It sounds like something that might have been envisioned by an expert in leisure - or maybe Dr. Seuss.

All the comforts of an impressive rest stop: Restrooms, high speed Internet, slides for the kids.

And all of it floating on a polygon-shaped dock on Lake Coeur d'Alene.

"That we know of, it's never been done before," said Nick Snyder, director of the Kootenai County Parks and Waterways Department.

It's all still conceptual, but Snyder puts a lot of stock into his idea, installing a floating recreational island on the lake.

From what Snyder has conceived so far, the facility he hopes the county will build would be comprised of a 16,000-square-foot octagon of dock, anchored to the lake floor with steel piling.

Likely to be located in Wolf Lodge Bay, about 300 yards off the intersection, Snyder said the structure would hopefully include restrooms, space to moor boats overnight, high speed wireless Internet and water slides.

"There's a need because there's so very little room on Lake Coeur d'Alene shoreline for the public to go and stay and moor overnight," he said, adding that this would offer an affordable advantage to buying shoreline property. "This would absolutely be designed to be a family fun destination."

Making restrooms available on the north end of the lake, he added, will hopefully reduce incidents of recreators relieving themselves directly into the water.

"It will certainly enhance water quality," he said.

Anticipating the structure to be out year-round, Snyder ballparked the construction cost at roughly $1.5 million, funded wholly by boaters' fees and grants.

The structure would be maintained by overnight mooring fees, he said.

"Ideally, last year," Snyder said of how soon he would like to see it happen.

An official presentation for the public will probably be rolled out in June, he added.

The county commissioners are waiting to hear more information, they said.

"It would definitely be worth looking at, if we can increase access to boaters," said Commissioner Dan Green. "But there's definitely environmental concerns that would need to be addressed. This is a preliminary concept, and I like all ideas to be put forward and properly vetted."

Commissioner Jai Nelson said she will weigh in after an open house is held.

"At this point, we just want to get some public feedback, address questions and concerns," she said.

It could be years before the island is funded and permitted, Snyder acknowledged.

"We have some more pressing issues. I believe in maintaining and repairing what we have first, before constructing something new," he said, adding that he has already been backburnering the project for three years.

Plus, engineers have to nail down how to build this thing, he said.

"We just haven't found anything like it," he said. "It's not something you want to rush into, you have to make sure it's well thought out."

Jim Aucutt, chair of the county Waterways Advisory board, said the matter will likely have a hearing for the Department of Lands when the county is ready to obtain a permit.

"I think it's a great idea," Aucutt said. "It gives boaters a better chance to go out and recreate."

Wolf Lodge bay is an ideal location, Aucutt added, because there are few residences, and fewer folks to be irked by the noise.

"It's not a congested bay, there are no homeowners at all," Aucutt said. "It's pretty much an empty bay, expect for fishermen."

Craig Brosenne with the Hagadone Marine Group said he didn't know much about the project, but agreed there is a prevalent need for spots where boaters can moor overnight.

"People like to camp overnight in boats just like RVs. They like different areas," Brosenne said. "That's the whole idea of having a cruiser. You go out and moor at different places overnight with your friends."