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Parks board elects Amy Davis chair, selects vice chair; staff preview summer events, zoo, train and noise mitigation
Summary
The advisory board re-elected Amy Davis as chair, confirmed a vice chair, approved meeting minutes, and heard staff reports about the Menomonee Park Zoo bear exhibit, a new train and summer events as well as measures to reduce pickleball noise.
The Oshkosh Advisory Parks Board held elections and routine business at its May 11 meeting, re‑electing Amy Davis as chair and approving a vice chair by voice vote.
A board member moved to approve the April minutes and the board approved them by voice. During elections, Amy Davis accepted the chair nomination and did not vote for herself; members present voted in favor and the chair congratulated Davis on being re‑elected. The board also elected a vice chair after nominations and a voice vote.
Staff reports covered a range of operations and events. Chad and staff said Menomonee Park Zoo expects to receive a second bear this week and plans introduction periods before public display. The city’s mural and place‑making program will paint locations at Menominee Park and the Zoo Maintenance Building later this summer or early fall due to scheduling and siding work.
Parks events coordinator Jenny previewed the parks activity guide and summer programming: Brews by the Waterside (rotating between Rainbow and Menomonie), community days with free train rides, four free community days for the new train, kids camps and Thursday/Wednesday special programming at the zoo (keeper chats, speaker events). The zoo will open full time on May 23.
The board also heard logistics for the new train: a roughly 14–16 minute route operating near the Lakefly Cafe and the zoo, a target of three rides per hour and a staffed ticket booth. Lowe’s will donate a small shelter for the train operator near the loading area.
On neighborhood concerns, staff said they installed signage and will provide reduced‑noise pickleball balls (in sleeves near the court fences) at several neighborhood parks to reduce noise and increase neighborly consideration.
Travis Dirks closed staff reports with Arbor Day and memorial‑tree updates: multiple planting events including a large seedling planting at Aiken Acres using Miyawaki spacing and about 24 memorial trees purchased this spring; Cummins will sponsor an upcoming planting in Pickert Park.
A motion to adjourn passed by voice at the meeting’s close.
