Parks Board approves helicopter landing at Memorial Park for music video

The Parks Board approved allowing a helicopter to land at La Crosse Field in Memorial Park on Friday to support a country music video, board members decided at a special meeting Jan. 15, 2025.

The request came from Parks Department staff to accommodate a performer who needed expedited transportation. "The only people that it says in the municipal code that can approve aviation activity in the parks is the park support," said Mr. Gilly, Parks Department staff, explaining why the board needed to act. "They will be landing at, the La Crosse Field at Memorial Park, and that's it. That's all we're here to approve tonight."

The item was added to an existing film-permit process that staff described as active and successful. Mr. Gilly told the board the parks department recently hosted commercial shoots, including a music-video shoot by a Grammy award–winning duo for an Ozempic commercial and an upcoming shoot for Flip's pretzels; the country duo scheduled for Friday is backed by Big Machine Label Group. The board voted on the helicopter landing by voice vote; the motion was seconded by Mr. Pike and was approved with no recorded opposition.

Board members briefly confirmed the landing would not conflict with scheduled sports use. "There's no there's no lacrosse going on at this time. Correct?" asked Mr. Bennett, a board member. Mr. Gilly replied, "I hope not. Okay, sir. We're all in the clear."

No additional conditions, roll-call vote, or detailed safety plan was recorded in the meeting minutes. The helicopter landing authorization was limited to the location and purpose described in the staff request and tied to the film permit logistics presented to the board.

The board then moved to adjourn; no further park business was recorded during the special meeting.