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Advisory board backs on‑land wheeled train to replace tracked amusement train, recommends pilot for 2026
Summary
The Oshkosh Parks Board recommended pursuing a wheeled, trail‑capable train to replace the aging tracked amusement train and asked staff to include the project in the 2026 operating budget; donors have committed seed funding and staff anticipate a Memorial Day‑era operating window.
The Advisory Parks Board on Aug. 11 recommended that staff pursue an on‑land wheeled train to replace the existing tracked amusement train, directing staff to include the new train in the 2026 operating budget and to bring the proposal to the Common Council for budget consideration.
Parks staff described a commercially produced wheeled train intended to run primarily on park trails (with limited roadway use where feasible). The unit discussed is a four‑car train with capacity of about six passengers per car and an accessible end car with a drop‑down ramp for wheelchairs. Staff described features such as a whistle and PA system and the potential to incorporate historic narration and interpretive content on rides.
Staff and board members said donors have committed funding toward the new train. The plan is to staff the attraction seven days a week if demand and staffing allow; staff noted the wheeled unit should have lower maintenance needs than the current track system, which requires ongoing track upkeep and uses an engine that staff believe dates to the 1950s. The city would remove the rail track if the wheeled train is adopted, retain or reuse the existing gravel base in places and consider creating new trail segments where needed.
Board discussion addressed trail‑width compatibility (staff noted typical trail widths of 10–12 feet and vehicle unit widths discussed in the meeting), ADA accessibility, route options (staff said routes could be extended on certain days), potential for sponsorships on cars, and staffing models that might include retirees or volunteers as conductors and tour guides. Staff indicated preliminary ticket pricing would be increased modestly to cover staffing costs but that price would not be “high.”
A motion to recommend proceeding with the wheeled‑train option passed on a voice vote; the minutes recorded Amy Davis, Becky Metz, Tim Franz and Steve Herman as voting in favor (4–0).
