HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.09.2025 APB Packet
OSHKOSH ADVISORY PARKS BOARD AGENDA
ROOM 404 (4TH FLOOR), CITY HALL
OSHKOSH, WISCONSIN
June 9, 2025
6:00 p.m.
If anyone requires reasonable ADA accommodations, please contact the Parks Department at erick@oshkoshwi.gov,or phone 920-236-5080.
A.CALL TO ORDER (6:00 PM)
B.ROLL CALL
C.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.May 12, 2025 Meeting Minutes
D.CITIZEN STATEMENTS (Items not listed on this agenda)
(Statements are limited to five (5) minutes; they must address items that are not listed on the meeting agenda, are limited to
issues that have an impact on the City of Oshkosh and the Advisory Parks Board may address at a future meeting, and must
not include endorsements of any candidates or other electioneering. If you require more time please inform the Chair at the
beginning of your presentation.)
E.OLD BUSINESS
F.NEW BUSINESS
2.Presentation of the Forestry Strategic Plan and Forestry Management Plan projects by Eocene
Environmental Group
3.Presentation of Miller's Bay shoreline restoration site project by Urban Ecology Oshkosh and
consider their request to extend their maintenance agreement
4.Discuss and recommend placement of George Washington Bust
5.Discuss and recommend Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 2026-2030
G.STAFF REPORTS
Park Director (Maurer)
Update on Pickart Park play equipment project
Update on Quarry Park Master Plan
Assistant Park Director (Dallman)
Update on Menominee Park Zoo Path and Entrance
Update on Stevens Park Improvements (Playground, Lighting, Flagpole)
Update on Rainbow Park Playground
Update on 44th Parallel Park and Stevens Park sport court projects
Landscape Operations Manager (Derks)
Update on Quarry Park Marigolds Planted
H.OTHER BUSINESS
I.ADJOURNMENT
NEXT MEETING DATE: July 14, 2025
TO:TO:Advisory Parks Board
FROM:FROM:Ray Maurer, Parks Director
DATE:DATE:June 09, 2025
SUBJECT:SUBJECT:May 12, 2025 Meeting Minutes
AttachmentsAttachments
05.12.2025 APB Minutes
ADVISORY PARK BOARD
MAY 12, 2025
Present:Amy Davis, Becky Metz, Jacob Floam, Timothy Franz, Steve Herman
Excused:Lester Millette, Devon Hudak
Staff:Ray Maurer, Parks Director; Travis Derks, Landscape Operations Manager;
Ericka Rick, Administrative Assistant
CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL
Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. A quorum was determined to be present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Floam for approval of the April 14, 2025 minutes. Seconded by Franz. Motion
carried 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
1)DISCUSS AND RECOMMEND PARKLAND DEDICATION AND/OR FEES IN LIEU
OF PARKLAND DEDICATION FOR THE ISLAND VIEW ESTATES SUBDIVISION
Mr. Maurer stated Island View Estates is a subdivision located on the far northeastern
boundary of the city, north of Sunnyview Road and east of County Road A. Included in
the preliminary plat for that subdivision was 21 single family lots requiring 23,100 square
feet of parkland and 18 condominium units requiring 16,200 square feet of parkland for a
total of 39,300 square feet of parkland dedication. Included in the preliminary plat is
Outlot 1 which encompasses 36,897 square feet and is the proposed parkland site.
The Park Service Area Map included in the current Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation
Plan (CORP) shows that the Island View Estates Subdivision is not currently being
serviced by City parks. Similarly, the Proposed Park Acquisition Map shows that a
neighborhood park was intended for this same area. The parkland dedication of Outlot 1
will align with the approved CORP.
Since the proposed parkland dedication is approximately 2,400 square feet short of the
required 39,300, staff recommended acceptance of the parkland and a payment in lieu of
parkland dedication of $800 for the deficiency.
Motion by Herman for recommendation to Common Council of approval of the parkland and a
AVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES
MAY 12, 2025
PAGE 2
payment in lieu of parkland dedication of $800 for the deficiency. Seconded by Floam. Motion
carried 5-0.
2)UPDATE ON MURALS AT MENOMINEE PARK ZOO
Mr. Maurer stated Parks Department staff has been working with Discover Oshkosh and a
consultant that they hired, called Spark Towns, to improve visitor experiences throughout
the community.
One area of focus has been improvements to the aesthetics at the Menominee Park Zoo
which includes adding murals on various zoo buildings. A Call for Artists flier has been
distributed. Select artists will work with the Parks Department, Discover Oshkosh and
Spark Towns to potentially paint murals on the husbandry building, Lake Fly Cafe, otter
exhibit walls and bear/fox exhibit walls. The murals will reflect the zoo's mission, animals
and environment to create a cohesive and engaging visual theme throughout the facility.
