HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2PLAN COMMISSION STAFF REPORT OCTOBER 21, 2025
ITEM 2: Quarry Park Master Plan
The Parks Department is requesting recommendation of the Quarry Park Master Plan which
has been prepared by Rettler Corporation in cooperation with city staff, the Advisory Parks
Board, and the Quarry Park Neighborhood Association.
Quarry Park is an 8.02-acre parcel located at 925 Florida Avenue. The property is the site of a
former quarry and landfill dating back to the 19th century. Due to the history of the site and
limitations per the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the public was
informed that limited excavation or below ground disturbance could occur.
Rettler Corporation gathered public input during two sessions in 2025. After the first meeting
on May 19, 2025, it was determined that gravel trails, natural planting areas, stone
outcroppings, additional trees, new park identification sign, open play green space, benches
and possibly a music garden area should be included in the plan. Two conceptual site plans
were produced from the input provided at that public meeting. Those two options were
presented at the second public meeting on July 28, 2025. The public input from that meeting
resulted in a preferred concept plan along with cost estimates.
The Advisory Parks Board recommended approval of the Plan at its September 8, 2025 meeting.
Planning staff has reviewed the proposed Plan and supports its alignment with Oshkosh's
Comprehensive Plan.
The Quarry Park Master Plan was developed to provide clarity for future use of the park and to
assist in implementing the ideas outlined within the Plan. Prior to any site development, the
city is required to submit plans to the DNR for review and approval.
The Plan is divided into seven sections with an appendix section.
Master Plan Appendix
1. Introduction A. Detailed Cost Estimate
2. Site Analysis
3. Needs Assessment
4. Master Plan Development
5. Cost Overview
6. Conclusion
7. References
The Quarry Park Master Plan is consistent with the goals listed in the recently adopted
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP) calling for developing long-range master
plans for parks within the system.
Recommendation: Staff recommends Plan Commission approve the Quarry Park Master Plan
based on a finding that it is not in conflict with the Comprehensive Plan or zoning of the
property.
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FLORIDA AV
FABRY
ST
RUGBY ST
SANDERS ST
SANDERS
ST
BERGER ST
ERIE AV
SANDERS ST
FAIRLAWN ST
W 17TH AV
W 18TH AV
W S O U T H PA R K A V
KNAPP ST
Quarry Park
J:\GIS\Planning\Plan Commission Site Plan Map Template\2023 Plan Commission Site Plan Map Template.mxd User: katrinam
Prepared by: City of Oshkosh, WI
Printing Date: 9/30/2025
1 in = 260 ft1 in = 0.05 mi¯Notice MapQuarry Park
City of Oshkosh maps and data are intended to be used for general identification purposes only, and the City of Oshkoshassumes no liability for the accuracy of the information. Those using the information are responsible for verifying accuracy. Forfull disclaimer please go to www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/GISdisclaimer
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FLORIDA AV
W 17TH AV
RUGBY ST
ERIE AV
SANDERS ST
W S O U T H
P A R K A V
W S O U T H
P A R K A V
KNAPP
ST
KNAPP ST
FLORIDA AV
W 17TH AV
RUGBY ST
ERIE AV SANDERS ST
SANDERS ST
SANDERS ST
W S O UTH PA R K A V
KNAPP ST
HI
I
MR-12
SR-5
SR-5
SR-9
J:\GIS\Planning\Plan Commission Site Plan Map Template\2023 Plan Commission Site Plan Map Template.mxd User: katrinam
Prepared by: City of Oshkosh, WI
Printing Date: 10/1/2025
1 in = 200 ft1 in = 0.04 mi¯Zoning & Aerial MapQuarry Park
City of Oshkosh maps and data are intended to be used for general identification purposes only, and the City of Oshkoshassumes no liability for the accuracy of the information. Those using the information are responsible for verifying accuracy. Forfull disclaimer please go to www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/GISdisclaimer
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Quarry Park Master Plan
DRAFT | October 2025
Project No. 25.016Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Page 4
Prepared for:
City of Oshkosh Parks Department
805 Witzel Avenue
Oshkosh, WI 54902
Prepared by:
Rettler Corporation
3317 Business Park Drive
Stevens Point, WI 54482
October 2025
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City of Oshkosh
Quarry Park Master Plan
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The following persons provided critical input, support, and critique in the development of this document. The City of Oshkosh and Rettler Corporation wish to thank the following people for
their time and assistance in developing this plan. City of Oshkosh City Council: Matt Mugerauer, Mayor Joseph Stephenson, Deputy Mayor Karl Buelow, Council Member Brad Spanbauer, Council Member
Jacob Floam, Council Member Kris Larson, Council Member DJ Nichols, Council Member
City of Oshkosh Advisory Park Board: Tim Franz, Seat 1
