[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6588628,"mediaKeyId","5566715-836a9a3fd1c5887c12f1e68e93b212e2","parentId",5566715,"title","Parks staff outline trail reconstruction, courts, playground and urban forestry plans","audioSeconds",426,"startMs",3552000,"endMs",3978000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566715-836a9a3fd1c5887c12f1e68e93b212e2&start=3552&end=3978","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566715-836a9a3fd1c5887c12f1e68e93b212e2/thumbnail_3552000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6588628/Oshkosh-City/Winnebago-County/Wisconsin/Parks-staff-outline-trail-reconstruction-courts-playground-and-urban-forestry-plans","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588628-bf5ea71022c1f9d587ef46622f01fb7d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775389971&Signature=QeLY8XRnnaXgWjVVW2ZLjDzPB1BqRarxVicwR5LbOYcxoywWE3OIANmWZp0R9~coEEvvGT7yP5LPqrcpZWfUYkX67A711rqZYvDsczH5HAiP3HWT94aGcttljbqlnd2iUp9uv2NrrDJAf6RvY47DhuVTITiKD0YhSZ6KmwP2pnHOBT0meul4LksDa8~xpniUjW7VQqdyR5qOZ4eupf~zFVP5raGkbN8nq7w8gUyqy3HoArvVS8JzPLtPGpGRGN~ysjHRb0mJ6PmKAx9qAwYqeWTzrtftMjCxMxIIYT~ykH1AJCCt86pTXaYD2mNRg01TgFAfwy5CfwdiibLa~zW--g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Oshkosh, WI","date","2025-08-12T15:40:13Z","article","Parks staff on Aug. 11 updated the Advisory Parks Board on several ongoing and upcoming projects, including Seaward Trail reconstruction in Menominee Park, court refurbishments, a playground replacement and urban forestry initiatives.

Robert (Parks staff) said Seaward Trail reconstruction will begin next Monday and will close the section in front of the Lakefly Café, the zoo parking lot and the road along the west side of the zoo up to the boat launch parking lot. Staff aim to complete work by mid‑ to late October, with a goal to finish before a major park event; project timing will remain weather dependent. Archaeological monitoring will be on site during excavation in sensitive areas identified near the zoo entrance and several storm sewer replacements will require onsite archeologist oversight, staff said.

Construction on court projects will begin next week at Fourth Parallel Park, converting two tennis courts into two pickleball courts and one tennis court; Stevens Park will receive resurfaced tennis and basketball courts. Pickard Park’s playground equipment replacement is scheduled to begin late August through early September, with grading and surveying underway.

Urban forestry staff announced a resident survey to help shape the Urban Forestry Strategic and Management Plan; the survey should be available on Polco and social media next week. The staff also reported a recent canopy cover study finding roughly 16% total tree canopy when counting public and private trees; city‑owned canopy declined by about 3 percentage points since the prior study around 2018. Fall memorial tree planting remains open with a planting deadline and 46 trees expected in the fall order.