These murals are just one of many ideas being discussed to enhanced the visitor
experience at the Menominee Park Zoo. Additional improvements include the potential
for shade structures, adding more color to the area, entryway and gate improvements,
ADA compliance at the Lake Fly Café, concrete and asphalt replacement and paving of the
previously gravel trail. Options regarding the train are also being discussed.
The City Planning Department has been involved with helping to ensure that all
municipal code requirements for the murals are being met. These improvements were not
budgeted for however, department staff will be pursuing opportunities for donations and
grant funding.
3)PRESENTATION OF THE 2024 PARKS DEPARTMENT IMPACT REPORT
Mr. Maurer stated key performance indicators include 360 grants and donations worth
nearly $725,000, 553 department sponsored events with nearly 32,000 participants, and
12,508 volunteer hours completed by 553 volunteers worth $413,636.
Significant highlight of 2025 include an update to the Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation
Plan (CORP) and the opening of the new bear and fox exhibits at the Menominee Park Zoo.
The Pollock Community Water Park received $5,000 in sponsorships, $330,113 in
donations and welcomed 33,923 in attendance. There were 9 special events hosted by the
department with 1,914 in event attendance.
The Leach Amphitheater received $4,250 in sponsorships, $11,737 in donations. Overall
attendance was 11,000 including those at the 11 department events.
The Children’s Amusement Center remained closed in 2024 due to the Pratt Trail
reconstruction project so event typically hosted in that area were moved to South Park.
The department hosted 3 events with a combined attendance of 900.
The Menominee Park Zoo received $14,992 in sponsorships, $74,065 in donations.
Attendance over 102,000 thanks to the addition of off-season hours implemented during
2024. The department hosted more than 65 events with an overall attendance of 23,340.
Special Event permits reached a record high of 104, marking a 11% increase on the number
of events than the year prior.
The entire 2024 Impact Report can be found on the Parks Department website.
STAFF REPORTS
PARKS DIRECTOR (Maurer)
Mr. Maurer stated the Parks staff is working with Museum staff and a sign company to
complete historic and culturally significant signage at Lakeshore Park.
Department staff and the Quarry Park Neighborhood Association are continuing to work
on the master plan for Quarry Park. After recommendation of the The Pickart Park Master
Plan by the Advisory Park Board, it was approved by both Plan Commission and
Common Council. As part of the implementation of that plan, request for proposals have
been posted for the play equipment at that park.
Department staff is planning to bring the 2026-2035 Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
before the board at the June meeting. Staff review will focus on the first 5 years of that
plan.
LANDSCAPE OPERATIONS MANAGER (Derks)
Mr. Derks stated that 25 memorial trees will be planted this spring. He issued a request to
the public that they refrain from putting any sort of mulch or decorations on or around
memorial trees. This is not only for the good of memorial items themselves but also for the
maintenance and wellbeing of the tree.
Beginning this week, approximately 60 flags be placed and over 100 flower pots will be
planted, along Main Street downtown.
Aimes Point shoreland plantings are being managed by a new group called Urban
Ecology Oshkosh. They will be presenting at the June meeting and bringing forward a
work plan to renew their contract.
ADJOURNMENT
AVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES
MAY 12, 2025
PAGE 4
Motion by Davis for adjournment; seconded by Herman. Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 6:48 P.M
Respectfully submitted,
Ericka Rick
Administrative Assistant
TO:TO:Advisory Parks Board
FROM:FROM:Ray Maurer, Parks Director
DATE:DATE:June 09, 2025
SUBJECT:SUBJECT:Presentation of the Forestry Strategic Plan and Forestry Management Plan projects by Eocene
Environmental Group
BACKGROUNDBACKGROUND
The Parks Department has entered into an agreement with Eocene Environmental Group to develop
both a Forestry Strategic Plan and a Forestry Management Plan with a tree planting component. These
plans will be used to help guide Forestry projects into the future. The key objectives for these plans are as
follows: a) Create a management framework that includes policies, practices and community
engagement; b) Develop strategies to meet long-term tree canopy needs; c) Improve the resiliency,
biodiversity and sustainability of Oshkosh's urban forest; and d) Promote environmental sustainability and
community well-being. Representatives from Eocene will be in attendance to present information on
both of these documents and gather input from the Board.
