FOX CROSSING, WI (WTAQ) – The Trestle Trail and Fritse Park in Fox Crossing re-opened on Thursday, one day after a man was killed in an officer involved shooting.
While many are trying to return to normal use of the area, Tiffany Sunbald of Neenah says there is still uncertainty.
“It is concerning because I am someone who does walk on trails and run on trails a lot.”
With Wednesday being the second shooting in three years at that location, those concerns are in the minds of many.
To help ease the concerns, Fox Crossing Park and Recreation Department posted a message on Facebook encouraging people to go back to normal use of the Trestle Trail and Fritse Park when they are ready.
“What happened on the Trestle Trail yesterday was a very unfortunate situation and our thoughts go out to the families and individuals involved. While we understand that there is apprehension to visit the Trestle Trail and Fritse Park again, we want to encourage you to not let fear of the unknown keep you away from something that provides the many benefits as our local parks and trails do. As parks and recreation professionals, our goal is to provide the best quality of life for our residents as possible.”
Park and Rec Director Amanda Geiser says the trail, bridge and park are safe places to be.
“We did complete a safety audit of Fritse Park last fall and it came back very positive.”
Geiser says a lot of their safety measures included lighting.
Geiser also said that she does not believe the two shooting incidents have anything to do with the location itself.
“We do take this very seriously, and if there are issues that need to be addressed, we will do that.”
She says it may take time, but she wants people to enjoy the park like they used to.
“As time goes on, people are going to realize that it is okay to go back there.”
Sunbald says to her it does not quite feel the same.
“You just don’t feel that same sense of safety that you used to feel, even in a nice small area like this.”
Wednesday’s shooting incident remains under investigation by DCI.
Police say a man was acting erratically to people and towards officers.