Staffers said Pollock Community Waterpark will close for the season on Sunday the 17th and preliminary revenue numbers in the budget look positive for the season so far. The updates were informational and no board action was taken at the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Oshkosh Advisory Parks Board 8/11/25","oneSentenceSummary","Parks staff briefed the Oshkosh Advisory Parks Board on imminent Seaward Trail reconstruction, court and playground projects, the memorial tree program and an urban forestry canopy survey and resident survey slated for release.","taxTitle","Oshkosh City, Winnebago County, Wisconsin","taxId",5129,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6588633,"Parks board backs naming section of Oshkosh Riverwalk for Lorton Blassingame",714,2752000,3466000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566715-836a9a3fd1c5887c12f1e68e93b212e2&start=2752&end=3466","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566715-836a9a3fd1c5887c12f1e68e93b212e2/thumbnail_2752000.jpg","/articles/6588633/Oshkosh-City/Winnebago-County/Wisconsin/Parks-board-backs-naming-section-of-Oshkosh-Riverwalk-for-Lorton-Blassingame","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588633-b9e78a386f5a6aac7235cc1b3d6f64f4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775389971&Signature=cJV~9v2RIwjSxjcONqN7XDf6GZ8cBf4P5ajlLu-W2iGzxZghjy4OgnEf~HiEMFHHccn0NKubPX3PKDM8CoA7PDzVgyDeXv3m-XW5t0y0WpwMZbElEjTWj6JU6KS4UhjLhpYhwGFtXGI8G3ysYyUQsFj6fWqqdy~h2nhH2qEcKBsrC0-JygUWZrQAmNHK1q465WDMNuJ1t~5PJWTxUvyWY3Apb8YhlMJwdc7k8x9aku52GSYa-Fh5sbtvbUb~u2D65bQpzJsNEaGgLGmkOKUzenxjGrWmq6Bks222UrOKmTNMkh55j03NNd-MCAqfVpuVS5WBhUPY~I3DDFX8yrZfpg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oshkosh Advisory Parks Board on Aug. 11 recommended naming a portion of the Oshkosh Riverwalk in memory of Lorton Blassingame, a long‑time local urbanist and civic volunteer who served on the plan commission and other community boards.

Tyler Klaver, management analyst for the Parks Department, summarized the city’s naming policy and said he had spoken with Blassingame’s family; his son Curtis communicated that the family supports the proposal. Mike Ford, a former member of the common council who brought the request forward, said Blassingame helped develop the Riverwalk concept and urged the board to place the memorial segment where more people would encounter it.

After discussion, the board approved a motion recommending the named section run from Main Street to Oregon Street on the north side of the river; members said a plaque or banners on light poles could be used to recognize Blassingame. The motion was moved and seconded; Amy Davis, Becky Metz, Tim Franz and Steve Herman voted aye on a voice vote and the recommendation will be forwarded to the common council for final action.

Klaver told the board there are currently no land or monetary donations tied to the proposal, but members and Ford said community members had indicated willingness to contribute to signage costs. Staff said they will prepare signage options and bring them back to the board for review before council consideration.","The Advisory Parks Board recommended naming a section of the Oshkosh Riverwalk from Main Street to Oregon Street (north side) in memory of Lorton Blassingame, with family support and potential donor funding for signage.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6588637,"Parks board backs replacement of tracked amusement train with on‑land wheeled train for 2026",576,2122000,2698000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566715-836a9a3fd1c5887c12f1e68e93b212e2&start=2122&end=2698","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566715-836a9a3fd1c5887c12f1e68e93b212e2/thumbnail_2122000.jpg","/articles/6588637/Oshkosh-City/Winnebago-County/Wisconsin/Parks-board-backs-replacement-of-tracked-amusement-train-with-onland-wheeled-train-for-2026","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588637-3e5a7407f8ffac6b34fc85de28495a0a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775389971&Signature=aVk7k7C3r8qTJy6AZ6kISWXILZlcl~bmAwfuHFSeT~SKJUVlCk5lehzqbC1kswF~fmTagMayR8U~qNjbk5CaZiH5azemXzwFJSXOYuEv2Zm9zaJdunKSCe9Ze1h67kKJHRPm-8sFtktWQyTKxEjThmUwpWOBTiPI2M7uOkLCySTV~gmLqPrhUIvxEayzMWGqNdKcW292ujYjCpOWhA1jpAZGfChE1BNfaWt2BXYgK83FBOaBvrQPDsJXiuv6V3Fwls0woo6uFKFMw0kyxwkIqJhyUSAnYO0DfJLEq4~jwBG9TnSF8uvK~0ceX6hhp8rRB9L-WlRLeeVYFGze0sbAjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oshkosh Advisory Parks Board voted on Aug. 11 to recommend replacing the tracked amusement train with a new on‑land wheeled train to operate in Menominee Park beginning in 2026.

Parks staff described the proposed vehicle as a four‑car train (each car holding six passengers) with an accessible end car featuring a drop‑down ramp for wheelchairs and mobility devices. Staff said the unit is narrower than many off‑road vehicles (about 42 inches wide) and the department envisions operating it mainly on park trails but possibly on some roadway sections when appropriate. “It gives us the potential for… a realistic train ride,” a staff speaker said when describing possible routes and staging.

