Parks Board recommends pedestal plaque for Lorton Blassingame memorial on River Walk

The Oshkosh Parks Board voted Tuesday to recommend that the Common Council approve a River Walk recognition for Lorton Blassingame, with the board asking staff to pursue a bronze plaque on a pedestal if Blassingame’s family agrees, or otherwise the pedestal informational sign that the family prefers.

Tyler (parks/fund-development staff) presented four options for the River Walk segment between Main Street and Jackson Street: bronze plaques (one or two locations); wayfinding-style River Walk panels; a smaller pedestal informational sign mirroring existing interpretive signs; and a run of commemorative pole banners along the path. Staff said the family reviewed draft text and approved use of a photograph if the board chose to include it.

Tyler said the family recommended option 3, the pedestal sign, and noted estimated costs for options ranged from about $200 for panel signs up to larger bronze installations; staff told the board that installation could be done in-house and that private donors would be sought to cover costs. “Lorton’s family, however, did, recommend option number 3, a pedestal sign,” Tyler said.

Board members discussed a mixed approach — banners plus a single plaque with more verbiage — and several members said they were deferential to the family’s preference. Board member Jacob (unnamed in transcript) suggested a banner run with a central plaque to provide context; other board members agreed staff should bring the recommendation to council for final approval.

A motion to recommend the pedestal plaque option contingent on family approval passed by voice vote with no opposition recorded. Staff will forward the recommendation to the Common Council for final action and coordinate funding with private donors.