Oshkosh staff launch call for artists for Menominee Park Zoo murals; funding not yet secured

Parks staff announced a call for artists to create murals at Menominee Park Zoo as part of a broader effort with Discover Oshkosh and consultant Spark Towns to enhance park and zoo aesthetics.

The call invites selected artists to work with the Parks Department, Discover Oshkosh and Spark Towns on murals for multiple surfaces, including the husbandry building, Lakefly Café, the former ticket booth, and concrete walls at the otter and bear/fox exhibits. Parks staff said the murals will “reflect the zoo’s mission, animals and environment to create a cohesive and engaging visual theme throughout the facility.” The husbandry building siding is slated to be replaced this year; staff said they will coordinate siding replacement with mural installation.

Parks staff told the board the city did not budget for the murals and will pursue grants, donations and an application to Discover Oshkosh’s tourism fund. The staff member said: “We did not budget for this…we will be looking to get the siding replaced, of course, out of our budget, but then working to figure out how we'll fund the murals.” Staff also suggested potential grant sources and partners, including the Museum Arts and Culture Board and the Community Foundation; board members said the Community Foundation has been part of related discussions earlier this year.

The item was presented as an informational update; the board did not take formal action. Staff said they hope to complete fundraising and install murals this summer into the fall and that the city’s mural permitting and planning processes will be followed.