Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Naming And Memorials topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board recommends naming Oshkosh Riverwalk section for civic leader Lorton Blassingame, family supports proposal
Summary
The advisory board voted to recommend naming the Riverwalk section from Main Street to the Oregon Street bridge (north side) in memory of Lorton Blassingame; the family signaled support and staff will return with signage details.
The advisory board voted Aug. 11 to recommend naming a portion of the Oshkosh Riverwalk in memory of civic leader Lorton Blassingame and suggested the section run from Main Street to the Oregon Street bridge on the north side of the river.
Tyler Claver presented the staff memo summarizing the city's naming/gifts policy, documented Lorton Blassingame’s civic involvement and confirmed that the family (represented by his son, Curtis) is fully supportive of the proposal. Claver told the board there were no land or monetary contributions currently attached to the nomination, though community members who originally brought the idea forward indicated willingness to contribute toward signage costs.
Former councilor Mike Ford, who proposed the naming after Blassingame’s death in 2020, spoke about Blassingame’s long civic record — including roles on the plan commission, parks discussions and advocacy for riverfront development — and urged the board to approve the dedication. Ford said naming a section of the Riverwalk would be “a really small but fitting and lasting tribute to someone who had a real positive impact here in Oshkosh.”
Some board members suggested the named segment should be in a higher‑traffic portion of the Riverwalk (for example, between Main Street and the Jackson‑Street bridge or the area near the new bridge site) so more residents would encounter the dedication; the motion the board passed recommends the Main Street to Oregon Street bridge segment on the north side. The board also requested staff return with options for signage, plaques and coordination with existing light‑pole banners.
A voice vote recorded Amy Davis, Becky Metz, Tim Franz and Steve Herman as voting in favor (4–0). Staff indicated they will develop signage options and return to the board for further review before obtaining Common Council action as required by city policy.
