Plan Commission backs relocation of George Washington bust to Roe Park; placement and beautification to be handled with parks department

The Oshkosh City Plan Commission on June 17 voted 8-0 to adopt staff findings recommending relocation of the George Washington bust to Roe Park, with further site design to be coordinated with the Parks Department and funded in part by a Great Neighborhoods program application.

City planning staff said the bust was previously located in front of Washington School on Winnebago Avenue; the Washington School property was sold to the city in September 2024 and is being redeveloped for single-family homes. The bust is part of a collection that Colonel John Hicks commissioned and gifted to the city in the early 1900s; the John Hicks Trust Fund maintains those works, staff said.

Staff described outreach over the last year to the Menomonee South River East and the Stevens Park neighborhood associations, the library, the museum, parks and public works departments to identify viable new locations. Staff said three options were presented to invited neighborhood representatives on June 3 and the group selected the Washington Avenue side of Roe Park as the preferred site. Staff said Roe Park offers central public exposure consistent with the original intent of the Hicks gift.

The proposed relocation would use Great Neighborhoods program funds to pay for landscaping, concrete or other site improvements around the bust so it is “well situated” with plantings and viewing areas. Planning staff noted that final placement — whether adjacent to a path or closer to Washington Avenue — will be determined by staff and the Parks Department.

No members of the public spoke during the Plan Commission public comment period. Commissioners thanked staff for their outreach to neighborhoods and institutions; one commissioner noted that if other school properties are redeveloped, future relocations may be considered on a case-by-case basis and would depend on the property owner’s agreement.

The commission’s action forwards the recommendation to the Common Council; staff said the Parks Department and neighborhood groups will finalize design and siting details and use of Great Neighborhoods funds prior to installation.