Parks commission approves tree lighting, Alzheimer’s walk, memorial marker and gift-certificate donation

The Kenosha Board of Park Commissioners on Oct. 27 approved meeting minutes and a set of event permits and donations, including a permit for the city’s tree-lighting celebration on Nov. 28, 2025 (setup on Nov. 1, 2025 at 8 a.m.; takedown on Feb. 6, 2026 at 8 a.m.), an Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Kenoyer and Kennedy Park on Sept. 26, 2026, a memorial marker request and a donation of gift certificates for the 2026 season.

Chris Coachman, representing the committee organizing the Kenosha Christmas tree lighting, said the event this year will include a Christmas market and a drone show leading up to the tree lighting. The permit application named Veterans Memorial, Navy and Friendship Parks for use, and listed food and merchandise vendors, amplified sound, signage, open temporary structures and public entertainment. Dennis Dushane of Visit Kenosha was also listed as a presenter.

Mary Hesse identified herself as speaking on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association during the public hearing for that event. The Alzheimer’s permit lists a 5 a.m. setup, closure of Kennedy Drive, vendors, amplified sound and temporary structures. A staff member noted the Alzheimer’s event “always runs well” and that past events have caused no operational problems.

A request from John and Adrian Hicks to place a memorial marker near Memorial Tree and Tower Line Park in memory of Christine and Bella Hill was approved after no public opposition. Kenosha Christmas Charities Incorporated asked the commission to accept a donation and issuance of a pool of gift certificates for the 2026 season; Commissioner Lavontia moved to approve that item.

All agenda items were approved by voice vote. The transcript records motions, seconds and commissioners saying “aye”; the chair was excused from the meeting and did not vote.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of Oct. 13 minutes — approved by voice vote; motion moved and seconded (no mover recorded in transcript). - Memorial marker for Christine and Bella Hill (requesters: John and Adrian Hicks) — approved by voice vote. - Donation: pool of gift certificates for 2026 season (Kenosha Christmas Charities Inc.) — approved by voice vote; mover recorded as Commissioner Lavontia. - Kenosha Christmas tree lighting (Nov. 28, 2025; setup 11/01/2025; takedown 02/06/2026) — approved by voice vote; presentation by Chris Coachman and Dennis Dushane. - Alzheimer’s Association Walk (Sept. 26, 2026; Kenoyer and Kennedy Park; 5 a.m. setup; closure of Kennedy Drive) — approved by voice vote; Mary Hesse presented for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Commissioners offered brief closing comments and adjourned the meeting by voice vote.