HomeMy WebLinkAboutComprehensiveOutdoorRecreationPlanComprehensive OutdoorR e c r e a t i o n P l a n2024 - 2028
September 2024
Project No. 23.049
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
CITY OF OSHKOSH
COMPREHENSIVE OUTDOOR
RECREATION PLAN
Prepared by the City of Oshkosh and
Rettler Corporation
Adopted September 24, 2024
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The City of Oshkosh Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan update is a result of the
combined efforts of many persons and groups. Thank you to the following:
Plan Commission
Joshua Belville, Seat 1
Margy Davey, Seat 2
Karl Loewenstein, Seat 3
Edward Bowen, Seat 4
Meredith Scheuermann, Seat 5
John Kiefer, Seat 6
Thomas Perry, Seat 7
Kathleen Propp, Seat 8
DJ Nichols, Council Rep.
City Council
Matt Mugerauer, Mayor
Karl Buelow, Deputy Mayor
Paul Esslinger, Council Member
Jacob Floam, Council Member
Kris Larson, Council Member
DJ Nichols, Council Member
Joseph Stephenson, Council Member
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
Steve Herman, Alternate 2
Parks Department
Ray Maurer, Parks Director
Chad Dallman, Assistant Parks Director
Travis Derks, Landscape Operations Manager/City Forester
Jenny McCollian, Revenue Facilities Manager
Ericka Maertz, Administrative Assistant
Anne Shaefer, Marketing and Fund Development Coordinator
Kathy Snell, Special Events Coordinator
Consultant
John Kneer, PLA, ASLA
Rebecca Ramirez, PLA, ASLA
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section I: Introduction
1.1 Plan and Purpose ...................................................................... 2
1.2 Mission Statement ..................................................................... 3
1.3 Past Planning and Accomplishments ........................................ 3
1.4 Goals and Objectives ................................................................ 5
1.5 Planning Process ..................................................................... 10
Section II: Community Description
2.1 History and Regional Context .................................................. 13
2.2 Demographics ......................................................................... 15
2.3 Physical and Environmental Resources .................................. 20
2.4 Current Land Use .................................................................... 23
Section III: Parkland Inventory
3.1 City Parks ................................................................................ 25
3.2 Public School-Owned Recreation Facilities ............................. 67
3.3 Additional Area Recreation Resources .................................... 69
3.4 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities and Trails ............................. 71
Section IV: Parkland Analysis
4.1 Acreage Standards Comparison .............................................. 77
4.2 Service Area Evaluation .......................................................... 78
4.3 Suggested Recreation Standards Comparison ........................ 79
4.4 Community Input Summary ..................................................... 80
4.5 Regional and State Trends ...................................................... 81
4.6 Future Park Lands ................................................................... 82
Section V: Needs Assessment
5.1 Online Community Survey ...................................................... 87
5.2 Additional Feedback ................................................................ 96
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
Section VI: Recommendations
6.1 General Recommendations ..................................................... 97
6.2 Park-Specific Recommendations ........................................... 105
6.3 Proposed Park Types ............................................................ 143
6.4 Maintenance Plan .................................................................. 147
Section VII: Implementation Strategies
7.1 Capital Improvements ............................................................ 153
7.2 Funding.................................................................................. 161
Section VIII: References
8.1 Annotated Bibliography ......................................................... 165
8.2 Park Site Maps ...................................................................... 167
Appendix
A. Community Input
B. Park and Open Space Classifications
C. NRPA Facility Development Standards
INTRODUCTION
SECTION 1
Section I: Introduction
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Local parks offer public space and amenities, free of charge, for people of all ages, incomes,
races, ethnicities, and abilities. Parks were especially important during the challenging days of
the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and they continue to play an important role in community
health, recreation, and fellowship.
People are aware of and taking advantage of these opportunities. According to the National
Recreation and Park Association’s 2023 Engagement with Parks Report:
▪ More than 280 million people in the United States visited a local park or recreation facility
at least once during the last year.
▪ Nine in ten people agree that parks and recreation is an important service provided by
their local government.
▪ 84% percent of U.S. adults seek high-quality parks and recreation when choosing a place
to live.
▪ 88% of U.S. adults agree it is vital for their local park and recreation agencies to engage
with every member of their communities to ensure that offerings meet their needs.
According to the 2019-2023 Wisconsin Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan,
Wisconsin’s urban population has more than tripled in the last 100 years. With over 95% of
Wisconsinites enjoying some sort of outdoor recreation, parks and open space can now be viewed
as essential to the public good in much the same way as roads, sewers, and other public
infrastructure.
PARKLAND BENEFITS
COMMUNITY IMAGE ▪ Parks, green space, and landscaping play a key role in the
image of a community.
ECONOMIC
PROSPERITY
▪ Communities with excellent parks and recreational facilities are
in a better position to retain and attract new residents.
▪ Property values generally increase the closer residential lots are
to a park facility.
▪ If a park system is designed with regional amenities or
connected to a regional destination, the additional tourism can
benefit local businesses.
COMMUNITY HEALTH ▪ Parks provide places for neighborhood residents to interact and
create social bonds.
▪ Parks encourage physical activity, especially for those who are
not able to afford expensive gym memberships.
HISTORICAL
CONNECTION
▪ Parks named after prominent individuals or historical events can
be a good way to connect and educate the next generation in
local history.
INFRASTRUCTURE
SUPPORT
▪ Vegetated surfaces absorb and filter runoff stormwater.
▪ Trees and shrubs increase air quality and reduce the “urban
heat island” effect created by hard surfaces in the summer.
ECOLOGICAL HEALTH
AND EDUCATION
▪ Parks and green spaces are often connected to, or include,
ecologically sensitive areas such as wetlands and can provide
habitat for plants and animals.
Section I: Introduction
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 2
1.1 Plan and Purpose
The City of Oshkosh recognizes the impact that parks, trails, and open spaces have on the
community’s character and quality of life and is committed to meeting the recreational needs of
current and future residents.
Good planning is critical in ensuring the outdoor recreation facilities and services are located,
developed, and maintained in a logical, efficient, and cost-effective manner. A Comprehensive
Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP) is a formal document designed to support and assist
communities in this planning effort. A Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan provides:
• An inventory of existing park and recreational facilities.
• A list of city goals and objectives as well as past accomplishments.
• A review of physical and environmental resources and constraints of the planning area as
well as demographic trends.
• An analysis of parkland and recreational needs based on several metrics, including the
guidelines set by National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), with a strong
emphasis on community input.
• General recommendations based on the above data regarding park and open space
facility planning and maintenance.
• Park-specific recommendations, including locations, sketches, and general, high level
estimated costs for various park and recreational features*
• A list of implementation strategies, including funding programs, both existing and potential.
* Please note that the CORP represents plans and guidelines. In nearly every case, more detailed
planning, engineering, studies, budgeting, and discussions will be necessary before decisions are
made to acquire land or construct recreational facilities.
This 2024-2028 update to the City of Oshkosh Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP)
is a cooperative effort based on previous CORPs, other adopted city plans, and input from city
staff, municipal groups, and citizens. This plan is intended to guide the city in continuing to meet
the open space and recreation needs of its citizens over the next five years. Approval of this plan
will maintain city eligibility to apply for and receive federal and state grants.
Section I: Introduction
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 3
1.2 Mission Statement
“The City of Oshkosh seeks to provide a park and recreation system that will meet the needs of
our current residents and future generations, preserve and protect the city’s open space, water,
historical and natural resources, and provide a park and recreation program that is designed to
enhance the city’s quality of life.”
1.3 Past Planning and Accomplishments
1993 City Comprehensive Plan adopted
2005 City of Oshkosh 2005 Comprehensive Plan Update adopted
2011 2011 Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan adopted
2012 Menominee Park Master Plan adopted
2013 Rainbow Memorial Park Master Plan adopted
2014 South Park Master Plan adopted
2014 Menominee Park Zoo Master Plan adopted
2018 2018 Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan adopted
2018 2018 City of Oshkosh Comprehensive Plan Update 2040 adopted
2018 Rusch Park Master Plan adopted
2019 City of Oshkosh Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan adopted
2019 Lakeshore Park Master Plan adopted
The City of Oshkosh has been creating and updating Comprehensive Plans since the 1960s for
its park and trail systems. This commitment to the planning and growth of outdoor recreation
resources has played a significant part in the development of the city’s current park system.
The following are some of the park and recreation related updates, features, and tasks
accomplished between 2018-2023.
▪ Electronic pay stations at all city boat launches
▪ Updated gazebo at William A. Steiger Park
▪ Shared parking renovated at William A. Steiger Park
▪ Poured-in-place surfacing and new playground equipment at Westhaven Circle Park
▪ Renovated ball diamond at Westhaven Circle Park
▪ Tennis court renovations with pickleball courts added at Westhaven Circle Park
▪ Restroom building updates at Westhaven Circle Park
▪ New roof on open air shelter at Abbey Park
▪ Renovated restrooms at Red Arrow Park
▪ Poured-in-place surfacing and new playground equipment at Stoegbauer Park
▪ Ballfield fence and backstop improvements at Stoegbauer Park
▪ New benches at Garden Club Park
▪ Bleachers, fencing, and field improvements at William G. Spanbauer Field
▪ Tennis and pickleball improvements at South Park
Section I: Introduction
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 4
▪ Inclusive playground installation at South Park
▪ Basketball court resurface and repainted at South Park
▪ Benches added at South Park
▪ New roof on shelter #1 at South Park
▪ Renovated restrooms at Fugleberg Boat Launch
▪ New composite decking pier installed at Fugleberg Boat Launch
▪ Poured-in-place surfacing and new playground equipment installed at Fugleberg Park
▪ Renovated restrooms at 24th Avenue Boat Launch
▪ Parking lot renovations at 24th Avenue Boat Launch
▪ Walkway with benches to peninsula at 24th Avenue Boat Launch
▪ Composite decking installed at 24th Avenue Boat Launch
▪ Gazebo constructed at Riverside Park
▪ Composite decking installed at Bowen Street Fishing Dock
▪ Poured-in-place surfacing and new playground equipment installed at Roe Park
Section I: Introduction
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 5
1.4 Goals and Objectives
The following goals, developed by city staff and the Advisory Park Board, are meant to form the
basis from which more specific objectives, departmental policies, budgets, and actions are
derived.