Becky Metz, Seat 2 Lester Millette, Seat 3 Amy Davis, Seat 4 Jacob Floam, Council Rep. Devon Hudak, Alternate 1 Steven Herman, Alternate 2 City of Oshkosh Staff: Ray Maurer, Parks Director Chad Dallman, Assistant Parks Director Travis Derks, Landscape Operations Manager/City Forester Jenny McCollian, Revenue Facilities Manager Rettler Corporation:
John Kneer, ASLA, PLA, President Rebecca Ramirez, PLA
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City of Oshkosh
Quarry Park Master Plan
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Master Plan
1.0 Introduction ......................................................................................... 1
2.0 Site Analysis ....................................................................................... 3
3.0 Needs Assessment ............................................................................. 7
4.0 Master Plan Development .................................................................. 8
5.0 Cost Overview .................................................................................. 12
6.0 Conclusion ........................................................................................ 13
7.0 References ....................................................................................... 14
Appendix
A. Detailed Cost Estimate
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City of Oshkosh
Quarry Park Master Plan P a g e | 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Quarry Park consists of property from three adjacent quarries that date back to the 19th century.
William Faber's Oshkosh Stone Company (50 feet deep) was the last quarry to close, operating
until 1954. The City of Oshkosh then purchased or leased most of the land for sanitary landfills
by 1962. By 1968, the three landfills had been filled and plans were made for grading, fencing
and adding park facilities.
In 2010, the city installed a vent system in the former quarry to safely manage methane levels.
In 2025 the city partnered with Rettler Corporation, a Stevens Point based landscape architecture,
engineering, and design firm to create the following Quarry Park Master Plan.
Aerial view captured in 1937, illustrating historical quarry activity.
Photo courtesy of the GeoData@Wisconsin, Aerial Photography, Winnebago County, WI 1937.
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City of Oshkosh
Quarry Park Master Plan P a g e | 2
Project Milestones
April 30, 2024 Quarry Park Listening Session
March 27, 2025 Quarry Park Discussion with DNR
May 1, 2025 Follow Up Meeting (virtual)
May 19, 2025 Neighborhood Input Meeting
July 28, 2025 Neighborhood Input Meeting 2
Sept 8, 2025 Advisory Park Board Presentation
Oct 21, 2025 Plan Commission Presentation
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City of Oshkosh
Quarry Park Master Plan Page | 3
2.0 SITE ANALYSIS Quarry Park is situated between Florida Avenue, Knapp Street, and W 17th Avenue, in the south-
central part of the City of Oshkosh. Parcel #: 91307010000 Size: 8.02 acres Address: 925 Florida Avenue The site is predominately composed of open green space with only a few trees, all of which are located along the perimeter. In consequence of its former usage and history of fill, the site is undulating and rather flat, though sloping gently toward the east.
The western two thirds are roughly four feet above the eastern third, with some brief 3% and 4% slopes between them.
The lowest point is in the northeast corner. The highest point is at the southwest corner.
Access is either by car, with street parking along Florida Avenue and W 17th Avenue, or by foot utilizing the local sidewalks and road crossings. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Surface Water Data Viewer, there are no wetlands on the site, however there is one area of wetland indicator soils hatch in the middle of the eastern edge. A wetland delineation may be required before construction. While the surrounding area is composed of 7314B2 Kewaunee Silt Loam according to USDA
NRCS Web Soil Survey, it’s uncertain what is actually in Quarry Park, given the site’s history of fill.
Please refer to the following maps showing landfill limits, wetland indicator soils extents, and the site analysis.
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07.21.25
07.21.25
WETLANDS & INDICATORS
07.21.25
SITE ANALYSIS
City of Oshkosh
Quarry Park Master Plan Page | 7
3.0 NEEDS ASSESSMENT Several community input meetings were held with the neighborhood residents to
listen to thoughts, concerns, and desires for the space. The first meeting was held on April 30, 2024 with city parks staff, Paul Timm from AECOM, and several neighborhood association members. The parks director introduced the background, goals, and consultant. Then John Kneer with Rettler Corporation took the floor, describing the listening session and general park
master planning process. After a brief presentation, he opened the discussion for comments and questions. Significant
topics included the site history and constraints.
