[tobparkrec]

The Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association (WPRA) Park Section recently met and geocaching was discussed. There are concerns by many of us Park Directors and Superintendents that damage can be done to our facilities, trails, and turf or inappropriate means of hiding caches and cache contents can turn a positive into a negative. More information needs to be disseminated to Park & Rec Departments, Police Departments, DPWs, etc. so that we know what is going on in our parks.

We certainly agree that geocaching can be a wonderful way to experience our parks, but in many areas (especially state parks) the damage that can be done makes us reluctant to agree to cache placement. If caches are moved frequently, we are notified of placement, geocachers are taking care to be Leave No Trace compliant, etc., it would be much easier for us to accept more caches.

I am only speaking on behalf of my department here in the Town of Brookfield (we currently do have a cache and it was placed with my blessing) but the WGA could do a much better job of letting Parks Departments know what their purpose is and the activities that affect our parks. Many people at our recent meeting were completely surprised that this takes place in their parks.

If I can be of any assistance (I am the Park Section Secretary/Treasurer), forward me some information and I would be happy to get it to WPRA members and the park staffs.

Geocaching was a part of our Annual Fall Conference two years ago but many people are still unaware of these activities. We welcome the opportunity to speak with the WGA and work together.

Chad D. Brown, Director
Town of Brookfield Park & Rec Dept.
262-796-3781
[email protected]

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