Onalaska resident raises safety and cultural concerns about Wellington Greens Park construction

Donna Callaway, a resident of 2211 Gulfview Lane in Onalaska, told the council during public input that neighbors had three questions after learning that construction at Wellington Greens Park may have uncovered a Native American burial site.

"How was the possibility of a Native American burial site discovered only after construction had already begun?" Callaway asked, listing follow-ups: why prior work did not indicate the site, and whether the city must halt the project when the land had previously been farmed. She said neighbors also documented several safety hazards and submitted photos to city staff member Dan.

Callaway described three holes at the former basketball area covered with thin chipboard that could fail when wet, large cracks and holes in a path near the playground that create tripping hazards, shifted wood-chip surfacing leaving deep depressions, and a missing metal sewer grate that she said left an open hole. "We would appreciate having [wood chips] raked and redistributed again to try to prevent any risk for injury," she said.

City staff received the photos, Callaway said, and thanked Dan for a timely response. The council did not take immediate action during public input; the chair closed the public comment period after three calls for speakers.

Why it matters: possible cultural resources can trigger review under state historic-preservation rules and may require work stoppage or archaeological assessment; safety hazards at a neighborhood playground raise immediate public-safety concerns for park users, particularly unsupervised children.

What the record shows: the transcript records Callaway’s three questions and the list of site hazards; no city official provided a substantive on-the-record response during the public-comment period beyond acknowledgment and receipt of photos. The council subsequently proceeded to scheduled business.

Next steps: Callaway asked where residents can view project renderings and completed plan layouts; the transcript indicates the photos were submitted to staff but does not record a staff presentation or decision about halting or altering construction. Any additional action or staff follow-up is not recorded in the meeting minutes.