Supporters said an on‑land wheeled train requires less track maintenance and could offer operational flexibility and potential sponsorship or fundraising opportunities. The city has received donor interest and preliminary funding commitments for the new train, staff said. Parks staff also noted staffing and seasonal scheduling would be part of budgeting for 2026 operations.

A motion to pursue the on‑land wheeled train proceeded after board discussion about trail widths, route options and reuse of the old track/gravel base for pedestrian trail conversions. The motion was moved and seconded; a voice vote recorded Amy Davis, Becky Metz, Tim Franz and Steve Herman voting aye. The motion carried.

Staff said the tracked engine on site dates to the 1950s and carries high replacement and maintenance costs; removing the track would let the city convert the corridor and reduce ongoing track upkeep. City staff intend to include the new train in the 2026 operating budget and will present the plan and budget to the common council during the budget process.","The Oshkosh Advisory Parks Board recommended replacing the park’s tracked amusement train with a new on‑land wheeled train for 2026, citing lower maintenance needs and broadened route options along park trails.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6588643,"City moves forward with selected artist for Menominee Park Zoo murals",292,1409000,1701000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566715-836a9a3fd1c5887c12f1e68e93b212e2&start=1409&end=1701","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566715-836a9a3fd1c5887c12f1e68e93b212e2/thumbnail_1409000.jpg","/articles/6588643/Oshkosh-City/Winnebago-County/Wisconsin/City-moves-forward-with-selected-artist-for-Menominee-Park-Zoo-murals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588643-6187c52bf2249b8d432b2c61e4ba26cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1775389971&Signature=bW35F4RrfcN3a6Qx9VBcum5MrmKKiEwWA75Mrw6~FzO7-C-9axIbAMlrzZimmJxKQXAbxlgkT~vZ84h~k2gtwky1S-nKkC5X-gLRLD9Olc3Gg~yDBhYmyK2jVlsHc~GDJ7Mi5kuO~zHq5IWyv8FvXLQDgxtF-msFgEsbIbZmOQakhdkmf2XCzmlET-cRHjEsk4suGCLqEAVxc-vGFh6hKhwTLWdcbys0g6phk05IXiTcJmgo9OuUH6E68M9elEWkhbpILr1a8Y8WNdVlLjTW1Zq2rw0Biou9H9bYWIL0YopbqOnqwKejzxvPTmxEF4w51ulwCFaJ08C8ono3tH05tw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff and partners on Aug. 11 updated the Oshkosh Advisory Parks Board on plans to paint murals across multiple buildings at Menominee Park Zoo and reported a finalist artist has been selected.

Greg Wright, a consultant working with Discover Oshkosh and Sparktowns, told the board a seven‑member community selection committee reviewed 16 applications and narrowed the field to three finalists before recommending Jake Reeder, a graphic designer and muralist based in the Quad Cities. “He had this concept of pulling together in the same color scheme, murals, badges, interactive displays, and other artistic elements,” Wright said.

The proposal covers multiple zoo structures, including the Lakefly Café and entrance building, the husbandry/service building, the otter and eagle exhibit areas and other visitor elements. Wright said the aim is to create a unified visual theme that complements recent and planned park investments and helps the zoo feel more cohesive without building new structures.

Board members asked about materials, longevity and schedule; Wright and staff said the murals will be painted directly on building surfaces rather than wrapped and that durable exterior paint should provide 20 to 30 years of service before major repainting. The partners said the project still requires one more city permission before work can begin, and they hope to complete as much painting as weather allows before an approximate Oct. 15 cutoff; remaining work would be finished next spring if needed.

Parks staff and Discover Oshkosh representatives emphasized the private–public partnership element: donors and community foundation partners have already committed funding for related park improvements, and the mural project is intended to complement those investments.