OSHKOSH GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
CATEGORY GOAL OBJECTIVE
Land
Acquisition
Maintain an adequate
amount of active and
passive recreation lands
to meet current and
future recreational needs.
▪ Acquire additional lands for passive park use
based on current demand, projected demand, and
environmental significance as recommended by
the Action Plan of the Oshkosh Comprehensive
Outdoor Recreation Plan.
▪ Acquire appropriate, developable land for active
recreation facilities in areas targeted for future park
development.
Park
Facilities
Provide adequate
facilities at all parks
within the city’s park
system as dictated by
park use and type (i.e.,
neighborhood vs.
community park
facilities).
▪ Develop and approve a site-specific master plan
as soon as parkland is designated or acquired.
▪ Begin to develop park facilities when the proposed
park’s residential area begins to be developed.
▪ Develop park facilities in concert with the growth of
the population located near the park.
Shared
Services
Coordinate development
efforts and the use and
maintenance of
recreational facilities
among the City of
Oshkosh, the Oshkosh
Area School District, UW-
Oshkosh, Winnebago
County, surrounding
communities, and public
and private recreation
associations.
▪ Coordinate city/school/county/association
development projects to improve and expand
recreation opportunities and economic benefits
throughout the community in a cost-effective
manner.
▪ Develop formal use/revenue/maintenance
agreements among the city, the school district, and
public and private recreation associations to help
operate and maintain public recreation facilities in
the city.
Section I: Introduction
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 6
Park
Development
Promote the benefits of
larger neighborhood and
community parks which
provide a wide range of
facilities.
▪ Analyze the location, size, and function of
existing and proposed parks if land
developments, annexations, or zoning changes
occur.
▪ Determine the location of future park sites to best
serve community-wide needs.
▪ Identify residential districts that are deficient in
neighborhood parks and consider acquiring land
for parks in these areas. In central-city areas,
consider in fill lots for privately owned and
maintained parks to address deficiencies.
▪ Identify and incorporate historical entities into the
development of city parks.
▪ Incorporate signage identifying the historic
significance of certain parks and areas.
Preservation Preserve
environmentally-
sensitive and historically
significant areas.
▪ Conservancy lands, which can be adequately
and appropriately protected without public
expenditure, should be preserved. Public funds
should be used to acquire conservancy lands
that cannot be protected through other means, or
where public access is a high priority.
▪ Incorporate and promote natural features such
as floodplains, wetlands, and woodlands as
passive recreation areas.
▪ Preserve and/or appropriately develop
environmental corridors.
▪ Identify and incorporate historical entities into the
development of city parks.
▪ Incorporate signage identifying the historic
significance of certain parks and areas.
Amenities Provide residents with
safe and reliable
recreation equipment
throughout the city park
system.
▪ Replace unsafe, old and deteriorating equipment
at all city parks.
▪ Continually monitor and maintain existing park
equipment to ensure its longevity and safety.
▪ Identify and address park facilities that do not
comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) Guidelines and those listed in the
Accessibility Audit of Oshkosh Public Buildings
and Facilities
▪ Identify and replace all playground equipment
that does not meet Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) or American Society for
Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards. Install
poured in place rubber surfacing.
Section I: Introduction
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 7
Funding Use all available sources
of funds and volunteer
efforts to further enhance
the quality of the city’s
park system.
▪ Pursue funding from state and federal programs
which can assist in the acquisition and
development of desired park system
improvements.
▪ Solicit donations from other public and private
organizations to aid in park system development.
▪ Create volunteer recognition programs to
acknowledge groups or community members for
their service.
▪ Utilize community volunteer resources to assist in
park beautification and maintenance projects
▪ Update the Oshkosh Comprehensive Outdoor
Recreation Plan every five years to maintain grant
eligibility.
▪ Develop and maintain revenue-generating facilities
which can aid in the development of new facilities
and/or the maintenance of existing facilities.
▪ Consider implementing a Parks, Playgrounds, and
Land for Athletic Fields Impact Fee to help develop
park facilities to meet future needs.
▪ Review the Parkland Dedication section of the
Municipal Code and update, if necessary, every
five years.
▪ Coordinate with neighborhood associations and
the Planning Division on park improvements to be
funded through the Healthy Neighborhoods
Initiative (HNI) or Community Development Block
Grants (CDBG).
Subdivision
Review
Coordinate subdivision
review with all
departments and boards
to ensure adequate park
facilities are provided.
▪ Consult the Oshkosh Comprehensive Outdoor
Recreation Plan and incorporate the needs
identified before subdivision plats are approved.
▪ Continually evaluate and update the Subdivisions
section of the Municipal Code so that it adequately
addresses the park and recreational needs of city
residents.
▪ Use extraterritorial plat review powers to ensure
that residential developments outside the city limits
are contributing proportionally toward providing
adequate neighborhood park facilities in
developing areas.
▪ Coordinate with surrounding townships to ensure
adequate park facilities are being developed in
those townships.
Section I: Introduction
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 8
Forestry Maintain the city-wide
urban forestry program.
▪ Review and revise the urban forestry ordinance
and management plan every five years to make
the city eligible for state and federal urban forestry
grant-in-aid programs.
▪ Establish a tree planting and maintenance
program for public lands in the city.
▪ Continue to apply for and receive “Tree City USA”
status for the city.
▪ Continue the Emerald Ash Borer mitigation and
tree replacement programs.
▪ Continue implementation of the Taking Root II
program as funding permits.
▪ Develop roundabout and median landscape plans
to reduce maintenance needs.
▪ Work with the neighborhood associations to
provide citizens with information on tree planting
and care.
Budgeting Adopt adequate park
budgets that can
financially address
existing park needs and
allow for future park land
acquisition and future
park facility development.
▪ Use the capital improvements program from the
Oshkosh Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
as a guide to establish yearly park budgets and
Capital Improvement Program.
▪ Use funds to develop facilities that will maximize
existing park and recreation areas and increase
park use.
▪ Update restroom facilities to meet American with
Disabilities Act (ADA) Guidelines and to improve
energy efficiencies.
▪ Maintain and renovate parking facilities as
recommended in the City of Oshkosh Parking Lot
Study.
▪ Develop an appropriate and equitable user fee
system to help offset maintenance and operations
costs.
▪ The priority of funding shall be to maintain existing
facilities.
Trails Provide residents with
multi-purpose trail
systems that utilize
environmental corridors
and provide linkages
between parks and other
appropriate features
within and outside of the
city.
▪ Refer to the City of Oshkosh Pedestrian and
Bicycle Circulation Plan for trail development and
linkages.
▪ Continue to implement the Fox River Corridor
Riverwalk Plan.
▪ Secure additional lands along environmental
corridors to ensure public control.
▪ Develop trail systems that have multiple uses and
are barrier-free.
▪ Connect local trails to regional trail systems and
adjoining township trail systems.
▪ Provide adequate directional signage on trails.
Section I: Introduction
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 9
Grounds
Maintenance
Maintain parks to provide
quality recreation for
residents and reduce the
likelihood of hazards.
▪ Use the Oshkosh Comprehensive Outdoor
Recreation Plan’s maintenance program
recommendations as a guide to establish yearly
budgets and the Capital Improvement Program
(CIP).
▪ Coordinate with neighborhood associations and
other volunteers to assist with routine park
maintenance.
Planning Maintain a current
Comprehensive Outdoor
Recreation Plan.
▪ Continually monitor the park and recreation
needs of the community.
▪ Update the action plan and implementation plan
on a yearly basis to reflect changing needs and
actual accomplishments.
▪ Update the Oshkosh Comprehensive Outdoor
Recreation Plan every five years to reflect
changes in community needs and desires, and to
maintain eligibility for state and federal grant-in-
aid funding.
▪ Solicit public input in the planning and
development of the plan as well as park land
location and development.
▪ Solicit input from neighborhood associations for
park improvements.
Water-Based
Recreation
Promote water-based
recreation such as
fishing, boating, and
swimming throughout
the community.
▪ Enhance and maintain access to the Fox River
and Lake Winnebago.
▪ Promote and maintain the city-operated boat
launches.
▪ Promote and maintain the Pollock Community
Water Park.
▪ Continue development of and maintenance of the
riverwalk.
▪ Continue water quality testing at Menomonie
Park Beach during the summer months.
▪ Promote shoreline plantings when feasible.
Section I: Introduction
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 10
1.5 Planning Process
A Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan update is required every five years, in order to remain
eligible for various grants and to ensure that the plan continues to meet community needs. In
2023, the City of Oshkosh contracted with Rettler Corporation, an experienced park, recreation,
and site design firm, to assist with the 2024-2028 CORP update.
The Oshkosh Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan update process began with a kickoff
meeting on October 10, 2023 to discuss general strategies, focus areas, city input items, and
public input methods.
A process kick-off meeting was held between the city and consultant in October 2023. Shortly
thereafter, Rettler Corporation staff toured each city-owned park site. An online survey was
conducted in March 2024 to gather community feedback on the Oshkosh park system and
recreational facilities. Please refer to Section 5: Needs Assessment for an in-depth review of the
questions and responses. A Park Staff input meeting was held March 25. On April 30, an in-
person listening session was conducted for Quarry Park, followed by an in-person Pickart Park
Neighborhood Input meeting to gather perspectives and feedback. Additional information was
collected through emails and discussions with park staff and during presentations to the Advisory
Park Board on February 12, May 13 and July 8.
