Reports of bullying, vandalism at La Crosse’s new park

Mayor says city is addressing issues

Not quite the look the city of La Crosse was looking for in a new park on the south side.

Parents sending emails to La Crosse Mayor Tim Kabat, complaining about racism and bullying at the new George Poage Park, just days after its grand opening. 

“We are taking very seriously, and we’ll continue to have that outreach and those conversations,” Kabat said. “Obviously that park is there for everyone and everyone should feel safe when they’re (there).”

One parent complained of vandalism, threats and a child pointing a BB gun at another.

Kabat says police, park staff and others are involved in dealing with some conflicts that have occurred at the park, which was recently named after La Crosse High graduate George Poage, who was the first black Olympic medalist. Kabat believes surveillance video at the park could help to identify perpetrators of violence or vandalism.

“If there are bullying behaviors or some other things, we’ll address those as we need to,” Kabat said. “Some of that is, we live in a city, there’s a lot of people, and any time that vandalism happens – we experienced that a little bit with Cameron Park when the playground equipment got installed – it is disappointing.”