TO:TO:Advisory Parks Board
FROM:FROM:Ray Maurer, Parks Director
DATE:DATE:June 09, 2025
SUBJECT:SUBJECT:Presentation of Miller's Bay shoreline restoration site project by Urban Ecology Oshkosh and
consider their request to extend their maintenance agreement
BACKGROUNDBACKGROUND
Since 2011, various groups and individuals have volunteered to install and maintain shoreland plantings in
Miller's Bay. Since the inception of these planting areas, the Advisory Park Board and city staff have
expressed the need for the volunteer groups to keep the areas maintained in order for them to remain in
the park. These groups have presented their annual maintenance plans to the Advisory Park Board in the
past and the Board supported continuation of the planting areas. In 2022, the Board agreed to a 3-year
commitment to continue to allow the planting areas as long as they were maintained. Originally, the
group was the Friends of Menominee Park Shoreland. In 2018, the group was known as Oshkosh
Ecological Restoration and in 2024 changed to Urban Ecology Oshkosh. Members of Urban Ecology
Oshkosh will present their plans for the sites to the Advisory Park Board and request an extension to their
maintenance agreement.
TO:TO:Advisory Parks Board
FROM:FROM:Ray Maurer, Parks Director
DATE:DATE:June 09, 2025
SUBJECT:SUBJECT:Discuss and recommend placement of George Washington Bust
BACKGROUNDBACKGROUND
Community Development staff has been working with the Menominee South, River East, and Stevens Park
Neighborhood Associations, as well as the Library, Museum, Parks, and Public Works Departments to
determine a new location for the George Washington Bust that was previously located in the front yard of
Washington School on Winnebago Avenue. In September of 2024, the existing school property was sold to
the City of Oshkosh and is in the process of being redeveloped for single family homes and therefore the
bust needed to be removed and relocated.
This bust, and many other statues in Oshkosh, are part of a collection that was gifted to the City in the
early 1900's by Colonel John Hicks and are maintained by the John Hicks Trust Fund. In 2024, Community
Development, Library, and Museum staff engaged with the three Neighborhood Associations surrounding
the Washington School site to come up with a plan to help find a new location for the bust. The outcome
of those engagements was a collaborative Great Neighborhoods Program application by the three
neighborhoods asking for funds to help with the relocation and beatification of the site once selected.
City staff considered many locations and, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, three options were presented to
neighborhood representatives to vote on. The neighborhood representatives selected Roe Park on
Washington Avenue as their choice with the idea that the bust should be located on the Washington
Avenue side of the park. City staff agree and also feel Roe Park is a good central location in the city
where the Washington Bust will receive great exposure to the public, satisfying the original intent of the gift
from Colonel John Hicks to emphasize beautification and monumental grandeur in urban planning which
can promote moral and civic pride in urban populations.
The Great Neighborhoods Program funds that were set aside for this project will be used to help pay for
any landscaping, concrete, and any other design site features needed, to make sure the area around
the bust will be attractive public asset for years to come.
If the Board agrees with the Roe Park site, a recommendation to the Plan Commission and Common
Council is needed.
TO:TO:Advisory Parks Board
FROM:FROM:Ray Maurer, Parks Director
DATE:DATE:June 09, 2025
SUBJECT:SUBJECT:Discuss and recommend Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 2026-2030
BACKGROUNDBACKGROUND
The Board will discuss and recommend a priority list of CIP park projects for the years 2026-2030. Parks
Department staff has provided a list of park projects, included in your packet, for each year that they
are recommending. Discussion will focus on the years of 2026 and 2027 with a general discussion of
projects in 2026-2029. Departments were requested to submit 10-year CIP plans to the City Manager and
Finance Department. However, with the large number of park projects that ultimately don't get funded
due to limited funds and other city priorities, staff recommends focusing on the next 5 years at this time.
The Board is being asked to recommend the prioritized CIP to the Common Council.
