City of Altoona approves alcohol in newest local park

Thursday, May 25, 2017
Abigail Hantke | WEAU

ALTOONA, Wis. (WEAU)- People may now be able to enjoy one of their favorite alcoholic beverages in a new park.

Thursday night, for the first time, the Altoona City Council approved allowing alcohol consumption in River Prairie Park.

Whether you're just taking a stroll through the River Prairie Park or out for a picnic in the newest park in Altoona, you can now do that with a beer in hand.

"We have many spaces within River Prairie that we may have special events, such as concerts that take place or food festivals, where the purchase of alcohol and food may happen," explained Roy Atkinson, the management analyst for the city.

Thursday night, city council approved the first park within the city, to allow the consumption of alcohol, seven days a week; with limitations to beer, wine and wine coolers and only 48 ounces of either.

The new rule passed with a yes by almost everyone, except Altoona's city mayor.

"Why do you have to have a can of beer in your hand to do that," Mayor Brendan Pratt said.

The mayor saying it would set a bad example for kids and only adding to the state's problems with alcohol.

"I'm not a tee-toer," Pratt said. "I like to have a beer once in a while, but there are limits to where and when I drink, not in front of 2nd and 3rd graders playing in a splash pad."

Councilmembers also shared concern about possible enforcement issues, but are confident in the community and local police.

With the alcohol ordinance passing, the city is using it as a pilot project, for the future of other parks. The city council has also requested to have a status review or any problems or issues it may have, within the next year.

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