Vernon Trails today shared a statement expressing both deep gratitude and sincere sorrow following the potential sale and listing of the VFW-owned land that has served as a cornerstone of the community’s outdoor recreation.
For the past 20 years, Vernon Trails has been offering outdoor recreation opportunities to the community. Since 2013, the organization has had the privilege of accessing and stewarding this special property. Over the past decade, Vernon Trails has contributed thousands of hours of volunteer labor to create and maintain the 18-hole disc golf course, hiking trail, and winter fat bike trail—transforming the land into an outdoor recreational destination enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Through donations, sponsorships, and grassroots fundraising, more than $100,000 has been invested into improving and caring for the property.
“We owe an immense debt of gratitude to our volunteers, business sponsors, and donors whose dedication made this space what it is today,” said Alycann Taylor, Volunteer Director of Vernon Trails. “The creation and ongoing care of this property has required thousands of hours of volunteer effort. We also extend our deepest thanks to the VFW for their collaboration and for allowing access to this beautiful community asset. The opportunity to steward, tend to, and enjoy this open space has truly been a gift.”
Since September 2025, Vernon Trails has worked closely with the City of Viroqua in an effort to reach an agreement with the VFW to preserve the land for future generations. Despite these efforts, an agreement has not been reached.
“While we understood we could not compete with the highest bidder, we remained hopeful that a solution could be found—one that would provide financial relief to the VFW, establish a lasting legacy park honoring veterans, and keep the land accessible to the public,” Taylor added. “Even now, we remain hopeful that a path forward can still be found that honors both the needs of the VFW and the value this land holds for the community.”
Vernon Trails shared that this journey has been challenging given the limited resources available to our nonprofit and city budgets. Vernon Trails in collaboration with the City worked to present fair and equitable proposals to both purchase the land and lease options (both short term and long term) for the property. Due to City of Viroqua closed session rules, specific details of those negotiations cannot be publicly disclosed.
“These efforts reflect our commitment and the City of Viroqua’s commitment to preserving this space for generations to come.” Taylor said.
Vernon Trails concluded its statement by reiterating its gratitude:
“Again, it is with deep appreciation for our community, our outdoor recreation supporters, all those who have enjoyed this land, and the VFW for granting us the privilege of access over the years. We are honored to have been part of its story—and we continue to hold hope that a solution may yet be possible.”
