Parks staff report progress on Menominee Park train restoration, say council funds cover materials but staffing amendment expected

Parks staff told the Oshkosh Advisory Park Board that work to restore the Menominee Park train is underway but not yet complete, and that most council-approved funds are earmarked for materials and annual maintenance rather than routine operations.

“Most of the funds that have been approved through council at this time will help with train materials, and some of the things that we got going forward in train restoration … is more annual maintenance since none of the dollars were put in our operational budget originally during the budget process,” said Chad, a parks staff member overseeing operations. He said staff are sourcing parts and advertising seasonal positions to support the ride this coming season and that the department will return with a proposed budget amendment for seasonal staffing.

A board member noted council’s prior direction that the train could ultimately be transitioned to a nonprofit—"a 501(c)(3) or Friends of Menominee Park type group"—and asked staff to report public updates when possible. Chad said preplanning discussions with potential nonprofit partners have occurred and staff will share information that can be discussed in open session.

Board members also asked whether other park amenities would reopen. Chad said aquatics equipment will be operated "as long as the conditions allow us to" and as long as staffing is sufficient; he cited persistent submerged vegetation and lily-pad blooms that limit treatment options and restrict some lagoon areas.

No formal action or vote was required on the update. Staff said they will return with staffing numbers and a proposed budget amendment when details are available.