Message from Mayor Gagné

Dear Residents,

Civic League Park has long been a treasured space in our city — a place for families, community gatherings, and peaceful enjoyment. But in recent years, concerns have grown significantly. Increasing homelessness, public drug and alcohol use, and disorderly conduct have made many residents feel uncomfortable and unsafe using the park. Some families no longer bring their children, and many have even stopped visiting our city library due to the environment around the park.

As your Mayor, I want to speak openly about the situation — and how we move forward, together.

First, it’s important to understand that this is not solely a law enforcement issue. Our Police Department continues to do what it legally can: pouring out alcohol, writing citations, and maintaining a presence in the park. However, under current Washington State law, officers cannot take action on drug use unless it occurs in their presence. Possession of drug paraphernalia is no longer illegal, and simply being unhoused in a public park is not grounds for removal.

Our officers are doing all they can — even while facing staffing shortages, high call volumes, and long hours. As summer begins and activity increases, they continue to show up with commitment and professionalism. I encourage all residents to support our law enforcement personnel as they work under challenging conditions to keep our community safe.

It’s also critical to acknowledge another dynamic: at least one community member has been actively encouraging individuals experiencing homelessness to ignore citations by telling them they “won’t be enforced.” This misinformation undermines accountability, reinforces unsafe behaviors, and delays the personal progress that individuals desperately need. When people are told there are no consequences, there is little incentive to change.

With that in mind, we are launching a new initiative:

Take Back the Space

This effort invites all of us to reclaim Civic League Park for its intended use — a space for families, neighbors, and positive community activity.

Did you know you can reserve the park and shelters for just $20 for a 2-hour block? Whether it’s a playdate, picnic, yoga class, reading circle, or art activity, we encourage individuals, families, and organizations to host events that bring positive energy back to this shared space. Our Public Works crew does excellent work keeping the park clean and sanitized for public events, and our Team ONE staff regularly walks through the area to pick up trash and help discourage inappropriate behaviors.

We also understand and appreciate the desire many have to help by providing food, mattresses, or other basic needs. Although benevolent, we ask that these kinds of efforts be more thoughtful and constructive. Providing basic needs is critical — and effective when paired with case management and accountability. We fully support efforts that empower individuals through support systems: mental health services, substance use treatment, job search assistance, and housing navigation. These resources are often free and voluntary — but they involve setting goals and taking meaningful steps forward. That’s the difference between empowering and enabling. One leads to progress; the other can unintentionally prolong suffering.

Your Voice Matters

We are also proud to announce that after several years of inactivity, our Parks Board has been reestablished thanks to a new group of dedicated volunteers. The board will be focused on improving all of our city’s parks and will provide input and recommendations to the Parks Committee, which includes members of the City Council.

If you have ideas — big or small — on how we can improve our parks and public spaces, we want to hear them. Your insight helps shape our future.

Finally, I urge you to contact your state legislators and share how current state laws are impacting public safety and community well-being. Whether it’s drug enforcement, mental health, or public park policy — meaningful change often begins with citizens speaking up.

Together, we can restore Civic League Park to what it was created to be: a safe, welcoming, and vibrant part of our community.

Thank you for your continued support, your compassion, and your commitment to making our city a better place for everyone.

Sincerely,

Cindy Gagné
Mayor, City of Omak