Oversight for the project was provided by the Parks Director and the Advisory Park Board.
The following plan was developed per the Guidelines for the Development of Local
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Bureau of Community Assistance, as well as the standards of the Development of Local Outdoor
Recreation Plans (Appendix F of the 2011-2016 Wisconsin State Comprehensive Outdoor
Recreation Plan) created by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
This plan is a cooperative effort based on resources from the previous Oshkosh Comprehensive
Outdoor Recreation Plans, the City of Oshkosh Comprehensive Plan, other local plans,
Winnebago County GIS data, and input from city staff and citizens. Approval of this plan will
maintain city eligibility to apply for and receive federal and state grants.
Section I: Introduction
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 11
PROJECT MILESTONES
October 10, 2023 Kickoff Meeting
October 10 & 18, 2023 Park Site Visits with Parks Director
March 4-March 31 Online Community Input Survey
February 12 Advisory Park Board Presentation
March 25 Park Staff Input Meeting
April 30 Pickart Park Master Plan Community Input
Meeting and Quarry Park Listening Session
May 1 Draft 1 Submitted
May 13 Advisory Parks Board Presentation
August 12 Present Draft to Advisory Park Board
September 17 Present Draft to Plan Commission
September 24 Approval by Common Council
Section I: Introduction
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 12
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COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION
SECTION 2
Section 2: Community Description
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 13
2.0 COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION
Situated along the Fox River, next to Lake Winnebago, Oshkosh encompasses roughly 17,700
acres and almost 67,000 people. The city has served as the county seat since 1850. Oshkosh
offers residents the friendliness and strong community of a small town combined with the
amenities of a much larger area. Additionally, the city’s unique character merges the historic
architecture of the past with the modern design of today.
2.1 History and Regional Context
The Oshkosh area was first settled by the Menominee tribe of Native Americans.
1634: Jean Nicolet, sent by the French
government in Canada, journeyed the Fox
River and Lake Winnebago to locate and
make treaties with native tribes. He was
probably the first European to pass through
this valley.
1670: On April 20, Father Claude Allouez
said the first Catholic Mass in this area. A
marker in Menominee Park commemorates
this event.
1700s: The fur trade between native tribes
and French Canada was booming.
1795: Oshkosh is born. In 1827 he was
named a chief of the Menominee tribe.
Known as a peacemaker, Oshkosh died in
1858.
1836: First settler from the eastern U.S. was
Webster Stanley.
1839: A meeting was held to choose an
official name for the settlement. Oshkosh
was selected.
1841: The first school opened in a room off
Stanley's cabin. Miss Emmeline Cook was
the first teacher.
1847: The first sawmill was established.
1848: Wisconsin becomes a state. Oshkosh
was named county seat of Winnebago
County, replacing Butte des Morts.
1853: Oshkosh was incorporated as a city,
population 2500 with Edward Eastman as
the first mayor. Oil-burning street lamps were
an early civic improvement.
1866: Oshkosh had become the second
largest city in Wisconsin, behind Milwaukee.
1870: Oshkosh earned the nickname
"Sawdust City" from a string of sawmills
lining the river producing over one million
board feet of lumber per year, equivalent to
15,000 rail carloads.
1883: The Grand Opera House opened.
1926: North Park was renamed Menominee
Park and a Chief Oshkosh statue was
dedicated.
1950: Natural gas becomes available.
Population: 40,872.
1953: The city celebrates its centennial.
Section 2: Community Description
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 14
Location
The City of Oshkosh is located near
the center of Winnebago County along
the shores of Lake Winnebago.
Nearby communities include
Winneconne and Berlin to the west,
Fond du Lac and North Fond du Lac
to the south, and Neenah, Menasha,
Fox Crossing, and Appleton to the
north.
Main transportation routes consist of
the following:
▪ Interstate Highway 41 is a
major north-south United
States highway that runs from
Miami Florida to the Upper
Peninsula of Michigan.
Interstate 41 runs north-south
through the center of the city.
▪ Interstate Highway 45, a major north-south US highway, runs northwest-southeast through
Oshkosh in its route from Lake Superior to the Gulf of Mexico.
▪ State Trunk Highway 21 is an east-west running highway between Sparta and Oshkosh.
It enters Oshkosh from the west, crosses the Fox River, and ends at US 45 on the
northwest side of Oshkosh.
▪ State Trunk Highway 91 runs east-west from near Berlin to Oshkosh. It enters Oshkosh
from the southwest and ends shortly thereafter in an intersection with Highway 44.
▪ State Trunk Highway 44 runs diagonally southwest-northeast in Central Wisconsin. It also
enters Oshkosh from the southwest, crosses the Fox River and the downtown, and ends
in a junction with Interstate 45.
▪ State Trunk Highway 76 runs north-south in Wisconsin from near Bear Creek to downtown
Oshkosh. It comes in from the north and ends in a roundabout at Murdock Ave.
According to the City of Oshkosh Comprehensive Plan Update 2040, there are approximately 311
miles of urban functionally classified roads within the city. This number includes approximately 12
urban principle arterial roadways, 20 urban minor arterial roadways, and 58 urban collector
roadways. There are approximately 197 miles of urban local roads.
There are currently two active railroad lines running through the city with 286,000-pound railcar
limits. Amtrak utilizes Canadian Pacific lines to provide rail passenger service.
Section 2: Community Description
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 15
2.2 Demographics
Size and Population Trends
The City of Oshkosh has grown at an average of 7.8% per decade since 1900, with the most
significant increases between 1920-1930, 1960-1970, and 1990-2000. While not quite as
dramatic in recent decades, Oshkosh’s population continues to rise. According to the 2020 to
2040 population estimates produced by the Wisconsin Department of Administration, the
population of the city is predicted to increase by about 9% between 2020 and 2030 and by an
additional 1% over the next decade to 2040.
22,836
28,284
33,062 33,162
40,108 39,089 41,084
45,110
53,221 49,620
55,006
62,916 66,083 66,816
72,900 73,800
-
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
1890 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030*2040*
City of Oshkosh Population
Historical and Projected, 1890-2040
* From the doa.wi.gov MCD and Municipal Population Projections, 2010-2040.
Other information from US Census Bureau, US Census Library, and the City of Oshkosh Comprehensive
Plan Update 2040
Section 2: Community Description
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 16
Age, Gender, and Diversity
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, 17.3% of Oshkosh’s population was under 18 years (with
5.1% of the city’s population being under the age of 5), while approximately 14.5% were 65 years
or older. That leaves roughly 68.2% within the 18 to 64-year-old working age group.
The median age within Oshkosh in 2020 was 34.7. While that number is significantly less than
the Wisconsin median age of 40.4 years, it is still an increase from the city’s average of 33.0 years
in 2010.
Looking ahead, the City of Oshkosh can expect to experience the same demographic trends that
are occurring at the national and state level in terms of aging. For example, according to
Wisconsin State Aging Plan FFY 2023-2025 by the Department of Health Services:
▪ Wisconsin’s population ages 60 and older totaled 1.45 million in 2020, comprising 25
percent of the state’s total.
▪ The older population has been Wisconsin’s fastest growing age segment for several years
and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. The 60-plus population increased by
356,000 since 2010, a growth rate of 32 percent. For comparison, total population grew
142,000 or 2.5 percent. Seventy percent of Wisconsin’s 60 and older residents live within
26 metropolitan counties. The 60-plus are concentrated in the southeast and south-central
regions, which are the most densely populated and metropolitan parts of the state.
20 15 10 5 0 5 10 15
Under 5
5-9
10-14
15-19
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-74
75-79
80-84
85+
Percentage
Ag
e
Oshkosh Population
By Age and Sex
Female
Male
Section 2: Community Description
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 17
In the Decennial Census, 63,483 respondents indicated they were one race while 3,333 identified
as two or more races.
While still predominantly white, Oshkosh has seen some growth in diversity as well as population
over the past few decades. The City of Oshkosh Comprehensive Plan Update 2040 states that in
2010, 90.5% of the population identified as white, compared to 83.0% in the 2020 Census.
Housing
According US Census QuickFacts, there were roughly 29,222 housing units available in Oshkosh,
55.5% of which were owner-occupied.
The home ownership rate in
Oshkosh is 54.7%, lower than
the 64.6% rate for Winnebago
County, and the 68.1% rate for
Wisconsin.
Most Oshkosh houses are in
the $150,000 to $200,000
price range, with the median
value of owner-occupied
housing units being $156,900.
Meanwhile, the median gross
rent in Oshkosh was $860,
compared to $880 in
Winnebago County and $992
for the state of Wisconsin.
There are an estimated 26,763 households in Oshkosh. The average household, defined as all
the people occupying a given housing unit, is 2.23 persons. Meanwhile the average family size,
defined as a householder and persons related by birth, marriage, or adoption consists of 2.85
persons.
0.0%5.0%10.0%15.0%20.0%25.0%30.0%35.0%
$100,000,000+
$500,000-$999,999
$300,000-$499,999
$200,000-$299,999
$150,000-$199,999
$100,000-$149,999
$50,000-$99,000
<$50,000
Housing Value in Oshkosh
0.0%10.0%20.0%30.0%40.0%50.0%60.0%70.0%80.0%90.0%
Black/African American
American Indian/Native
Asian
Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
Some Other Race
2 or more races
White
Racial Diversity (2020 US Census)
Section 2: Community Description
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 18
Income and Employment
Based on the 2022 American Community Survey 1-Year
Estimates, Oshkosh’s median household income is $59,186.
This substantially is less than the State of Wisconsin median
household income of $72,458 and Winnebago County’s
median household income of $70,041.
16.1% of Oshkosh residents live at or below the poverty line,
as compared to the Winnebago County average of 11.4%, and
the Wisconsin state average of 10.7%.
