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Oshkosh parks staff outline plan to wind down Menomonee Park amusements amid sustained losses
Summary
After years of reduced operations, rising maintenance costs and staffing shortages, parks staff said they plan to remove several amusements at Menomonee Park (including the carousel previously sold) and possibly discontinue the train and water rides; the board gave a general consensus to stop supporting the enterprise with city funds while staff explore alternatives.
Parks staff presented a review of Menomonee Park’s amusement operations on Oct. 14 and sought board feedback on whether to discontinue attractions that have operated at a loss for years.
Staff recounted a multi‑year decline in revenue and operational challenges: the carousel was sold after repair costs were deemed unsustainable, weekend staffing (workers 18 and older) is increasingly difficult to secure, and maintenance of the train — including ties, rails and the engine — requires recurring capital that the enterprise fund cannot absorb. Staff estimated roughly $50,000 would be needed to get the train mechanically sound and noted additional building/storage repairs and regulatory/code deficiencies for safe operation.
Staff described attempts to adapt operations after COVID (reduced days, fewer concessions) and the effects of lagoon weed growth on water‑based rentals (paddle boats and pontoons are impeded by weed growth that cannot be treated in certain areas). Board members and staff discussed opportunities to retain lighter equipment (kayaks, canoes, stand‑up paddleboards) in storage for potential future programing while relinquishing capital‑intensive assets such as the train. Several board members acknowledged the nostalgia value of the rides but agreed that continuing to subsidize operating losses would require tax dollars and is not sustainable.
Outcome: no formal vote to immediately close was taken, but staff said there appeared to be board consensus that the department should not include amusements in the preliminary budget and that the department would discuss the issue with the council during upcoming budget workshops.
