Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in La Crosse public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues in parks rec
Loggers lease extension at Copeland Park
The city locked in the Loggers and Steam at Copeland Park through 2043 with flat $25,000 annual rent instead of per-game revenue. The Loggers now handle stadium scheduling, saving parks staff time.
Bicentennial Trail Phase 3 reroute
The steep Bicentennial Trail climb in Lower Hixon Forest would be rerouted to under 10% grade, making it safer and easier to maintain. Construction could start in early 2027 after public input.
Copeland Park shelter and bathroom project progress
Good news at Copeland Park: the downsized open-air shelter is finished and the old bathroom building is demolished. Crews are waiting on Bright Speed to relocate a fiber line before digging the new bathroom foundations.
Sidewalk Policy for Downtown Tree Cells
The new policy lets engineers narrow sidewalks from six feet to four feet right around a tree cell opening, so trees planted in downtown pavement have a better shot at surviving. It doesn't decide where trees go — that's a separate conversation — but the mayor questioned whether pricey downtown trees in restrictive cells are worth replacing at all.
Badger Hickey Park construction change order
The park building was shifted north to dodge flood issues, saving about $6,000 — but the contractor gets 120 extra days to finish, which prompted some resident calls about the 'delay.'
Civic Center Park construction and funding
The park's renovation bid came in over the original $450,000 TID #11 budget, so the council added TID #17 money and awarded Fowler & Hammer a $766,662 contract to keep the project on track for a 2027 build.
Heritage Award Property Recognition Program
A new surprise-award program thanks owners who thoughtfully maintain older homes with a letter and yard sign. Commissioners stressed it is not a historic designation to avoid confusing or alarming property owners.
Accessible water bubblers project bids over budget
Bids for installing accessible water bubblers came in over budget, and rejection of the bids was recommended — delaying the accessibility project.
Huska Park bathroom repair vs. replacement
The park bathrooms have been closed since 2020 after fire, vandalism, and encampment damage. Repairing them now costs $175,000 versus a $500,000-plus rebuild pushed to 2030 — the committee chose the repair.
Green Island Ice Arena repairs
The dehumidification system at Green Island Ice Arena is getting repaired at the request of River City Youth Hockey, keeping the rink usable.
Reduced hours at Goose Green Park
The board voted to limit Goose Green Park hours to 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. It passed 6-1, so most members saw a need for the change, but it wasn't unanimous.
2027-2031 Parks Capital Equipment Plan
The board adopted the parks department's five-year strategic plan, which will guide how parks, recreation, and forestry are run through 2031.
Ride with the Mayor and citywide bike rodeo
The annual Ride with the Mayor happens June 12 at 9 a.m. along the future Wagon Wheel trail, and the kids' bike rodeo is tentatively July 21. Volunteers are needed.
Grand Crossing Trail reconstruction
A $647,386 contract will fortify the trail's flood-prone low point as a spillway and repave it from East Avenue to St. James Street, mostly funded by a federal TAP grant, with periodic detours via the Cottonwood Trail.