HomeMy WebLinkAboutDirector's Memo - August
City Hall, 215 Church Avenue P.O. Box 1130 Oshkosh, WI 54903-1130 920.236.5000 http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us
TO: Advisory Park Board
FROM: Ray Maurer, Parks Director
DATE: August 4, 2021
RE: August 9, 2021 Meeting
PRESENTATION OF DESTINATION OSHKOSH ASSESSMENT BY AMY ALBRIGHT,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OSHKOSH CONVENTION AND VISITOR’S BUREAU
Amy Albright will present to the Board information from Roger Brooks of Destination Development
Association after he secretly shopped Oshkosh over the Memorial Day weekend. She recently gave
a presentation to the Common Council and will present ideas for improving tourism that are
pertinent to the Parks Department and Advisory Park Board, particularly the idea of a downtown
public plaza area.
OLD BUSINESS
1. Consider and recommend approval of a Golf War Memorial monument at South Park war
memorial area
Duane Canon from the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 437 will be available to address the
Board’s questions and comments regarding placement of and wording associated with the war
memorial the group is requesting be placed in South Park.
2. Consider and recommend placement of sign at George Washington Triangle for a donated Liberty
Elm tree
Robert Haglund, Vice President of the Wisconsin Society Sons of the American Revolution will be
available to address the Board’s questions and comments regarding the donation of the Liberty Elm
Tree as well as the signage the group has requested be placed at the site.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Discuss Chief Oshkosh sign/plaque project
The Board will discuss the project to update signage/plaques surrounding the Chief Oshkosh
Monument in Menominee Park. Included in your packet is a background memo from John
Fitzpatrick, Assistant City Manager/Director of Administrative Services, which was provided to the
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee a few months back. Also included is a resolution
that DEI drafted for the Common Council to consider as well as the wording for each of the
proposed new signs/plaques. Mr. Fitzpatrick and/or Michelle Behnke, Human Resources Manager,
will attend the meeting to help address questions or comments the Board may have as they serve as
staff liaison to the Committee.
2. Consider River East Neighborhood Association proposed project of installing a gazebo at
Riverside Park
River East Neighborhood Association is an active group with boundaries which include: Washington
Avenue (North Side), Fox River (South Side) Bowen Avenue (East Side) and Main Street (West Side).
The association is proposing to use funds from Oshkosh Healthy Neighborhoods program to place a
gazebo in Riverside Park between the Oshkosh Convention Center and the Fox River Riverwalk. A
map is provided so that the Board can see approximately where the gazebo is being proposed.
Prior to Riverside Park and the parking lot upgrade years ago, there were two small gazebos located
in the park which were removed. The Neighborhood Association has been working with the Planning
Department, Parks Department and Convention Center staff on this proposal and is asking the Board
to support the request so that it can be moved on for Council approval.
Staff recommends approval of this request. The Convention Center staff also support construction of
the gazebo at this location.
3. Discuss/determine future Board meetings remaining virtual or returning to in-person
The Board will discuss their preference for future Board meetings remaining virtual or
returning to in-person. The Common Council is scheduled to discuss the rules for Boards
and Commissions at their Tuesday, August 10th meeting where this topic will most likely
be discussed with the Council potentially providing direction at that time.
If you have questions prior to the meeting, please feel free to contact me at 236-5080.
If you will not be able to attend the meeting, please contact Stacy James, Administrative Assistant,
at 236-5080. Thank you in advance.