Board grants soccer group permission to charge for parking

La Crosse residents would get exemption.

As negotiations continue today over the operation of a giant soccer complex in the city, the group that operates the complex has landed a major concession from the city of La Crosse.  

Rush Wisconsin West Soccer runs the show at Field for Kids.  It is 17 soccer fields in the city’s northside industrial park.  

The city’s board of public works on Monday approved the group charging for parking at the city-owned facility during a big upcoming tournament in October.  

Charging for parking is precisely what landed Rush Wisconsin West in some hot water with the city earlier this year after an audit found the group was charging for parking at the city property without informing city.  

The audit is part of a new five-year lease negotiation between the city and the organization.  The city had demanded repayment of $42,000 for the parking fees and the cost of the audit.

It’s unclear whether that will be part of the upcoming five year lease which apparently could increase the group’s rent at the fields from a dollar a year to $6,000 per year.  

Representatives from the organization told the public works board they’re trying to be transparent by asking permission to charge for parking.

They anticipate charging $15 to park at the event on October 20-22.  Ten dollars for one day’s attendance.  It’s estimated 122 teams will attend the tournament.

The board approved the request with the condition that La Crosse residents would be exempt.  

Those negotiating a new lease with Rush Wisconsin West meet today in city hall.