A review meeting was held with the DNR on March 27, 2025 to verify what was permissible and what would not be possible. The second community input meeting was held May 19, 2025, in which various potential amenities were discussed and enough input gained to create two concept plans. The third meeting was conducted on July 28, 2025 in which both concepts were presented and further input solicited. At this meeting, the group was unanimous in their decision that Concept 2, with some modifications, should become the base for the master plan. The Oshkosh Parks Department staff suggested some revisions as well.
After making these changes, a cost estimate was developed for the preferred concept, and both were presented to the Advisory Park Board on September 8, 2025.
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City of Oshkosh
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4.0 MASTER PLAN DEVELOPMENT
CONCEPT 1
In this concept, 6-ft wide gravel trails form two large loops within the park. Entry trail connections,
decorated with stone outcroppings and native plantings, connect each corner of the park to the
loop. A central viewing area is positioned at the top of the 3-4% slope transition. Near the center
of the site, an east-west 300’x150’ mowed multiuse grass area is preserved for impromptu
neighborhood games. Large parts of the site will be dedicated to naturalized prairie areas with
educational signage. Site amenities include boulder seating and picnic tables. Existing trees are
preserved and approximately nine additional trees will be added in areas well outside the landfill
limits. A park identification sign will be placed near the northwest corner.
CONCEPT 2
In this concept, the 6-ft wide gravel trails intersect the park, connecting the corners and providing
paths through the park. Access points with landscaped stone outcroppings remain at each corner
of the park. The trails meet at the center of the site in a small loop decorated with more
outcroppings and seating. A viewing area is positioned at the top of the 3-4% slope transition.
The 300’x150’ multiuse grass field area has been rotated to run north-south and is located in
north-central part of the site. Naturalized prairie areas with educational signage are positioned to
accommodate the paths and playing field. Site amenities include boulder seating and picnic
tables. Existing trees are preserved and approximately twelve additional trees will be added in
areas well outside the landfill limits. A park identification sign will be placed near the northwest
corner.
MASTER PLAN
Concept 2 was preferred by a substantial margin. An intersecting trail through the park was
selected in place of looped trails to better reflect community preferences and site accessibility
goals.
Changes from Concept 2 included altering the prairie areas somewhat, revising some path
connections, and the addition of musical play equipment to the center of the park, creating
something unique for children to interact with and encourage creative play.
Construction may be phased, as funds allow.
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STONE OUTCROPPINGS WITH PLANTINGS
BOULDER SEATING
07.21.25
STONE OUTCROPPINGS WITH PLANTINGS
BOULDER SEATING
07.21.25
STONE OUTCROPPINGS WITH PLANTINGS
BOULDER SEATING
BURKE PlayEnsemble NU-3128
BURKE Nucleus NU-3281
08.25.25
City of Oshkosh
Quarry Park Master Plan P a g e | 12
5.0 COST OVERVIEW
The following site development cost ranges have been derived from 2024 actual project
construction costs. Redevelopment may be phased; therefore, the total cost should be evaluated
by both individual elements and their phasing potential.
Earthwork and Demolition $97,900.00
Utilities $15,000.00
Native Seeding Area $45,800.00
Walking Trails $58,400.00
Musical Play Equipment $32,100.00
Miscellaneous Amenities (Seating, Signage,
Stone Outcroppings, etc.)
$175,000.00
Construction Items Total $424,200.00
Contingency (at 10%) $42,500.00
Construction Estimate Subtotal $466,700.00
Geotechnical Borings $15,000.00
Project Soft Costs $39,670.00
Summary - Project Total $521,370.00
(See Appendix A for detailed cost estimate line items)
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City of Oshkosh
Quarry Park Master Plan P a g e | 13
6.0 CONCLUSION
Quarry Park is an important resource to the surrounding community, as well as a memorial to
Oshkosh’s limestone quarrying legacy. Not far away is the Robert Lutz house, designed by
architect William Waters using stone from the nearby Lutz-owned quarry.
The goal of the Quarry Park Master Plan is to transform the current open green space into a more
functional park while addressing environmental concerns. Although Quarry Park’s status as a
former landfill precludes many of the usual park amenities, with careful planning and a creative
approach, the space can be transformed into a peaceful and scenic environment with abundant
trails for recreation.
