La Crosse Board of Park Commissioners Meeting - March 19, 2026

The Board of Park Commissioners met on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers. All eight commissioners were present except Tracy Littlejohn excused. The meeting covered multiple permit approvals, a new Sunday market proposal, an update on a potential indoor pool collaboration with the school district, and conceptual approval of the River Point Park design. All votes were unanimous (8-0).

Call to Order and Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 5:31 PM. Minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

The following items were approved unanimously with minimal discussion:

• 26-0259: Second Saturday Downtown Art Market in Civic Center Park (annual event, approved).
• 26-0273: EMS Week 5k Run/Walk Fundraiser in Riverside Park on May 17, 2026 (new event, route approved).
• 26-0285: Breakthrough T1D Walk fundraiser in Riverside Park on September 20, 2026 (type 1 diabetes walk, separate from August bike ride).
• 26-0266: ORA Trails Fest at Upper Hixon Trails, May 21-24, 2026, presented by Trek Bicycle Corp (annual event, organizer shifted from ORA to Trek, both still involved).
• 26-0269: Alcohol permit at Black River Beach Neighborhood Center on June 6, 2026 for a wedding.
• 26-0270: Alcohol permit at Black River Beach Neighborhood Center on August 1, 2026 for a family reunion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sunday Market (26-0271): Three speakers spoke in favor:
  • Chad Honeycutt, Executive Director of Downtown Main Street Inc. (DMI), presented the market concept. He emphasized restoring balance and beauty to downtown parks, safety and security volunteers, and programming like group exercise and live music. He noted the market would not replace the Friday market but complement it.
  • Councilmember Chris Kalo (District 6) expressed support, noting the park is in his district and the market would provide easy access to fresh food and activate the park on Sundays.
  • Grant Matthew, chair of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, stated overwhelmingly positive feedback from residents and encouraged approval.
• River Point Park Design (26-0267): Chuck Lee, President of Friends of the Marsh, spoke both in favor and opposition. He supported the river trail and loop trail, but criticized the "kitchen sink" plan with too many elements. He advocated for a natural landscape theme, highlighting the site's unique floodplain forest, savanna, prairie, and perched wetland. He noted the organization's prior involvement in a vegetation survey and plan.

Discussion Items

• Sunday Market at Cameron Park (26-0271): Staff presented that DMI proposed a Sunday market from May through October. The park department cannot support the market but can accommodate it under a regular reservation. Commissioners asked about security, relationship to the Friday market, and vendor commitments. Honeycutt described safety volunteers, positive programming, and a rotating vendor list including local businesses and the co-op. The market will include a pre-market closure of King Street between 4th and 5th. The motion passed unanimously.
• Update on Pool Collaboration with School District (26-0274): Dr. Aaron Engel (School District Superintendent) and staff provided an update. A committee of city, school district, and YMCA representatives has met 4-5 times. The city's outdoor pool is closed for summer 2026, and the school district's pool is aging and insufficient for competition. They are exploring a partnership for a new indoor pool at the Logan Middle School site (current Northside Community Pool location). The design would include a competitive 8-lane pool and a recreational zero-entry pool, allowing concurrent use. Estimated cost over $30 million, likely requiring a referendum. A community survey is planned for late spring/early summer. No action was taken; the update was informational.
• River Point Park Design Concept (26-0267): Deputy Director Dan Trussoni presented the conceptual master plan. The park is part of the River Point development, transferred from the RDA to parks. Goals include connectivity, low maintenance, sustainability, and complementing the development. The plan includes trails, a boardwalk, tree canopy walk, fishing pier, and other amenities. It is intentionally "overstuffed" to allow for later scaling back. Phase 1 (trail connectivity, earthwork) is proposed for $2 million in 2027. Commissioners raised concerns about water safety, mosquito control, preserving native trees, permeable surfaces, and the natural floodplain forest. Chuck Lee's comments were noted. The concept was approved unanimously as a starting point for further development.
• Update on 2025 Waterways Season (26-0268): Gary Thurk, contractor managing the city's waterways facilities, reported that 2025 yielded a net profit of over $130,000, considered an average year. He noted that over nine years, no park department operating funds or taxpayer money have been used. Facilities include three mooring facilities, five boat landings, 78 boat houses. There are over 100 boats on the waiting list for 2026 and 14 fishing tournaments scheduled. No action taken; informational.

Key Outcomes

• All eight votes on approvals passed unanimously (8-0), with one absent.
• No action was taken on the pool collaboration update or waterways update.
• The River Point Park design concept was approved, with further phases to come back for approval.
• The Sunday Market was approved, contingent on other permits.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned after the waterways update.