No formal board vote was recorded on Aug. 11; staff said they were seeking the board’s input and would proceed once final city permissions are granted.","Discover Oshkosh and city staff selected muralist Jake Reeder to paint a cohesive, animal‑themed color palette across several Menominee Park Zoo buildings; the project is planned for this fall if city permissions and weather permit.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6588647,"Oshkosh parks board endorses Concept 1 for Lakeshore Drive clear well site",1116,168000,1284000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566715-836a9a3fd1c5887c12f1e68e93b212e2&start=168&end=1284","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566715-836a9a3fd1c5887c12f1e68e93b212e2/thumbnail_168000.jpg","/articles/6588647/Oshkosh-City/Winnebago-County/Wisconsin/Oshkosh-parks-board-endorses-Concept-1-for-Lakeshore-Drive-clear-well-site","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6588647-4d348494fdd28eec9dc7c0721eeab9d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775389971&Signature=cck4QL9MJVpUhS2TfPhLqL4SO-PkR2SdhGWUSlXn9-L5ppZHLpsaDy8ayWD7W1ek1tHrzv6513Z1o5u7EBdyCJoO9ppX5StmDkW7EugpdesUjxaWbh85rJtAYPVCWypafk4qBcggXaZfb0soapijLmPAF5ANGS3bjRq9dV4YrcOEz4ENQOI-JVXLCwno6gofeq-ILHajrBtx9qaWpY~mviNNUpT30kUI8Y0a~W2qOA50tskynXFVrISGe6W4wWhJ4iJFKqoabPVUbBIOO7BKXe3BJPQY9a32qbPk3ZJN3OsWJuYur5uWblbweyUEhWhJdv1djAprFwN6wjmMci0sAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oshkosh Advisory Parks Board on Aug. 11 recommended “Concept 1” for the clear well project at the water treatment plant site along Lakeshore Drive, endorsing the layout that preserves a larger contiguous park space and more existing trees.

The recommendation follows a presentation by Julia (Psyche Design), who outlined two preferred design concepts for the clear well intake and site realignment. “Both concepts… have a 10‑foot multi‑use path,” Julia said, adding the north half of the site is “relatively the same in both concepts” and that Concept 1 preserves more existing trees and all five on‑site memorial trees.

Board members and city staff discussed parking, maintenance, snow management and utility coordination. Parks Department management analyst Tyler Klaver noted the project will be coordinated with the Water Utility and other departments: the city plans to install a new intake pipe under the roadway ahead of major paving so the pipe is in place before future work. “We do wanna get that pipe at least stuck through here prior to that going on,” a city staff speaker said.

Members raised operational concerns: how memorial trees would be handled, whether the roadway would be concrete or asphalt, and how snow removal would be staged around perpendicular parking. Public works staff warned the perpendicular parking “are the areas I see the biggest challenge” for winter plowing and said some parking areas will require equipment beyond a standard plow.

After discussion, a board member moved to recommend Concept 1, and another member seconded. The board took a roll call vote: Amy Davis, Becky Metz, Tim Franz and Steve Herman voted to recommend Concept 1; the motion carried.

The board added a caveat asking staff and Street Department engineers to retain flexibility on the final Washington Avenue geometry to ensure truck turning movements and plant access can be accommodated. Parks staff said they prefer Concept 1 for its larger contiguous green space along the lake but will leave some flexibility to adjust lane widths or intersection geometry based on vehicle‑turning analysis.

Next steps include presenting the preferred concept to other city boards and commissions for input and coordinating construction and utility sequencing so intake piping, storm sewer work and roadway surfacing are aligned to avoid repeated pavement cuts.","The Oshkosh Advisory Parks Board voted to recommend Concept 1 for the clear well project at the city water plant site on Lakeshore Drive, citing preservation of green space and tree retention while coordinating with the Water Utility on intake piping and future truck movements.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Parks staff outline trail reconstruction, courts, playground and urban forestry plans

Parks board backs naming section of Oshkosh Riverwalk for Lorton Blassingame

Parks board backs replacement of tracked amusement train with on‑land wheeled train for 2026

City moves forward with selected artist for Menominee Park Zoo murals

Oshkosh parks board endorses Concept 1 for Lakeshore Drive clear well site