AttachmentsAttachments
2026-2030 CIP Prioritized by Staff
Dept:Parks Department
TOTAL CAPITAL OUTLAY AMOUNT REQUESTED:1,650,000$
Item New/ Unit Total
No. Item Requested Replace Quantity Cost Cost *
1 Replace Ball Field Lights on Reetz North Field Replace 1 $350,000 $350,000
2 South Park Splash Pad Replacement Replace 1 $550,000 $550,000
3 Abbey Park Play Equipment Replacement (2006) Replace 1 $275,000 $275,000
4 West Algoma Park Play Equipment Replacement (2006) Replace 1 $275,000 $275,000
5 Menominee Park Zoo Improvements Replace 1 $100,000 $100,000
6 Quarry Park Development New 1 $50,000 $50,000
7 Park Trails Improvements Replace 1 $50,000 $50,000
$1,650,000
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT REQUEST SUMMARY
2026 - Prioritized by Parks Department Staff
Dept:Parks Department
TOTAL CAPITAL OUTLAY AMOUNT REQUESTED:3,030,000$
Item New/ Unit Total
No. Item Requested Replace Quantity Cost Cost *
1 Rainbow Park Restroom Renovation Replace 1 $130,000 $130,000
2 Replace Reetz Ball Field Lights on South field Replace 1 $350,000 $350,000
3 Rusch Park Boardwalk Replacement Replace 1 $450,000 $450,000
4 Abe Rochlin Play Equipment Replacement (2006) Replace 1 $275,000 $275,000
5 Bauman Park Play Equipment Rubber Surfacing Replace 1 $100,000 $100,000
6 Mary Jewell Park Ballfield Reconstruction Replace 1 $350,000 $350,000
7 Teichmiller Park Play Equipment Rubber Surfacing Replace 1 $150,000 $150,000
8 Park Site "A" Development (Ripple and Oregon) New 1 $400,000 $400,000
9 Red Arrow Skate Park Renovations Replace 1 $100,000 $100,000
10 Rusch Park Bridge to Casey's Meadows New 1 $400,000 $400,000
11 Pickart Park Tennis and Basketball Courts New 1 $300,000 $300,000
12 Riverside Cemetery Roads Repaving Replace 1 $25,000 $25,000
$3,030,000
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT REQUEST SUMMARY
2027 - Prioritized by Parks Department Staff
Dept:Parks Department
TOTAL CAPITAL OUTLAY AMOUNT REQUESTED:2,550,000$
Item New/ Unit Total
No. Item Requested Replace Quantity Cost Cost *
1 Reetz Ball Fields Fencing and Scoreboards Replace 1 $500,000 $500,000
2 Menominee Park Zoo Improvements Replace 1 $100,000 $100,000
3 Quarry Park Development New 1 $50,000 $50,000
4 Lakeshore Park Development New 1 $300,000 $300,000
5 Stoegbauer Park Restroom/Shelter Construction New 1 $500,000 $500,000
6 Menominee Park Tennis/Pickleball Court Lights Replace 1 $200,000 $200,000
7 Repairs to Menominee Park and Fugleberg Boat Launches Replace 1 $150,000 $150,000
8 Westhaven Circle Park Splash Pad and Design New 1 $700,000 $700,000
9 Park Trails Improvements Replace 1 $50,000 $50,000
$2,550,000
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT REQUEST SUMMARY
2028 - Prioritized by Parks Department Staff
Dept:Parks Department
TOTAL CAPITAL OUTLAY AMOUNT REQUESTED:6,835,000$
Item New/ Unit Total
No. Item Requested Replace Quantity Cost Cost *
1 Reetz Ball Fields Renovation Replace 1 $600,000 $600,000
2 Fugleberg and Teichmiller Basketball Courts Resurface Replace 1 $200,000 $200,000
3 Miller's Bay Dredging New 1 $5,000,000 $5,000,000
4 44th Parallel Park Open Air Shelter Replace 1 $60,000 $60,000
5 Park Trails Improvements Replace 1 $50,000 $50,000
6 Menominee Park Lighting Replacement Replace 1 $100,000 $100,000
7 Riverside Cemetery Roads Repaving Replace 1 $25,000 $25,000
8 Lakeshore Park Development New 1 $300,000 $300,000
9 Design New Menominee Park Beach House Replace 1 $500,000 $500,000
$6,835,000
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT REQUEST SUMMARY
2029 - Prioritized by Parks Department Staff
Dept:Parks Department
TOTAL CAPITAL OUTLAY AMOUNT REQUESTED:8,100,000$
Item New/ Unit Total
No. Item Requested Replace Quantity Cost Cost *
1 Red Arrow Park Play Equipment Replacement (2006) Replace 1 $275,000 $275,000
2 Pickart Park Paths and Lighting New 1 $300,000 $300,000
3 Red Arrow Park Lighting Replacement Replace 1 $75,000 $75,000
4 Park Trails Improvements Replace 1 $50,000 $50,000
5 Menominee Park Zoo Improvements Replace 1 $100,000 $100,000
6 Lakeshore Park Development New 1 $300,000 $300,000
7 Construct New Menominee Park Beach House Replace 1 $5,000,000 $5,000,000
8 Fugleberg Boat Launch Add Launch and New Breakwall New 1 $2,000,000 $2,000,000
$8,100,000
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT REQUEST SUMMARY
2030 - Prioritized by Parks Department Staff