According to the City of Oshkosh Comprehensive Plan
Update 2040, the top three occupations for city residents
were: Management/Business/Science/Arts (26.4%),
Sales/Office Occupations (25.7%), and Service Occupations
(22.7%). The top two sectors for the city were Manufacturing
and Educational/Health/Social Services, employing over 40%
of workers.
The city includes four industrial parks, one business park, and
an aviation business park.
Some of the major employers in the Oshkosh area are listed
in the table below.
Major Employers in the Oshkosh Area
▪ 4imprint ▪ Oshkosh Area School District
▪ Amcor Flexibles North America ▪ Oshkosh Community YMCA
▪ Ascension Mercy Hospital ▪ Oshkosh Corporation
▪ Aurora Medical Center & Aurora
Medical Group
▪ Oshkosh Correctional Institution
▪ CESA 6 ▪ Silver Star Brands
▪ City of Oshkosh ▪ University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
▪ Clarity Care ▪ UPS
▪ Hoffmaster Group ▪ US Bank
▪ Lapham-Hickey Steel ▪ Wal-Mart Super Center
▪ Miravida Living ▪ Winnebago County
▪ Muza Metal Products ▪ Winnebago Mental Health Institute
▪ Muza Metal Products
$59,186
$70,041
$72,458
Median Household Income
Winnebago County
Oshkosh
State of Wisconsin
63.3%
64.1%
63.2%State of Wisconsin
Employment Rate
Oshkosh
Winnebago County
Section 2: Community Description
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 19
Education
According to the US Census 2022 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, 92.7% of
Oshkosh’s population aged 25 years and over had graduated high school or the equivalent.
Additionally, 25.2% of Oshkosh’s population 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree or higher
compared to 33.2% of Wisconsin’s overall population.
The Oshkosh Area School District serves most Oshkosh residents, with fourteen elementary
schools, four middle schools, and two high schools, not counting charter schools or the
eAcademy.
There are a number of colleges and universities within the Oshkosh vicinity. The University of
Wisconsin-Oshkosh is an institutionally accredited public 4-year school. Fox Valley Technical
College-Oshkosh Riverside Campus.
Lawrence University in Appleton, Marian University in Fold du Lac, Fox Valley Technical College
in Appleton, Moraine Park Technical College in Fond du Lac, Lakeland University in Grand Chute
are some of the other higher educational opportunities open to residents of the region who are
willing to travel.
37.5%
18.4%
13.0%
15.8%
9.5%
0.0%
5.0%
10.0%
15.0%
20.0%
25.0%
30.0%
35.0%
40.0%
High School
or equivalent
degree
Some
College; No
Degree
Associates
Degree
Bachelor's
Degree
Graduate or
Professional
Degree
Educational Attainment
(Population 25 Years and Older)
Section 2: Community Description
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 20
2.3 Physical and Environmental Resources
Natural Features
The City of Oshkosh owns and maintains nearly twelve miles of shoreline along Lake Winnebago,
the Fox River, and Lake Butte des Morts. Land adjacent these bodies of water is mostly
developed at urban densities, in addition to city-owned lands.
Because of its location, the city has an abundance of shoreline, floodplains and other
environmentally sensitive features. Over 1,500 acres are identified as either in the floodway, the
100-year floodplain, or the 500-year floodplain.
There are almost 320 acres of wetlands within the city, located for the most part along Sawyer
Creek and Lake Winnebago.
Over 190 acres of woodlands also exists within city boundaries. Due to the limited number of
remaining woodlands, the city has a distinct role to play in the protection of this resource. The city
not only recognizes the environmental value of this declining resource, but also the historical role
of woodlands and lumber in the city and the state.
The city also prioritizes the planting of trees throughout the city. Oshkosh is a member of the
national “Tree City, USA” program and has continuously met the program requirements for 43
years.
Taking Root was a beautification project launched by the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation
and the City of Oshkosh in January 2010. The goal was to improve the quality of life for Oshkosh’s
residents and to promote Oshkosh as a leader in green communities. In 2022-2023, the Oshkosh
Area Community Foundation and the City of Oshkosh launched Taking Root II. The goal was to
raise funds to replant trees on public areas that were lost due to the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB);
the city has funded ash removals by private contractors as well as use of in-house staff. Taking
Root II successfully raised over $300,000 which is being used to plant a diversity of tree species
in public areas.
Section 2: Community Description
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 21
Soil Types and Topography
Although many soil types can be found in the Oshkosh area, the dominant soil type is the
Kewaunee-Manawa-Hortonville association. These soils tend to be nearly level or gently sloping
and have loamy or clayey subsoil, underlain by loamy or clayey glacial till. Most of these soils are
good for cultivated crops. According to the current City Comprehensive Plan, about half of the
land within the city is considered prime farmland.
In general, the city and surrounding areas are relatively flat. There are no steep slopes (areas
with elevation change greater than 12%) within the city. The bedrock of the city and surroundings
areas is composed of two major formations: the Sinnipee Group of dolomite with limestone and
shale formations west of the Lake Winnebago shoreline, and the St. Peter Formation, a thin
sandstone layer running north and south through the area.
The City of Oshkosh and surrounding areas are located within the Upper Fox, Lower Fox, and
Wolf River drainage basins. Most of the city is in the Upper Fox Basin.
There are four named waterways within or near the city: the Upper Fox River, Sawyer Creek,
Campbell Creek, and Daggets Creek. Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin’s largest inland lake, lies at
the bottom of the Fox-Wolf drainage basin and forms the city’s eastern border. Lake Butte des
Morts, an 8,581-acre lake, is connected to Lake Winnebago by the Upper Fox River.
Section 2: Community Description
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 22
Climate, Flora, and Fauna
Oshkosh falls in the Omernik Level IV Ecoregion
- Lake Michigan Lacustrine Clay Plain category
under the Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains
heading.
The Wisconsin DNR Ecological Landscapes are
sixteen areas of Wisconsin with different
ecological attributes and management
opportunities. Oshkosh belongs in the Southeast
Glacial Plains category.
The dominant landforms in the Southeast Glacial
Plains are glacial till plains and moraines
composed of materials deposited during the ice
age. Soils are derived from lime-rich tills overlain
by a silt-loam loess cap. This area has the
highest aquatic productivity in the state for plants,
insects, invertebrates, and fish.
Woodlands covered much of Winnebago and
Outagamie Counties before settlement. At one
time, the area was primarily covered with
deciduous hardwood forest. The Fox Valley’s
reliance on the paper industry attests to the
regions’ forested history.
Landcover today tends to be agricultural
cropland (58%) with remaining forests occupying
only 11% of the land area. Major tree cover types
include maple-basswood, oak, lowland
hardwoods, and conifer swamps. The area also
has extensive wetlands (12%) including large
marshes and sedge meadows and extensive
forested lowlands along certain rivers, such as
the Lower Wolf River.
Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Section 2: Community Description
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 23
2.4 Current Land Use
According to the land use data in the City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Plan Update 2040, about 74% (13,090 acres)
of the land within the city is developed. Together, single-family
residential (30.0%) and transportation (25.5%), comprise
almost 56% of the developed uses in the city. Other developed
uses include farmstead residential (0.1%) multifamily (5.9%),
mobile home park (0.2%), commercial (12.4%), industrial
(8.0%), quarries (0.9%), institutional (13.0%), and
utilities/communications (4.0%).
Commercial and industrial uses are concentrated in the
downtown area and along major transportation corridors. As a
result, residential, commercial and industrial development are
often in direct contact with one another.
The City of Oshkosh Comprehensive Plan indicates that
between 2000 and 2015, the city grew by about 33%. This
growth and development predominately occurred in the
northwestern, western and southern portions of the city.
Being situated on the western shores of Lake Winnebago, the
city cannot expand to the east. The Lake, the Fox River, and
myriad associated wetlands, floodplains, and other features
are also constraining features. In order for the city to grow, it
must either increase its overall density on existing land or
annex new lands from bordering towns.
0.0%
5.0%
10.0%
15.0%
20.0%
25.0%22.2%
18.9%
9.6%9.2%7.6%6.8%6.7%5.9%4.4%4.0%2.9%0.9%0.7%0.2%0.1%0.0%
City of Oshkosh Land Uses
Data from City Comprehensive Plan
(Residential Uses Highlighted)
-
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040
Future Land Use
Projections (Acres)
High and Low Estimate
Scenarios
Commercial (High)
Commercial (Low)
Industrial (High)
Industrial (Low)
Residential, Multi (High)
Residential, Multi (Low)
Residential, Single Family (High)
Residential, Single Family (Low)
Section 2: Community Description
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 24
To accommodate growth in residential and industrial development between 2000 and 2016, the
city annexed around 2,149 acres, and an additional 680 acres were annexed between 2016-
2023.
Growth pressure also increases the potential for conflict between development and natural
resource preservation.
PARKLAND INVENTORY
SECTION 3
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
3.1 City Parks
P a g e |25
Name:Congress Avenue Tot Lot
Classification:Mini Park
Address:1410 Beech St
Location:Located along Congress
Avenue just north of the
Congress Avenue Athletic
Fields.
Size:0.44 acres
Parcel/s #:91203980200
Amenities:▪Playground Equipment
▪Benches
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
P a g e |26
Name:Garden Club Park
Classification:Mini Park
Address:310 Mason St
Location:Located on the southern side of
Oshkosh, south of Witzel Ave
and west of Sawyer St.
Size:0.35 acres
Parcel/s #:
Amenities:▪Historical Interest
▪Benches
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
P a g e |27
Name:William Waters Plaza
Classification:Mini Park
Address:105 Washington Ave
Location:Located at the intersection of
State St and Washington Ave,
across from the Oshkosh Public
Library.
