Our children deserve clean, safe, and welcoming public parks, especially those located near schools, libraries, playgrounds, and family-centered community spaces.

Downtown La Crosse’s Cameron Park and Burns Park sit alongside important community assets including schools, the public library, the Children’s Museum, neighborhood businesses, and residential areas. These parks are intended to be enjoyed daily by children, families, students, residents, and visitors alike.

Residents have shared concerns about behaviors and conditions that can make it more difficult for families to comfortably use these spaces, including litter, public intoxication, drug use, open fires, and public urination. Maintaining clear expectations and consistent use of existing park ordinances helps ensure these shared spaces remain welcoming and accessible for everyone.

La Crosse has an opportunity to continue leading with both compassion and accountability by supporting individuals in need while also maintaining parks that reflect the standards our community values.

We respectfully ask city leadership to continue prioritizing:
• Consistent enforcement of existing park rules and ordinances to help maintain parks that are welcoming, balanced, and family-friendly.
• Strong collaboration between residents, businesses, schools, community organizations, parks staff, and public safety officials to support positive park experiences.
• Positive programming and community activation that encourages families, children, and residents to actively use and enjoy downtown parks.

Parks near schools and family destinations should reflect the same sense of care, safety, and community pride we hope to see throughout our city. As warmer weather brings more families outdoors, maintaining welcoming public spaces becomes even more important.

We appreciate the ongoing work already being done by city staff, parks employees, public safety personnel, and community organizations to care for these spaces. By continuing to work together and uphold community standards, we can ensure our downtown parks remain places where children can play freely, families can gather comfortably, and community pride continues to grow.

By signing this petition, you are supporting efforts to keep downtown parks clean, welcoming, safe, and enjoyable for all residents, families, and visitors in La Crosse.