Park board approves permits, DNR grant resolution and facility agreements

The La Crosse Board of Park Commissioners on Aug. 21 approved a series of routine permits, beautification applications, a grant resolution and facility agreements, voting to allow events and memorialize longstanding partnerships.

Highlights of the meeting votes:

• Approval of minutes: Motion by Commissioner Kirsch, second by Commissioner Olsen; recorded 5 yes votes and 2 abstentions, and the minutes were approved.

• Alcohol request: The board approved an application to allow alcohol at a Sister City event at Black River Beach Neighborhood Center on Sept. 2, 2025; the applicant was available to answer questions and the motion passed unanimously.

• Veterans suicide awareness march: The board approved a request to use Marsh Trails for a Nov. 8, 2025, fundraiser, contingent on required city and county permits; motion passed unanimously.

• Beautification applications: The board approved four Beautify La Crosse requests: 1047 Redfield (passed 6–1 after discussion about ragweed and native‑species requirements), 304 Nineteenth (unanimous), 914 Avon (unanimous) and 502 Hood (unanimous). Staff said applications circulate through engineering and inspections first; at least 50% of plant species must be native to Wisconsin per DNR guidance.

• Trail clinic (Upper Hixson): The board approved a six‑week, fee‑based Progressive Pike adult bike clinic charging about $25 per person per week, capped at 12 participants, with instruction on green space and limited trail riding. Jillian Olsen described the program; commissioners asked that future event packets include route maps and drawings. Motion passed unanimously.

• Wisconsin DNR Urban Forestry grant resolution: Coordinator Sammie Meyer said the regular urban forestry grant offers up to $25,000 with a required city match (total project ~$50,000) and a separate Catastrophic Storm Grant can be fully covered by the DNR; staff noted roughly $30,000 in DNR awards last year and about $13,000 from a catastrophic storm grant. The board approved a resolution authorizing pursuit of these funding opportunities unanimously.

• Coulee Region Tennis Association facility use agreement: Deputy Director Flick presented a written agreement to memorialize long‑standing arrangements among the Coulee Region Tennis Association, Aquinas and UWL for Green Island courts. Sally Rood, treasurer of the tennis association, said the nonprofit is an equal financial partner. After a public hearing, the board approved the agreement unanimously.

• Boathouse repairs: The board approved two boathouse repair requests (Copeland Park West #10 and Park West #4) for owners holding approved DNR permits; motions passed unanimously.

Several motions were approved by voice or button; the board closed with a presentation item about a potential pool collaboration with the school district and adjourned.