HomeMy WebLinkAboutDirector's Memo - January
If anyone requires reasonable ADA accommodations, please contact the Parks Department at
sjames@ci.oshkosh.wi.us, or phone 920-236-5080.
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: January 5, 2023
RE: January 9, 2023 Meeting
1. Update on Parks Department volunteer programs
A goal in the most recent strategic plan for the Parks Department is to improve our
volunteer systems and processes. A team of department staff have been making
improvements in this area with Kathy Snell, Special Events Coordinator, taking the
lead in this process improvement over the past two years. We have made great
strides in volunteer processes and recruitment for the many events that our
department offers. We are now working on improving our volunteer processes and
recruitment for park and landscaping projects. Kathy will be in attendance to share
further information about our volunteer programs.
2. Discuss and recommend approval of the Pollock Community Water Park
Agreement between the City of Oshkosh and Oshkosh Area School District for
2023-2024
The Board will review the proposed agreement between the City of Oshkosh and the
Oshkosh Area School District. The City and School District have had similar
agreements since the opening of the Pollock Community Water Park in 2006
whereby the Recreation Department provides lifeguard staffing which is reimbursed
by the city. The terms of this proposed agreement are the same as the most recent
agreement except that this agreement is for two years versus one. Parks Department
staff recommends approval of the agreement; the Advisory Park Board is being
asked to recommend to the Common Council approval of the agreement.
3. Update on potential self-service kayak rental program
Staff has been investigating the possibility of entering into an agreement with
Rent.Fun to provide self-service kayak rentals. This company has developed
software-connected systems used by bicycle and scooter rental systems around the
world. They have since expanded into an app-based kayak rental program where
kayaks and all the necessary equipment is stored in “smart lockers”. A photo and
information is included in your packet. There is a one-time activation fee of $16,000
which includes installation and activation of the “smart locker” which is fully
equipped with kayaks, paddles and life jackets. This would be a 5-year agreement
which also includes a local service technician who would be responsible for ongoing
maintenance as well as routine preventative maintenance checks. The company
would work with staff to establish a market rate for the rentals and the city would
receive 50% of all the rental revenue. Staff proposes locating the first “smart locker”
at the Miller’s Bay launch area in Menominee Park. If the program is successful,
staff would pursue expanding the program to other water-access sites throughout
the city in the future. Parks Department staff is pursuing grants and donations to
cover the activation fee and is hopeful this program may be available in spring of
2023.
4. Update on outdoor ice skating rinks
Chad Dallman, Assistant Parks Director, will provide the Board with an update on
the status of outdoor ice skating rinks planned for this winter on the lagoon inside
the Menominee Park Zoo as well as on Miller’s Bay near the fishing dock off of
Menominee Drive. Unfortunately, the warmer weather is once again not
cooperating in providing good ice skating conditions.
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.