting concluded with a commitment to keep the community informed about ongoing projects and events, emphasizing the importance of public engagement in local park initiatives. The committee plans to follow up on the discussed topics and ensure that community members are aware of upcoming opportunities to participate in local activities.