Size:0.18 acres
Parcel/s #:
Amenities:▪Historical Interest
▪Benches
▪Tables
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
P a g e |28
Name:44th Parallel Park
Classification:Neighborhood Park
Address:2230 Allerton Dr
Location:Located on the southwest side
of Oshkosh, north of W 12th
Ave.
Size:4.90 acres
Parcel/s #:91316400100
Amenities:▪Open Space
▪Playground Equipment
▪Baseball/Softball Field
▪Tennis Courts (2 courts)
▪Benches
▪Picnic Tables
▪Open Air Shelter
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
P a g e |29
Name:Abbey Park
Classification:Neighborhood Park
Address:700 South Westhaven Dr
Location:Located on the southwest side
of Oshkosh, along South
Westhaven Drive.
Size:9.01 acres
Parcel/s #:90615460000
90615460100
Amenities:▪Creek
▪Natural Area
▪Playground Equipment
▪Trails (unpaved)
▪Benches
▪Picnic Tables
▪Open Air Shelter
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
P a g e |30
Name:Abe Rochlin Park
Classification:Neighborhood Park
Address:1300 N Sawyer St
Location:Located in the north-central part
of Oshkosh next to the Oshkosh
Avenue Bridge.
Size:5.16 acres
Parcel/s #:91600260000
Amenities:▪Fox River and Sawyer
Creek
▪Playground Equipment
▪Trails (paved)
▪Fishing
▪Historical Interest
▪Off-Street Parking
▪Restroom
▪Picnic Tables
▪Shelter
Historical
Note:
Abraham Rochlin’s (1917-
1975) company, one of the
nation’s leading manufacturers
of plywood, purchased the
Pluswood Division of Lullabye
Furniture Company of Stevens
Point, located on this site, in
1949. In 1987 the land was
donated for a park named after
Abe Rochlin. The wooden
buildings were razed, but a
smokestack from Wisconsin's
first sawmill, built in 1847 by
E.E. Foreman and Coles
Bashford, was preserved.
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
P a g e |31
Name:Baumann Park
Classification:Neighborhood Park
Address:1010 Fillmore Ave
Location:Located along the Fox River,
just south of Rochlin Park and
the Oshkosh Avenue Bridge.
Size:2.02 acres
Parcel/s #:91604720300
Amenities:▪Fox River
▪Playground Equipment
▪Baseball/Softball
▪Fishing
▪Benches
▪Picnic Tables
▪Open Air Shelter
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
P a g e |32
Name:Fugleberg Park
Classification:Neighborhood Park
Address:2000 Doty St
Location:Located on the southeast side
of Oshkosh, along South Main
Street across from the
Fugleberg Boat Launch and
Lake Winnebago.
Size:2.50 acres
Parcel/s #:91401060100
Amenities:▪Open Space
▪Playground Equipment
▪Basketball Court
▪Benches
▪Picnic Tables
▪Shelter
Historical
Note:
Carl Fugleberg (1881-1959)
served as city alderman, police
commissioner, and park board
member. Carl pledged $1,500
in 1933 toward its purchase for
a park. The city then bought
the land from its current
owners, heirs of Dr. Edwin
Streich. The park was built up
with fill from depression-era
Works Progress Administration
sewer construction.
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
P a g e |33
Name:Mary Jewell Park
Classification:Neighborhood Park
Address:1600 Oshkosh Ave
Location:Located south of Lakeshore
Park along Oshkosh Ave.
Size:4.64 acres
Parcel/s #:91608470701
Amenities:▪Baseball/Softball Field
▪Picnic Area
▪Restrooms
▪Pavilion
Historical
Note:
Mary Jewell Park was named
for Mary Jewell Sawyer, wife of
Edgar Sawyer, a prominent
businessman and
philanthropist. Active in
Oshkosh cultural circles, she
passed away in 1910.
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
P a g e |34
Name:Park Site A
Classification:Neighborhood Park
Address:W. Ripple Ave
Location:Located on the south side of the
city, just east of Oregon St.
Size:3.5 acres
Parcel/s #:91411230200
Amenities:▪Open Space
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
P a g e |35
Name:Pickart Park
Classification:Neighborhood Park
Address:Mary’s Dr
Location:Located in the Pickart Estates
subdivision, on the west side of
the city, just north of W 9th Ave.
Size:1.51 acres
Parcel/s #:90665020104
Amenities:▪Open Space
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
P a g e |36
Name:Quarry Park
Classification:Neighborhood Park
Address:925 Florida Ave
Location:Located on the south side of the
city near Knapp Street.
Size:8.02 acres
Parcel/s #:91307010000
Amenities:▪Open Space
▪Soccer Fields
Historical
Note:
Quarry Park consists of
property from three adjacent
quarries dating back to the
19th century.
William Faber's Oshkosh
Stone Company, 50 feet deep,
was the last quarry to
close in 1954. The city bought
or leased most of the land for
sanitary landfills by 1962. The
three landfills were filled by
1968 and plans were made for
grading, fencing and adding
park facilities.
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
P a g e |37
Name:Roe Park
Classification:Neighborhood Park
Address:300 Washington Ave
Location:Located on the east side of
Oshkosh along Washington
Avenue.
Size:1.65 acres
Parcel/s #:90400110000
Amenities:▪Playground Equipment
▪Trails (paved)
▪Benches
Historical
Note:
Gilbert Wheeler Roe (1833-
1903) was a prominent
Oshkosh banker. His children
purchased land in 1909 from
the original homestead and
donated it for a public park
named for their father. Mayor
Voss designated it the city’s
first "inner" park and
suggested it become the city’s
first park playground.
Additional land was purchased
in 1927 for park expansion.
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
P a g e |38
Name:Stevens Park
Classification:Neighborhood Park
Address:44 Frankfort St
Location:Located on the east side of
Oshkosh, north of Bay Shore
Drive.
Size:4.85 acres
Parcel/s #:90804060000
Amenities:▪Open Space
▪Playground Equipment
▪Trails (paved)
▪Baseball/Softball Field
▪Basketball Court
▪Tennis (1 court)
▪Community Gardens
▪Benches
▪Picnic Tables
▪Restrooms
▪Shelters
Historical
Note:
Ephraim E. Stevens (1851-
1907) was mayor of Oshkosh
1889-1890, state senator
1904-1905 and a local
architect. He was supervising
architect of several schools,
including Merrill and Oshkosh
High. Known as the “parks
mayor” he convinced the
council to buy South Park and
Menominee Park. This park
was dedicated to Stevens in
1974.
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
P a g e |39
Name:Stoegbauer Park
Classification:Neighborhood Park
Address:745 W 6th Ave
Location:Located in the south-central part
of Oshkosh along W 6th Avenue.
Size:1.87 acres
Parcel/s #:90602140000
Amenities:▪Playground Equipment
▪Baseball/Softball Field
▪Basketball Court
▪Historical Interest
▪Benches
Historical
Note:
Otto J. Stoegbauer (1890-
1959) served as Sixth Ward
alderman for 18 years and vice
mayor for a year. He was a
well known local baseball
umpire, nicknamed “the
peacemaker” for mediating
disagreements among city
officials, citizens and industry.
Stoegbauer Park was once the
old Franklin School site across
the street from where
Stoegbauer lived for most of
his life. He was also the
school’s athletic director from
1927 to 1945.
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
P a g e |40
Name:Teichmiller Park
Classification:Neighborhood Park
Address:2300 Crane St
Location:Located in the northern part of
the city, just west of Oshkosh
North High School.
Size:5.59 acres
Parcel/s #:91219620100
Amenities:▪Playground Equipment
▪Baseball/Softball Field
▪Batting Cage
▪Basketball Court
▪Tennis (2 courts)
▪Historical Interest
▪Drinking Water
▪Restrooms
Historical
Note:
Algoma Park was renamed in
1994 for Bernice “Bea”
Teichmiller (1917-1987), a
long-time civic leader and
member of the Oshkosh
Common Council from 1972 to
1986. The council dedicated
the park in her name to honor
her efforts to ensure land or
fees were set aside for
parkland when land was
subdivided or annexed. Today
this is standard policy. The
park was created in 1974.
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
P a g e |41
Name:West Algoma Park
Classification:Neighborhood Park
Address:1320 Punhoqua St
Location:Located along Oshkosh Ave
and the banks of Sawyer Creek.
Size:1.8 acres
Parcel/s #:91600090000
Amenities:▪Sawyer Creek
▪Open Space
▪Playground Equipment
▪Fishing
▪Historical Interest
▪Picnic Tables
▪Open Air Shelter
Historical
Note:
This park was officially named
West Algoma Park in 1938. It
was once called Mary Jewell
Park, built on land donated by
Edgar Sawyer in 1916 in
memory of his wife who died in
1910. Sawyer agreed to allow
a school here in 1919 in
exchange for a park named
Mary Jewell across the street
on land formerly owned by the
Jewell family. The school was
never built and to clear up
confusion about two parks
called Mary Jewell, this one
was declared West Algoma,
the name people called the
area before it was annexed.
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
P a g e |42
Name:Westhaven Circle Park
Classification:Neighborhood Park
Address:1625 South Westhaven Dr
Location:Located in the southwest part of
the city, just south of Newport
Avenue.
Size:6.59 acres
Parcel/s #:91315810000
Amenities:▪Open Space
▪Playground Equipment
▪Baseball/Softball
▪Soccer
▪Basketball Court
▪Pickleball (2 courts)
▪Tennis (1 court)
▪Sledding Hill
▪Benches
▪Drinking Water
▪Restrooms
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
P a g e |43
Name:Lakeshore Park
Classification:Community Park
Address:2175 Punhoqua St
Location:Located in the northwestern part
of the city along the Fox River,
north of Oshkosh Ave.
