La Crosse Park Board approves 2027–2031 capital plan amid debate over pool closures and deferred maintenance

President Troese called the La Crosse Board of Park Commissioners to order and, after discussion, the board approved the 2027–2031 capital improvement plan unanimously.

The conversation centered on how to prioritize maintenance across 47 parks while facing operating-budget cuts. Jay Odegard, Director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, said the department “mainly focused on maintenance” when assembling the CIP and singled out new entries including a slide replacement at Erickson Pool and HVAC and roof work at Myrick Park Center.

On funding for specific items, Commissioner Olsen questioned a $70,000 resurfacing line for the Green Island Tennis Facility that was labeled as a general-obligation bond. Odegard clarified that “that $70,000 of resurfacing the courts is going to be paid for out of our Green Island improvement account, which is funded through our user fees,” and said the document will be corrected.

The board also pressed on larger projects. Odegard told commissioners the Northside Pool “in 2026 will not be open” and that a $1,000,000 capital request for Northside has been moved to 2028. He said participation at Northside is “far and below our other pools” and noted the department was tasked with cutting roughly $450,000 from a $4,500,000 operating budget in 2026, with similar reductions expected in 2027. Commissioner Olsen pressed the practical concern: “It just seems a little odd that we’re not…do we do anything to keep it functioning?” Odegard responded that maintenance staff keep pools filled and monitored in winter but that the listed capital request addresses major infrastructure such as HVAC, roof and the pool liner.

Commissioner Wilson asked about marsh hydrology items; Odegard described an annual $100,000 placeholder to support planning and small projects and noted the West Sell project had secured a $3,300,000 NEST grant. On Memorial Pool, Odegard said a failing wall prompted a new $400,000 request and explained that general-obligation borrowing, TIF, grants and user fees are all used depending on the project.

After discussion and a motion by Commissioner Olsen, seconded by Council Member Weston, the board voted to approve the plan with corrections to mislabeled funding sources. President Troese thanked staff and emphasized that the department will continue prioritizing maintenance.

The approved CIP will proceed to the common council for further review and any amendments.