COEUR d'ALENE - Mike Wimmer did some serious training for his timed walk Friday.

Well, sort of serious.

"Three Red Bulls and two doubleshots of latte," he said, laughing.

The Coeur d'Alene man embarked on his longest walk in three years just after noon, as he set out from the parking lot near City Hall, bound for the Third Street boat launch.

But Wimmer wasn't out for an afternoon stroll. Cane in hand, moving at a slow but steady pace due to osteoarthritis in both knees, he was out to prove a point.

"I don't know if I can make it in 12 minutes, but I guarantee you I can make it in half that time," he said.

Wimmer was referencing a recent comment reported in the Press that it took someone 12 minutes to make the estimated quarter-mile walk.

The City Council voted Tuesday against keeping the boat trailer parking lot as part of its McEuen Field plans.

That would mean boaters using the launch would have to drive out and around to a parking area near City Hall, then walk back on a paved path.

Some have said that would create boat launching delays because of how long the return walk could take.

Wimmer, joined by friend Mary Rosdahl, put it to the test.

The return walk, "is not going to take as long as some are saying," he added.

The drive from the lower to upper lot took about three minutes, then the two set out, with Rosdahl surging ahead at a brisk pace, while Wimmer lumbered behind and shared his views on the city's plans for McEuen Field.

He said his walking style is similar to Frankenstein's.

"It's not pretty," he said, smiling.

As Wimmer strolled along the path next to Tubbs Hill, passing softball and baseball fields, Rosdahl was far ahead. She reached the Third Street parking lot in about 4 and a half minutes.

The 61-year-old Wimmer, who stands 6-2 and weights 220, came in around 6 minutes and 30 seconds. His weary legs held up OK.

"I can't stand well at all, and I can't lean," he said. "But look how long that took me."

He doesn't understand why some people are vehemently opposed to removing the parking, and making the area more attractive and usable, especially for children.

Wimmer believes the parking lot can be removed, and boat trailers can be parked farther away, without major problems.

He said he loves baseball and boating, but is weary of continued "accusations" and "venom" directed at Mayor Sandi Bloem and some council members.

"I've had enough," he said.