Size:69.63 acres
Parcel/s #:91608470701
Amenities ▪Fox River
▪Open Space
▪Paved Trails
▪Fishing
▪Benches
▪Drinking Water
▪Off-Street Parking
▪Picnic Areas
▪Restrooms
▪4-Seasons Building
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Name:Menominee Park
Classification:Community Park
Address:Hazel St and Merritt Ave
Location:Located on the northeast side of
the city, along the shores of
Lake Winnebago.
Size:103.39 acres
Parcel/s #:91110350000
91511870000
Amenities:▪Lake Winnebago
▪Open Space
▪Playground Equipment
▪Trails (paved)
▪Baseball/Softball
▪Soccer
▪Volleyball
▪Basketball Court
▪Tennis (3 courts) n
▪Pickleball (4 courts)
▪Boat Launch
▪Fishing Dock
▪Ice Skating
▪Amusement Rides
▪Historical Interest
▪Zoo
▪Off-Street Parking
▪Picnic Areas
▪Restrooms
▪Shelters/Pavilions
Historical
Note:
Originally called North Park, the
park was renamed in 1911 when
Colonel John Hicks gave the
city the statue of Menominee
Chief Oshkosh.
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Section III:Parkland Inventory
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Section III:Parkland Inventory
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Name:Rainbow Memorial Park
Classification:Community Park
Address:1650 Rainbow Dr
Location:Located along the south side of
the Fox River, just northwest of
the Oshkosh Ave bridge.
Size:17.05 acres
Parcel/s #:91601320000
91601320100
Amenities:▪Fox River
▪Open Space
▪Playground Equipment
▪Trails (paved)
▪Baseball/Softball
▪Boat Launch
▪Fishing Dock
▪Historical Interest
▪Benches
▪Off-Street Parking
▪Picnic Area
▪Restrooms
▪Shelter/Pavilion
Historical
Note:
Rainbow Memorial Park was
dedicated in 1957 to the
memory of Oshkosh soldiers
who served with the 42nd
(Rainbow) Division in World
War I.
Section III:Parkland Inventory
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Section III:Parkland Inventory
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Name:Red Arrow Park
Classification:Community Park
Address:613 North Eagle St
Location:Situated along Sawyer Creek, in
the south-central part of the city,
just north of Taft Ave.
Size:26.6 acres
Parcel/s #:91608690000
Amenities:▪Sawyer Creek
▪Open Space
▪Playground Equipment
▪Baseball/Softball (3 fields)
▪Disc Golf
▪Fishing
▪Sledding
▪Water Park
▪Historical Interest
▪Skate Park
▪Off-Street Parking
▪Picnic Area
▪Restrooms
Historical
Note:
In 1962, the Red Arrow
Veterans Club urged the city to
designate a 32-acre park to
honor the men of the 32nd
(Red Arrow) Division of the US
National Guard. The 32nd was
made up of units from
Wisconsin and Michigan who
fought in both world wars
Section III:Parkland Inventory
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Section III:Parkland Inventory
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Name:South Park
Classification:Community Park
Address:1300 Georgia St
Location:Located on the south side of the
city, along W South Park Ave.
Size:23.68 acres
Parcel/s #:91305740000
Amenities:▪Lagoons
▪Open Space
▪Playground Equipment
▪Trails (paved)
▪Horseshoes
▪Basketball Court
▪Pickleball (4 courts)
▪Tennis (2 courts)
▪Fishing
▪Historical Interest
▪Splash Pad
▪Benches
▪Off-Street Parking
▪Picnic Areas
▪Restrooms
▪Shelters/Pavilions
Historical
Note:
Mayor Ephraim Stevens
convinced the council to buy
part of the homestead of Dr.
Samuel Osborn in 1889 for a
south side park to complement
park land purchased on the
north side of the Fox River. An
attempt to rename South Park
in 1934 was unsuccessful.
Section III:Parkland Inventory
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Name:24th Avenue Boat Launch
Classification:Waterfront Recreation
Address:2404 S Main St
Location:Located on the southeast side
of the city, across from Glatz
Nature Preserve.
Size:1.68 acres
Parcel/s #:91413370000
Amenities:▪Lake Winnebago
▪Boat Launch
▪Fishing
▪Benches
▪Off-Street Parking
▪Picnic Area
▪Restrooms
Section III:Parkland Inventory
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Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
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Name:Al Broullire Memorial Garden
Classification:Waterfront Recreation
Address:500 South Main St
Location:Located along the Fox River,
southeast of the S Main Street
bridge.
Size:0.14 acres
Parcel/s #:90301330100
Amenities:▪Fox River
▪Fishing
▪Riverwalk
Section III:Parkland Inventory
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Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
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Name:Boatworks
Classification:Waterfront Recreation
Address:362 Michigan St
Location:Located in the south-central part
of the city, along the Fox River
between the Jackson St and
Wisconsin St bridges.
Size:5.00 acres
Parcel/s #:90904970300
Amenities:▪Fox River
▪Open Space
▪Trails (paved)
▪Kayak/Canoe Launch
▪Fishing Dock
▪Off-Street Parking
▪Picnic Area
▪Restroom
▪Shelter/Pavilion
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
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Name:Bowen Street Fishing Dock
Classification:Waterfront Recreation
Address:1 Bowen St
Location:Located at the junction of the
Fox River and Lake Winnebago
on the east-central side of the
city.
Size:0.33 acres
Parcel/s #:
Amenities:▪Lake Winnebago
▪Fishing
Section III:Parkland Inventory
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Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
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Name:Carl E. Steiger Park
Classification:Waterfront Recreation
Address:19 Wisconsin St
Location:Located along the riverfront and
the Wisconsin Street bridge;
across from William A Steiger
Park.
Size:2.43 acres
Parcel/s #:90103660100
Amenities:▪Fox River
▪Open Space
▪Trails (paved)
▪Fishing
▪Historical Interest
▪Picnic Area
▪Open Air Shelter
Historical
Note:
The city dedicated this park in
1985 to Carl Steiger (1896-
1985), an Oshkosh civic leader
and president of Deltox Rug
Company from 1929 until it
closed in 1968. The city razed
several Deltox buildings to
create the park. Deltox was
founded as Oshkosh Grass
Matting Company and in the
early 1900s manufactured rugs
and twine from tough marsh
grass in area wetlands.
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
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Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
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Name:Fugleberg Boat Launch
Classification:Waterfront Recreation
Address:1942 S Main St.
Location:Located in the southeast section
of the city, across from
Fugleberg Park.
Size:2.4 acres
Parcel/s #:91401060000
Amenities:▪Lake Winnebago
▪Boat Launch
▪Fishing
▪Off-Street Parking
▪Restrooms
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
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Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
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Name:Michigan Street Fishing Dock
Classification:Waterfront Recreation
Address:362 Michigan St.
Location:Located next to Boatworks,
along the Fox River.
Size:0.60 acres
Parcel/s #:
Amenities:▪Fox River
▪Fishing
▪Off-Street Parking
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
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Name:Mill Street Boat Launch
Classification:Waterfront Recreation
Address:1 Mill St
Location:Located along the Fox River,
south of Bay Shore Dr.
Size:0.08 acres
Parcel/s #:
Amenities:▪Fox River
▪Boat Launch
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
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Name:Riverside Park
Classification:Waterfront Recreation
Address:101 Ceape Ave
Location:Located on the north side of the
Fox River in the east-central
part of the city next to Leach
Amphitheater and the S Main St
bridge.
Size:2.03 acres
Parcel/s #:90824342001
90824342002
Amenities:▪Fox River
▪Open Space
▪Trails (paved)
▪Riverwalk
▪Fishing
▪Historical Interest
▪Off-Street Parking
▪Gazebo
Historical
Note:
Mayor John Voss referred to
this spot as “Riverside Park" in
1910. The Park Board liked
and approved the name.
.,The land had been donated
in 1909 by lumberman William
Bray in memory of his parents.
Bray served in the Wisconsin
Assembly in 1909 and was
state senator 1915-1917.
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
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Name:William A. Steiger Park
Classification:Waterfront Recreation
Address:200 N Campbell Rd
Location:Located on the south shore of
the Fox River, next to the
Oshkosh Senior Center.
Size:2.52 acres
Parcel/s #:90608010000
Amenities:▪Fox River
▪Trails (paved)
▪Boat Launch
▪Fishing Dock
▪Historical Interest
▪Open Air Shelter
Historical
Note:
William Steiger (1938-1978)
represented the Sixth
Congressional District from
1967 to 1978.
Steiger obtained a federal
grant in 1978 to help purchase
the land that became Steiger
Park in 1982. The area has
long been a favorite fishing
spot, once crowded with
fishing shanties. Part of the old
railroad bridge was preserved
as a fishing dock for people
with disabilities.
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
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Name:Hiker Monument
Classification:Special Use Park
Address:1401 Algoma Blvd
Location:Located at the intersection of
Congress Ave, Algoma Ave,
and High Ave.
Size:1.12 acres
Parcel/s #:91200140000
Amenities:▪Nature Area
▪Trails (unpaved)
▪Historical Interest
Historical
Note:
Monument to Spanish-
American War Veterans
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
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Name:Leach Amphitheater
Classification:Special Use Park
Address:300 Ceape Ave
Location:Located in the east-central part
of the city, along the Fox River,
between the S. Main St bridge
and the railroad tracks.
Size:8.00 acres
Parcel/s #:90800210000
Amenities:▪Fox River
▪Open Space
▪Trails (paved)
▪Off-Street Parking
▪Riverwalk
▪Performance Stage
▪Restrooms
▪Concession Stands
▪Storage Shed
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Section III:Parkland Inventory
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Name:Opera House Square
Classification:Special Use Park
Address:315 N Main St
Location:Located in the downtown area,
along Main St.
