Park Committee — Minutes

Town of Onalaska, Park Committee July 21, 2026 at Swarthout Park, Gazebo, W8020 County Road ZB, Onalaska, WI Present at the meeting were Scott Cooper, Emy Monroe and Betty DeBoer. Absent were Ben Bockenhauer, Justin Brandau and Amy Kothe. 1. Meeting called to order at 7:03 pm 2. Motion to approve agenda by EM/SC, passed 3-0 3. No public comment 4. Motion to approve minutes of June 18, 2026, meeting by EM/SC, passed 3-0 5. No Chair Report 6. Tour of Swarthout Park 7. Discussion led to recommendations to Town Board were minor. We suggest that regular cleaning of the bird poop off the tables and sweeping the floor in the gazebo may be necessary in the summer months. The town publics works department should check the vertical support posts (mostly on the west facing side) that look weathered and determine if they need to be stained and sealed to improve longevity. Playground equipment and exterior of the shelter were in good shape otherwise. No additional improvements for Swarthout Park seem necessary at this time. 8. No action on the tree donation policy. 9. No action on the bench donation policy. 10. Update regarding Town Board discussion relating to possible All Abilities canoe/kayak launch at Fred Funk Boat landing. At the July 14, 2026 Town Board meeting, a resident strongly recommended per our ordinance that the Kayak launch project should be in the Shoreline Committee’s purview. The board is sending the proposal to the Shoreline Committee. Chair Luke Marcou said the committee will discuss if and how their committee wants to be involved at their next meeting and report back to the Town Board. 11. Discussion resulted in declining a presentation from a vendor at our next meeting since we will be outside at different parks in August which is not conducive to a presentation. Did not rule out possibility of a future presentation but would prefer to start by reviewing the vendor’s website in the fall. 12. Committee member discussion on future agenda items. Updates on items from this month’s agenda, Second Street Park, Schaller Park, UWL survey results, 5 year plan spreadsheet and priorities were suggested. 13. Future meeting schedule: August 5, 2026, 6:00 PM Sobkowiak Park, moving to Marvin Gardens Park and possibly moving to First Prairie Park, N6269 Eric Avenue, Onalaska 14. Motion to Adjourn 7:59 EM/SC, passed 3-0 Amended draft Submitted by secretary Emy Monroe on 7/27/26