The naturalized prairie areas offer a range of ecological and educational benefits. These areas
will require minimal maintenance while supporting biodiversity, providing habitat for pollinators,
birds, and other wildlife. At the heart of the park, a musical garden designed for children serves
as an engaging and interactive centerpiece.
We believe that redeveloping Quarry Park, following the input and concepts included in this
document, will result in Quarry Park’s return to a focal point in the neighborhood and its continued
position as an integral part of the City of Oshkosh Park System.
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City of Oshkosh
Quarry Park Master Plan P a g e | 14
7.0 REFERENCES
▪ City of Oshkosh. Information about parks, boards and committees, and GIS information.
Retrieved from URL:
o https://www.oshkoshwi.gov/
▪ Oshkosh Parks Department. Ray Maurer, Parks Director, and other department staff and
members, provided important information regarding the current needs and
recommendations for the City of Oshkosh.
▪ USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey.
o https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx
▪ Winnebago County Wisconsin. Mapping and GIS information. Retrieved from URL:
o https://www.winnebagocountywi.gov/405/GIS-Department
o https://www.winnebagocountywi.gov/407/Data-Download
▪ Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Surface Water Data Viewer. Retrieved
from URL:
o https://dnrmaps.wi.gov/H5/?Viewer=SWDV
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City of Oshkosh
Quarry Park Master Plan
APPENDIX
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City of Oshkosh
Quarry Park Master Plan
Appendix A
Detailed Cost Estimate
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PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE
City of Oshkosh
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Quarry Park Redevelopment
Rettler Project No.: 25.016
Item Estimated Category
No.Item Description Units Quantity Unit Price Extension Sub Total
$97,900.00
1. Mobilization L.S. 1 $38,500.00 $38,500.00
2.General Demolition L.S. 1 $5,000.00 $5,000.00
3. Strip and Remove Topsoil, 6-inch depth S.Y. 2,880 $8.00 $23,040.00
4. Strip Topsoil, 6-inch depth S.Y. 1,220 $3.00 $3,660.00
5. Place Screened Topsoil, 6-inch depth S.Y. 1,220 $3.00 $3,660.00
6.
Seed/Fertilize/Mulch Common Green Space (disturbed area
along trails and outcroppings)S.F. 25,000 $0.50 $12,500.00
7. Erosion Control L.S. 1 $10,000.00 $10,000.00
8.Tracking Pad EACH 1 $1,500.00 $1,500.00
$15,000.00
9.Stormwater Management Allowance L.S. 1 $15,000.00 $15,000.00
$45,800.00
10.Native Seeding Area (Seed/Fertilize/Mulch)S.F. 91,600 $0.50 $45,800.00
WALKING TRAILS $58,400.00
11.Crushed Limestone @ 2" depth S.Y. 2,880 $8.00 $23,040.00
12.Base Aggregate Dense, 1-1/4-Inch, 6" depth S.Y. 2,880 $10.00 $28,800.00
13.Geotextile Fabric S.Y. 2,880 $2.25 $6,480.00
MUSICAL PLAY EQUIPMENT $32,100.00
14. Musical Playground Equipment PIECE 5 $6,000.00 $30,000.00
15.Concrete, 5-inch depth (equipment area)S.F. 255 $7.00 $1,785.00
16.Dense Graded Base, 6-inch depth (equipment area)S.Y. 31 $7.00 $218.17
MISCELLANEOUS AMENITIES $175,000.00
17.Site Furniture Allowance L.S. 1 $15,000.00 $15,000.00
18.Site Outcropping Allowance L.S. 1 $125,000.00 $125,000.00
19.Educational Signage Allowance L.S. 1 $10,000.00 $10,000.00
20.Park Identification Sign L.S. 1 $15,000.00 $15,000.00
21.Site Landscaping Allowance (trees and plantings)L.S. 1 $10,000.00 $10,000.00
SUMMARY
CONSTRUCTION ITEMS TOTAL:$424,200.00
CONTINGENCY at 10%:$42,500.00
CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATE SUBTOTAL:$466,700.00
SURVEY & GEOTECHNICAL BORINGS $15,000.00
DNR PERMITTING & APPROVALS TBD
PROJECT SOFT COSTS $39,670.00
SUMMARY - PROJECT TOTAL $521,370.00
Notes:
Topographic Survey not completed at time of study. Existing base map may impact cost estimate.
Geotechnical study not completed at time of study. Soil conditions may impact cost estimate.
UTILITIES
September 2, 2025
EARTHWORK / DEMOLITION
NATIVE SEEDING AREA
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