Janesville, WI — Officials in Janesville, Wisconsin, have temporarily removed picnic tables and benches from two local parks after ongoing disruptive behavior in the area over the past six months. The Janesville Police Department confirmed that the decision was made in response to a series of incidents that have been affecting the safety and comfort of the community.
On October 14, the Janesville Operations staff removed the picnic tables and benches from Firehouse Park and Volunteer Park following numerous complaints.
Persistent Disruptive Behavior
The Janesville Police Department reported that, over the past six months, they received numerous reports of disruptive behavior in these parks, including:
- Aggressive panhandling
- Harassment
- Property damage
- Public intoxication
- Vandalism
Between January 1 and September 25, police responded to 1,110 incidents in the area near these parks. In total, the department has handled around 15,000 incidents citywide during the same period.
“It’s important to emphasize that this strategy was not implemented simply because persons experiencing homelessness were using these parks. Rather, it specifically targets a small group of individuals—some experiencing homelessness and others not—whose aggressive and harassing conduct has created fear and discomfort for those who live, work and visit our downtown,” said officials from the Janesville Police Department.
Community Efforts to Address Safety Concerns
The move to remove the benches and tables is part of a broader effort by city officials to address ongoing safety concerns. The police are working closely with local business owners and downtown groups to create a safer and more welcoming environment for the entire community.
City leaders are hopeful that these actions will help promote a more peaceful atmosphere in the parks and downtown area, allowing people to safely enjoy these public spaces.
Officials also clarified that this action is not aimed at individuals experiencing homelessness but is a response to aggressive and disruptive behavior by a small group of people, both homeless and non-homeless.
“We want to ensure that the parks are safe for everyone, and these actions are part of our ongoing efforts to create a more welcoming environment for all residents and visitors,” the statement added.
Temporary Measure for a Long-Term Solution
While the benches and tables are temporarily removed, city officials stress that this measure is not permanent. Authorities are continuing to explore other solutions to address disruptive behavior while ensuring that public spaces remain accessible and safe for everyone.
What are your thoughts on these changes in Janesville parks? Share your views in the comments below.
