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Parks staff outline restroom design, trail reconstruction and signage plans; Rainbow Memorial Park work delayed
Summary
Parks staff reported progress on design work for a REITs ballfield restroom/concession building, ongoing trail and court reconstructions, Lakeshore Park signage and a delayed intersection project that pushes Rainbow Memorial Park improvements beyond the current capital plan window.
Parks Department staff updated the Parks Advisory Board on several ongoing and planned projects, including design work for a restroom/concession building at the REITs ballfields, road and trail reconstruction work, signage for Lakeshore Park and a delay to Rainbow Memorial Park improvements tied to a Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) project.
Ray Mauer (staff member) told the board the city has contracted TR Carroll to design a new restroom/concession building at the REITs complex; staff are collecting background information and will follow up on scheduling. The department has budgeted funds in the capital improvement plan (CIP) for phased work on the REITs complex, including $500,000 for design and construction of the restroom/concession facility, $350,000 requested next year to replace north field lights, and additional light replacements and field renovations staged through 2029.
Staff said reconstruction on the Seward Trail and Omni Park road work is progressing, with archeologists on site during storm pipe excavation. Pavement and curb limits from prior engineering studies constrained how deeply crews could excavate; staff said most curb and gutter remain in place.
On Rainbow Memorial Park, staff explained that an intersection project at Oshkosh Avenue and Sawyer Street — now tied to a DOT bridge project — has pushed major intersection work to around 2032. That timing in turn delays major Rainbow Memorial Park improvements that depend on the roadway changes.
At Lakeshore Park, staff said the Four Seasons building is heavily booked into 2027. The department has installed a parking lot and trail head connections to the Heritage Trail, a new trail through the park with lighting and asphalt, and is working with Oshkosh Museum staff on historical signage and golf course background material. Draft sign verbiage is expected to come before the board later this year and installation is anticipated in late winter or early spring.
Recreation court work at Stevens Park and 40 Fourth Parallel includes patching, new surfacing and contractor schedules that aim to complete courts by early October, weather permitting. Staff previewed several fall events, including Brews by the Waterside, yoga sessions, Live at Leech and Touch a Truck, and noted that the Menominee Park Zoo remains open through late September with several final events planned.
Board member Steve Herman had raised questions about REITs and Rainbow progress during the meeting; staff responded with the CIP schedule and funding phasing. No formal actions or votes were taken on the staff updates.
Staff closed by noting upcoming construction activity at Pickard Park and expected playground installation this fall, and by asking for adjournment of the meeting.
