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Parks board backs naming section of Oshkosh Riverwalk for Lorton Blassingame
Summary
The Advisory Parks Board recommended naming a section of the Oshkosh Riverwalk from Main Street to Oregon Street (north side) in memory of Lorton Blassingame, with family support and potential donor funding for signage.
The Oshkosh Advisory Parks Board on Aug. 11 recommended naming a portion of the Oshkosh Riverwalk in memory of Lorton Blassingame, a long‑time local urbanist and civic volunteer who served on the plan commission and other community boards.
Tyler Klaver, management analyst for the Parks Department, summarized the city’s naming policy and said he had spoken with Blassingame’s family; his son Curtis communicated that the family supports the proposal. Mike Ford, a former member of the common council who brought the request forward, said Blassingame helped develop the Riverwalk concept and urged the board to place the memorial segment where more people would encounter it.
After discussion, the board approved a motion recommending the named section run from Main Street to Oregon Street on the north side of the river; members said a plaque or banners on light poles could be used to recognize Blassingame. The motion was moved and seconded; Amy Davis, Becky Metz, Tim Franz and Steve Herman voted aye on a voice vote and the recommendation will be forwarded to the common council for final action.
Klaver told the board there are currently no land or monetary donations tied to the proposal, but members and Ford said community members had indicated willingness to contribute to signage costs. Staff said they will prepare signage options and bring them back to the board for review before council consideration.