Size:1.01 acres
Parcel/s #:90100010000
Amenities:▪Open Space
▪Historical Interest
▪Benches
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
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3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
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Name:Killian G. Spanbauer Field
Classification:Special Use Park
Address:713 S Sawyer St
Location:Located in the south-central part
of the city, just north of W 9th
Ave, near Franklin Elementary
School.
Size:2.77 acres
Parcel/s #:90606820000
Amenities:▪Softball Field
▪Historical Interest
▪Benches
▪Off-Street Parking
Historical
Note:
The South Side Lighted
Diamond was renamed in
1989 to honor Killian G.
Spanbauer (1927-1987), a
local athlete, businessman and
civic leader. The property had
been a public baseball
diamond since the 1940s.
Spanbauer served on the
Oshkosh City Council 1985 –
1987 and was president of
Athlete’s Foot of Wisconsin,
Inc. He was founder of the
Club 13 softball club and the
Wisconsin Flyers basketball
team.
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
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Name:Campbell Creek Marsh
Classification:Natural Resource Area
Location:Located in the parcel bounded
by Witzel, North Campbell
Road, Josslyn Street and Taft
Avenue.
Size:26.5 acres
Amenities:▪Nature Area
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
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Name:Glatz Nature Park
Classification:Natural Resource Area
Address:120 W 25th Ave
Location:Located on the city’s south side,
across from 24th Avenue Boat
Launch.
Size:1.77 acres
Parcel/s #:91413370400
Amenities:▪Nature Area
▪Trails (unpaved)
▪Historical Interest
Historical
Note:
Glatz Nature Preserve was
dedicated on bicentennial day,
July 4, 1976, with Glatz family
members present.
John Glatz and Christian Elser
established a brewery on this
site in 1869, that eventually
turned into the Oshkosh
Brewing Company. The brewery
was dismantled in 1914, leaving
the foundation walls and
caverns. In 1976, the city
purchased the two acre site for
a nature park. With a lot of
community assistance, the
caverns were cleared out and
reinforced, an entrance and
trails created, and a fence
constructed. Today after years
of damage and neglect, only
one wall of the brewery
remains–the oldest surviving
brewing structure in the city.
Image courtesy of visitoshkosh.com
Section III:Parkland Inventory
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Section III:Parkland Inventory
3.0 PARKLAND INVENTORY
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Name:North High Conservancy
Classification:Natural Resource Area
Address:1200 Morgan Ave
Location:Located in the north part of the
city, adjacent to Oshkosh North
High School.
Size:12.19 acres
Parcel/s #:91219400100
Amenities:▪Retention Pond
▪Nature Area
▪Trails (unpaved)
Section III:Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e |
Section III:Parkland Inventory
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Name:Rusch Park
Classification:Natural Resource Area
Address:3200 West 20th Ave
Location:Located in the southwest part of
the city, next to Traeger Middle
School.
Size:41.27 acres
Parcel/s #:91333010000
Amenities:▪Boardwalk
▪Sawyer Creek
▪Nature Area
▪Open Space
▪Trails (paved and unpaved)
Section III:Parkland Inventory
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Section III: Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 67
3.2 Public School-Owned Recreational Facilities
Oshkosh is served by the Oshkosh Area School District and various private schools.
Carl Traeger Elementary/Middle School
▪ 3000 W 20th Ave
▪ Outdoor facilities include: multiple football/soccer fields, multiple baseball/softball fields,
basketball courts, playground equipment, hard surface play area, and off-street parking.
Emmeline Cook Elementary
▪ 1600 Hazel St
▪ Outdoor facilities include: football/soccer, baseball/softball, playground equipment, hard
surface play area, and off-street parking.
Franklin Elementary
▪ 1401 W 5th Ave
▪ Outdoor facilities include: baseball/softball, open space, basketball, playground
equipment, hard surface play area, and off-street parking.
Jefferson Elementary
▪ 244 W 11th Ave
▪ Outdoor facilities include: football/soccer, baseball/softball area, playground equipment,
hard surface play area, and off-street parking.
Lakeside Elementary (not shown)
▪ 4991 South U.S. Highway 45
▪ Outdoor facilities include: open space, baseball/softball area, playground equipment, hard
surface play area, and off-street parking.
Menominee Elementary School
▪ 915 Hazel St
▪ Outdoor facilities include: Not applicable. School not finished as of the writing of this plan.
Oaklawn Elementary
▪ 112 Viola Ave
▪ Outdoor facilities include: open space, playground equipment, hard surface play area, and
off-street parking.
Oakwood Elementary
▪ 1225 N Oakwood Rd
▪ Outdoor facilities include: football/soccer, baseball/softball, playground equipment, hard
surface play area, Sheldon Nature area with trails, and off-street parking.
Read Elementary
▪ 1120 Algoma Blvd
▪ Outdoor facilities include: baseball/softball area, playground equipment, hard surface play
area, and off-street parking.
Section III: Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 68
Roosevelt Elementary
▪ 910 N Sawyer Ave
▪ Outdoor facilities include: open space, baseball/softball area, playground equipment, hard
surface play area, and off-street parking.
Shapiro
▪ 1050 W 18th Ave
▪ Outdoor facilities include: open space, baseball/softball area, playground equipment, hard
surface play area, and off-street parking.
Washington Elementary
▪ 929 Winnebago Ave
▪ Outdoor facilities include: baseball/softball area, playground equipment, hard surface play
area, and off-street parking.
Perry Tipler Middle/Oshkosh Early Learning
▪ 325 South Eagle St
▪ Outdoor facilities include: multiple soccer fields, playground equipment, hard surface play
area, and off-street parking.
South Park Middle
▪ 1551 Delaware St
▪ Outdoor facilities include: open space, baseball/softball area, and off-street parking.
Vel Phillips Middle School
▪ 1401 Kentucky St
▪ Outdoor facilities include: none at the time of writing
Oshkosh North High
▪ 1100 W Smith Ave
▪ Outdoor facilities include: football/soccer field, synthetic turf football field, baseball field,
softball field, 8 tennis courts, running track with field events, practice areas, and off-street
parking.
Oshkosh West High
▪ 375 N Eagle St
▪ Outdoor facilities include: football/soccer fields, baseball field, softball field, running track
with field events, practice space, and off-street parking.
Section III: Parkland Inventory
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 69
3.3 Additional Area Recreation Resources
The following is a selection of outdoor facilities and/or recreational sites open to the public within
a half hours drive or less from the city.
Asylum Point Park and Boat Landing (Winnebago County)
▪ 3300 Sherman Rd, Oshkosh, WI 54901
▪ Situated on the shores of Lake Winnebago, Asylum Point Park is a tranquil area featuring
miles of hiking trails, a public boat launch, great fishing, and a historic lighthouse. Park
users are welcomed by beautiful landscapes of scenic lakefront, marshland and prairie
with opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Coughlin Nature Area (Winnebago County)
▪ 625 E County Rd Y, Oshkosh, WI 54901 (Winnebago County)
▪ Located off CTH Y next to the J.P. Coughlin Center and a short walk from Winnebago
County Park, the Coughlin Nature Area offers one mile of walking paths with educational
signage about the site’s wildlife. During the winter months, the paths become snowshoe
trails. Dedicated in October 1998, the area also includes a Memorial Tree Grove.
Ken Roble Conservation Park (Winnebago County)
▪ 3396 Walter St, Oshkosh, WI 54901
▪ Dedicated in 2018, this 25-acre conservation park includes hiking and biking trails, and
two ponds. People can view wildlife or fish from an accessible pier made of recycled
plastic. This site was formerly a landfill and then converted into a park as part of a
remediation program funded by Winnebago County Solid Waste Department’s trust. It is
named after Ken Robl in honor of his 39 years as a Winnebago County Board member
and Solid Waste Committee participant. Park goals are to offer educational opportunities
focusing on solid waste and recycling programs, to support community outdoor recreation
programs, and to be an example of an landfill end use plan that benefits the community.
The park is free and open to the public.
Mascoutin Valley State Trail
▪ A 21-mile trail built on a former railroad corridor, offering opportunities for hiking, biking,
horseback riding, snowmobiling, skiing and more. The western section runs from Berlin to
Ripon, and the eastern section runs from Rosendale to Fond du Lac.
Terrell’s Island Trail
▪ 5401-5541 Shubert Rd, Omro, WI 54963
▪ Offers several hiking trails managed by the Butte des Morts Conservation Club.
Shangri La Point Nature Preserve (Winnebago County)
1.5 miles west of Hwy 110, at the intersection of Shangri La Point and Ryf Roads
This scenic and rare four-tiered wetland is approximately 55 acres in size and offers
excellent waterfowl viewing and wildflower displays, particularly in the spring. Plants range
from submerged aquatics to upland woody vegetation. There is currently no good public
access to the site, and parking is done along road edges. However, plans are in the works
for a small parking area.
Section III: Parkland Inventory
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Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 70
Sunnyview Expo Center (Winnebago County)
▪ 500 E County Rd Y, Oshkosh, WI 54901
▪ Located just north of Winnebago County Community Park, the Sunnyview Exposition
Center includes the Exposition Building, Covered Arena, and Sunnyview Stadium.
Additionally. There are exhibition halls, a concession building, a covered show arena, and
outdoor arena. The Sunnyview Stadium has a state-of-the-art production ready stage with
seating for up to 31,000, including the grandstands. A clay pull track is used for truck and
tractor pulls, demolition derbies, and other motor vehicle events. Sunnyview Exposition
Center provides an array of entertainment offerings throughout the year as well as
camping during events.
Winnebago County Community Park (Winnebago County)
▪ 501 E County Rd Y, Oshkosh, WI 54901
▪ Winnebago County Community Park offers an extensive variety of active and passive
recreational activities including baseball, soccer, rugby, disc golf, archery, a
tennis/basketball court, volleyball nets, a dog park, and extensive walking trails. It is one
of the County’s most used parks and its facilities are rented throughout the summer
season.
