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Parks board hears updates on Menomonee Park train, Quarry Park master plan and Seaward Trail reconstruction
Summary
The board received brief progress reports on restarting the amusement train at Menomonee Park, planning for Quarry Park, proposed updates to parkland dedication and fee-in-lieu rules, and reconstruction design for Seaward Trail.
At its March 10 meeting the Oshkosh Advisory Parks Board received updates on several park projects and policy efforts but took no binding actions.
Parks staff reported work to ready the amusement track-train for operation this spring. Staff said in-house repairs are under way on cars and that the city plans to have the train running for a May opening. Staff also said preliminary discussions are ongoing with community partners and potential funders about a permanent land-based train and other attractions in the Menomonee Park amusement area and the zoo.
On Quarry Park, staff said the site has constraints from a former landfill and methane gas issues. The city will work with Rettler Corporation, Department of Natural Resources staff and city engineering to identify what site work is feasible before drafting a master plan with neighborhood input.
Staff briefed the board on an ongoing review of the parkland dedication and fee-in-lieu ordinance and an impact-fee option. The parks and planning staff are working with a consultant to update the fee-in-lieu amounts and the parameters for parkland dedication; staff said the ordinance has not been revised in the speaker's more than 15 years and that comparables are being reviewed.
Finally, engineering staff are designing the Seaward Trail reconstruction in Menomonee Park to repair a deteriorated road and improve the zoo parking loop. Staff said UW-Milwaukee archaeology completed test digs and that the project schedule aims to bid in summer and construct after the season, with an anticipated start in mid-August and completion by October for fall events.
Board members asked for attendance or participation data for ice-fishing events and other seasonal programs; staff said they did not have tracking numbers immediately available but reported strong anecdotal attendance this winter.
