Our children deserve clean, safe, and welcoming public parks, especially those located near schools and family spaces.

Both downtown La Crosse parks with playgrounds sit beside a school, the public library, the Children’s Museum, and a neighborhood grocery store and are intended to be used daily by children, families and community members.

Residents have raised concerns about unsafe conditions in Cameron Park and Burns Park downtown La Crosse, including litter, open fires, drug use, and public urination, making it difficult for children and families to safely use these spaces.

La Crosse can lead with both compassion and accountability by supporting individuals in need while maintaining parks that are safe and appropriate for children and families.

We respectfully ask city leadership to prioritize:

• Maintain safe parks for children, families and community members, especially Cameron Park and Burns Park  located near schools and neighborhoods, through increased visibility, regular patrols, and proactive safety measures.

• Ensure parks remain clean, safe, and well maintained, including consistent sanitation of playground equipment, seating areas, and shared facilities so families can confidently use these spaces.

• Consistently enforce existing park rules and ordinances so parks remain welcoming, balanced public spaces for all residents.

• Strengthen outreach and support for individuals experiencing hardship, connecting people with social services, mental health resources, and housing support.

• Work collaboratively with residents, schools, businesses, and community organizations to maintain parks that are clean and safe for everyone.

Parks near schools should reflect the same safety expectations we have for classrooms. As spring approaches and the weather becomes nicer, the need for proactive care, safety, and maintenance becomes even more important. Families, children, and students should be able to return to these spaces with confidence, knowing that they are clean, safe, and properly cared for.

We respectfully ask city leadership to take these concerns seriously and work alongside residents, schools, businesses, and community organizations to ensure our parks remain places where children can play freely, families can gather comfortably, and community pride continues to grow.

By prioritizing safety, sanitation, and compassionate outreach, we can protect these shared spaces and ensure they remain welcoming for everyone in our community

By signing this petition, you are asking city leaders to ensure that downtown parks remain safe, clean, and family-friendly for all children, families and community members in La Crosse.