HomeMy WebLinkAboutHealthy CommunityStrong, Safe and Healthy Community
Food, water, shelter; the basic physiological components necessary for life. Security, health and well-
being; the basic safety needs of humans. Friendship, family and community; the basic social needs.
Environmental, social and economic; the basics of sustainability. The City of Oshkosh; a community
that strives, both collectively and individually, to meet basic needs in a sustainable fashion.
The City of Oshkosh has strong police, fire and ambulance, health and social services departments to
provide public safety and support for its citizens. The city has many medical, rehabilitation, and assist-
ed living /retirement centers, including Aurora Health Center and Mercy Medical Center, providing
access to health care. From Little Oshkosh and Pollack Pool to the Oshkosh Seniors Center, there are
many opportunities for recreation and socialization for all ages. Oshkosh is home to many parks located
throughout the city, with Menominee Park on Lake Winnebago being the largest. Over 60 religious
facilities are located in Oshkosh. Cultural and social venues are myriad, including Leach Amphitheater,
the Oshkosh Public Library, the Oshkosh Public Museum, the Grand Opera House, the Paine Art Center
and Arboretum, and the EAA Museum. Oshkosh, Wisconsin's Event City, is home to a monthly down-
town Gallery Walk, Riverfest, Irish Fest, Oshkosh Oktoberfest, Sawdust Days, and the Celebration of
Lights. Home to not only the Oshkosh Area School District but also Fox Valley Technical College and
the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh plus several parochial schools, Oshkosh provides educational
support at many levels. The Chamber of Commerce, Chamco, and the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors
Bureau support both the social and economic bases of the city. All these entities, and many more, make
Oshkosh a strong community in which to live.
Objective: To promote healthy living, civic engagement, cultural and ethnic diversity; continue to
provide safety and social services to all, and to protect citizens from disease.
Existing Programs. Continue police and fire departments to provide public safety. Continue to support
human services programs such as the Oshkosh Housing Authority, and social /economic services such as
those provided by the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation. Continue to support literacy and the arts,
such as through the Public Library, the Public Museum, and Gallery Walk. Explore options for more
partnerships between, and with, different community entities.
Health and Urban Land Use. Consider the direct and indirect impacts on human health for existing
situations and new developments. Encourage infill of existing areas before creating additional residen-
tial /commercial zones. Encourage the location, size, layout, and density of new housing to promote sus-
tainable lifestyles by mixing residential and retail areas with safe walkingibiking paths, providing
access to bus routes, and requiring adequate landscaping. Discourage polarization of communities by
encouraging a variety of socio- economic backgrounds, thereby creating renewal rather than decay.
Healthy Living. Continue to support the health and welfare of our citizens through programs such as
the Committee on Aging, the Seniors Center, the Boys and Girls Club, healthcare screenings, and free
clinics.
Active Lifestyles. Continue to support the many opportunities Oshkosh and the surrounding area pro-
vides for an active lifestyle. Continue to maintain soccer and baseball fields, tennis courts, and play-
grounds in our parks. Continue to support the Pollock Community Water Park. Expand Riverwalk and
bike trails. Create a policy requiring all new street construction be considered to include bike paths.
Acquire additional acreage to create parklands in areas currently deficient in green space.
Social Justice. Continue to support the many agencies and programs that provide benefits to our citi-
zens, such as WINR, Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity - Oshkosh, and the food pantries.
Encourage use of local thrift stores as a way to support sustainable living, both economically and
through the principle of reduce, reuse, recycle. Encourage support of the Oshkosh Humane Society.
Educate citizens on the personal benefits of giving one's time through the many volunteer opportunities
in our community.