The closure of Fort Sherman and the building of a railroad line that brought new tourists to the young community of Coeur d’Alene were among the factors that led to creation of City Park.

Landscape architect John Mueller will share stories and images from his new book, “Private Park, Public Park: A Story of Coeur d’Alene and its First Park,” on Thursday, July 13, at 7 p.m., in the Community Room at Coeur d’Alene Public Library.

“This is the story of the creation of Coeur d’Alene’s first park and one of the oldest in the State of Idaho,” Mueller said. “Its origins are found in the will of determined local people and newly arrived captains of industry. Its frame of reference is not only intertwined with and a part of the state and local history of the time, but also with the national movements of the era.” 

Originally known as Blackwell Park, it would eventually be called Coeur d’Alene City Park and become a centerpiece in the life, economy, and culture of the community.
 Mueller is a landscape architect with more than 35 years of experience and a background in park and recreation planning and design.  His list of completed works includes projects in seven western states.

A native of Coeur d’Alene, he also has an interest in both history and governmental affairs.  He  enjoys photography as a leisure pursuit and understands the power of images in story-telling.

Mueller is a past national president of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).  He was elected to ASLA’s prestigious Council of Fellows in 2007, and a recipient of the ASLA President’s Medal in 2015.  He continues to make his home in Coeur d’Alene.

Copies of the book, published by the Museum of North Idaho, will be available to purchase for signing at the event.

The next author talk, presented as part of the library’s Adult Summer Reading programs, will be Heather Branstetter discussing her book, “Selling Sex in the Silver Valley: A Business Doing Pleasure,” on Thursday, Aug. 7, at 7 p.m.