Kids excited new Poage Park finally is open in La Crosse

Grand opening set for mid-August with relatives of George Poage

She’s 11 years old and lives across the road from Poage Park.

Last week, during the park’s soft opening, Jaybriel was a very excited child.

“I’ve been watching it for months and months being built but it would never open,” she said. “Now, it’s finally open.”

This was the first weekend for kids to hit La Crosse’s newest park, which has been through a year-long renovation that cost in excess of a million dollars.

The park, which is named after America’s first black Olympic medalist, George Poage, is scheduled for a grand opening mid-August. Poage’s living descendents are expected to attend.  

As for this wekeend, 8-year-old Lauren absolutely loves the new playground.

“It’s pretty cool, because there’s lots of padding and stuff, so it’s easier if you fall,” said 8-year-old Lauren at the park.

For 13-year-old Faron, he has a busy schedule and will hit the park when he can. 

“Not every day, because I’m more of a basketball player,” he said, “but I’ll probably come here sometimes, like during the weekend.”

That said, the renovations are an improvement to him.

“I didn’t really like the other one, because it was kind of broke down,” Faron said.