There is nothing quite like the aroma of a freshly mowed lawn. For residents who live near six Boise city parks, that has never been more true.

The misguided experiment yielded predictable results. Over four months, 467 residents filled out an online survey. Having heard the inevitable earful, City Hall wisely put an end to this experiment last week, two months ahead of schedule.

Residents are getting what they want and can reasonably expect. Lawns are getting watered. Weeds, which once had crept toward sidewalks and curbs, are getting pulled. Parks will again look like parks.

This parks plan was ill-conceived, but the city’s underlying message has merit. Budgeting is about setting priorities and making difficult decisions.

The process will culminate in writing Boise’s next two-year budget, effective Oct. 1, 2013. This is where money will be allocated, or not allocated, for parks. The process doesn’t grab public attention quite like a weed-infested park does — which, in a way, is unfortunate.

“Our View” is the editorial position of the Idaho Statesman. It is an unsigned opinion expressing the consensus of the Statesman’s editorial board.