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Board approves pilot parking fee for community park special events over objections
Summary
Winnebago County supervisors approved an ordinance allowing the parks department to test charging parking fees (proposed cap $5) at the community park for special events, intended to fund field maintenance; the measure drew debate about double taxation and logistics before passing 25–7.
The Winnebago County Board of Supervisors narrowly approved an ordinance authorizing the parks department to collect parking fees for special events at the community park as a pilot program, with several supervisors stressing the money would be reinvested in field maintenance and user groups. The measure passed 25–7.
Supporters — including representatives of local soccer clubs and several supervisors — said many tournament attendees come from outside Winnebago County and that modest parking fees (a proposed $5 cap was discussed) would help maintain fields without placing the full burden on local taxpayers. "Both clubs are in favor of this opportunity," Tim Moore told the board, representing Oshkosh Youth Soccer Club and United Soccer Club.
Opponents warned the fee could feel like "double taxation" for residents and create bottlenecks during large events. Supervisor Dowling said resident feedback from more than 70 constituents opposed added parking charges, calling it unfair to families already paying sports fees. Supervisors discussed operational concerns (who would administer payments, volunteer logistics and whether to exempt county residents) and asked parks staff to test the program with soccer events and report back to the parks commission in 2026.
The supporting materials specify the parks director would work with event organizers to determine the best fee-administration process. The ordinance language limits charging to the community park (not the fairgrounds), and a test program is planned in 2026 with a report back to the parks commission and potential formation of a user-group subcommittee in 2027.
The board recorded the final outcome as 25 in favor and 7 opposed. The county will monitor the pilot and return findings to the parks commission and the board next year.
