Oshkosh Plan Commission adopts recommended Quarry Park master plan; DNR permitting remains next step

The Oshkosh Plan Commission voted 8-0 on Oct. 21, 2025, to adopt findings and recommend the Quarry Park master plan, a conceptual guide for long-term development of the site east of 17th Avenue that includes a gravel loop trail, prairie plantings, stone seating and a central gathering area with surface-mounted musical-play equipment, city staff and the consultant said.

The plan matters because Quarry Park sits on a closed landfill and any future work will require coordination with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for a post-closure modification. The consultant and park staff estimated construction costs at about $425,000 and a total project cost, including design, permitting and contingencies, at about $520,000; DNR permitting and specialty engineering were estimated separately at roughly $20,000–$50,000, the consultant said.

Ray Mower, Oshkosh’s park director, introduced the item and John Kinnear, landscape architect and the consultant representing Rettler Corporation, reviewed the master-plan concepts. Kinnear told the commission that the site includes a capped landfill area that limits development: "Very low impact, no foundations, no footings," he said, and noted that planting choices and any posts or footings must avoid deep-root systems that would penetrate the landfill cap. He said the team discussed the site with AECOM and with DNR…