Park operations strained by homelessness-related activity
La Crosse
Summary
The parks director laid out blunt realities: Burns Park dumpsters need emptying three times a day, Riverside Park restrooms have had 75+ clog incidents this year, park hours were cut to 9 p.m., and staff are cleaning encampments in dangerous spots. He said parks can't solve homelessness through park operations alone.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 1
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 24, 2026.
Impact analysis
No dollar figure given, but the director said staffing can't cover the extra cleanup and security work being demanded.
Park users and families benefit from cleaner, safer parks; staff benefit if workload is properly resourced.
Parks employees are doing work they weren't hired for, and some park amenities (like Black River Beach showers) get restricted for rule-followers.
Mentions & discussions (5)
Common Council - Special meeting per Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey - Aug 24, 2026
The parks director laid out blunt realities: Burns Park dumpsters need emptying three times a day, Riverside Park restrooms have had 75+ clog incidents this year, park hours were cut to 9 p.m., and staff are cleaning encampments in dangerous spots. He said parks can't solve homelessness through park operations alone.
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