Section III: Parkland Inventory
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Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 71
3.4 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities and Trails
Pedestrian and bicycle facilities are essential to providing access to parks, businesses, tourist
attractions, and other amenities for users that do not have access to a vehicle. Walking and biking
are also done for general health, recreational, economical, and environmental reasons. This close
and personal form of transportation also promotes social interaction among families and the
community. Recognizing the importance of trails, the City of Oshkosh updated its Bicycle and
Pedestrian Master Plan in 2019.
One of the major area trails is the WIOUWASH State Trail, a 21.8-mile former rail corridor that is
named for the 4 counties it crosses through: Winnebago, Outagamie, Waupaca, and Shawano.
Part of the WIOUWASH Trail runs from Oshkosh through Hortonville. The trail is relatively smooth,
flat, and made of a crushed limestone base. It passes through several diverse landscapes
including wooded areas, grassland prairies, farmland, and urban areas.
The City of Oshkosh Existing Bicycle & Trail Facilities Trail Map (from City of Oshkosh Bicycle
and Pedestrian Master Plan) is included at the end of this section.
For more information on Oshkosh walking facilities and trails, please refer to the following
publications.
▪ City of Oshkosh Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, adopted November, 2019.
▪ The Economic, Health, and Environmental Impact of Bicycling and Walking Facilities by
the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission adopted October 28, 2022.
▪ The Impacts of East Central Wisconsin’s Bike and Pedestrian Facilities on the Regional
Economy by ESI Econsult Solutions Inc. approved on October 28, 2022.
▪ Connecting People & Communities: Winnebago County Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan,
adopted February 14, 2017
Section III: Parkland Inventory
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Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 72
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Boardwalk
Born Learning Trail
Lake/Pond/River
Nature Area
Open Space
Playground Equipment
*Accessible
Trails (paved)
Trails (unpaved)
Baseball/Softball
*lighted
Batting Cages
Horseshoes
Soccer
Volleyball
*lighted
Basketball
*=lighted
Pickleball (courts)
Tennis (courts)
Boat Launch
Disc Golf
Fishing
Fishing Dock
Gardens (community or flower)
Kayak/Canoe Launch
Ice Skating
Sledding
Amusement Rides
Acquatic Facility/Water Park
Historical Interest
Performance Stage
Riverwalk
Skate Park
Splash Pad
Zoo
Benches
Concessions
Drinking Water
Food Prep Area
Four-Seasons Building
Gazebo
Off-Street Parking
Picnic Area
Restrooms p=portable
Shelter/Pavilion
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Source:
4 0 0.5 1
Scale in Miles
This data was created for use by the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission
Geographic Information System. Any other use/application of this information is the
responsibility of the user and such use/application is at their own risk. East Central Wisconsin
Regional Planning Commission disclaims all liability regarding fitness of the information for any
use other than for East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission business.
PREPARED OCTOBER 2019 BY:
KM: O:\Tanner\MapRequests\CityOshkosh_BikePedPlan\OshBikeTrail.aprx
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Recreational Parks
PARKLAND ANALYSIS
SECTION 4
Section IV: Parkland Analysis
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 77
4.0 PARKLAND ANALYSIS
The City of Oshkosh owns and maintains forty-one park sites, totaling roughly 417 acres. These
parks tend to be distributed somewhat evenly throughout the residentially zoned and developed
community, with an emphasis on waterfront and south-central locations.
Determining if community open space needs are being met is best approached from a variety of
angles. To obtain a more comprehensive picture, this section examines the existing City of
Oshkosh park facilities from five different angles:
• Acreage Standards Comparison
• Service Area Evaluation
• Suggested Recreational Standards Comparison
• Community Input
• Regional and State Trends
4.1 Acreage Standards Comparison
The Acreage Standards Comparison compares the
acres of city-owned parkland to the number of
residents, in an acres per 1,000 persons format.
The 2011-2016 Wisconsin Statewide CORP (in
Appendix F: Guidelines for the Development of Local
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans)
recommends that park classifications and standards
“usually correspond to the National Recreation and
Park Association’s (NRPA) recreation, park, and open
space standards guidelines.” Additionally, the
Guidelines for the Development of Local
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans published
by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Bureau of Community Assistance recommends that
local communities provide at least 6.25 to 10.5 acres
per 1,000 persons.
The National Recreation and Park Association
(NRPA), while historically recommending 7-10 acres
per 1,000 residents, currently encourages each
community to evaluate level of service (LOS) in coordination with citizen input and adapt the
recommendations to develop their own customized standards. However, according to the 2023
National Recreation and Park Association Agency Performance Review, "The typical park and
recreation agency manages 10.8 acres of parkland for every 1,000 residents in its jurisdiction...
Parkland (in this case) refers to both maintained parks and open space areas, such as green
spaces and courtyards."
The chart on the following page is based on population numbers provided by the City Clerk’s
office.
Section IV: Parkland Analysis
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 78
CITY OF OSHKOSH COMPARISON TO NRPA ACREAGE
RECOMMENDATIONS
Park Type Recommended Acres
per 1,000 Residents
Oshkosh Park Acres per
1,000 Residents
Mini Parks 0.25 - 0.5 acres 0.01 acres
Neighborhood Parks
1 - 2 acres 0.95 acres
Community Parks
5 - 8 acres 3.95 acres
Special Use Parks variable 0.19 acres
Waterfront Parks variable 0.26 acres
Natural Resource
Areas variable 1.22 acres
TOTAL NRPA LOS
CLASSIFIED
PARKLAND
6.25 – 10.5 acres 4.55 acres
TOTAL CITY-
OWNED
PARKLAND
N/A 6.22 acres
As can be seen above, city-owned parkland areas are lower than the recommended acreage
metrics in all the park categories that come with NRPA service area and level of service
recommendations. While this particular metric is short, it is important to note that the city is also
served by several large county park areas as well as a limited amount of parkland from adjoining
municipalities.
4.2 Service Area Evaluation
A Service Area Evaluation projects a specified distance around each NRPA classified park (mini,
neighborhood, and community) based on Level of Service (LOS) classification and guidelines
adopted by the city in previous Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans. This section also
examines land usage, as designated by zoning classifications, within the service areas.
All five Community Parks are situated toward the center of the city. Three of them are located
along a river or lake waterfront. The 1-to-2-mile service radii of these Community Parks covers
the majority of residentially zoned areas, however there are some areas to the far north,
southwest, and southeast that do not have adequate coverage.
A Neighborhood Park’s service area is a ¼ to ½ mile distance, uninterrupted by major roads and
other physical barriers such as waterways, wetlands, and railroad tracks. Oshkosh’s 15
Neighborhood Parks tend to be concentrated toward the center of the city, with significant
numbers in the southern half.
Section IV: Parkland Analysis
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 79
There are several residentially-zoned areas of the community that are not served within the
desired 1/4 to 1/2-mile neighborhood park radius. These areas are mainly found in the northern
parts of the city.
Oshkosh has only three Mini Parks, however it is not unusual for municipalities to focus on
neighborhood parks as the smallest unit of the park system rather than Mini Parks for
maintenance and efficiency reasons.
Please refer to the Park Service Area Map, the Parks over Residential and Mixed-Use Zoning
Map, the Park Service Area over Residential and Mixed-Use Zoning Map, and the Proposed Park
Acquisition Maps at the back for recommended locations for future Oshkosh parks.
4.3 Suggested Recreation Standards Comparison
Adopted standards are another method used to determine a community’s recreation needs. The
NRPA has developed recommendations for a number of outdoor recreational facility types, which
in turn, provided the basis for Wisconsin DNR recommendations.
Suggested Recreation Facility Development Standards
(selected facilities)
Facility/Activity
No. of
Units per
Population
Oshkosh
Population
No.
Units
Needed
Units
in Park
System
Meet
Recommen
dations? Other Area Providers
Baseball 1 per 5,000
66,986
13.40 1 No
See Oshkosh area schools,
particularly the High Schools
Basketball 1 per 5,000
66,986
13.40 7 No
Also see Oshkosh area
schools, particularly the High
Schools
Football
1 per
20,000
66,986
3.35 0 No
See UW-O Sports Complex,
also area High Schools
Ice Hockey/Ice
Skating
Indoor – 1
per
100,000.
Outdoor
depends
on climate.
66,986
0.67 2 Yes
Outdoor ice skating at
Menominee Park. Indoor ice
at Oshkosh Community
YMCA.
Outdoor Pool
1 per
20,000
66,986
3.35 1 No Splash Pad at South Park.
Running Track
1 per
20,000
66,986
3.35 0 No
Two at the UW-O Sports
Complex. Also see Oshkosh
North and West High
Schools.
Soccer
1 per
10,000
66,986
6.70 4 No
Also see Oshkosh area
schools, particularly the High
Schools
Section IV: Parkland Analysis
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 80
Softball/Little
League 1 per 5,000
66,986
13.40 16 Yes
Also see Oshkosh area
schools, particularly the High
Schools
Tennis &
Pickleball
1 court per
2,000
66,986
33.49 21 No
Also see Oshkosh area
schools, particularly the High
Schools
Trail System
1 system
per region
66,986 1 1 Yes
Numerous local and park
trails. Regional WIOUWASH
Trail.
Volleyball
1 court per
5,000
66,986
13.40 2 No
Selected from Recreation Facility Development Standards from Appendix 11 of the WDNR Guidelines for the
Development of Local Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans
Both of the above mentioned suggested Outdoor Recreation Facility Development standards are
included in the appendix section of this plan. These standards were reviewed during the
development of the Needs Assessment.
It should be noted however, that these standards have been developed primarily for urban
communities and assume the needs and wants of individuals are similar in all areas. Additionally,
these standards do not take into account local demographics, user preferences and physical
barriers between actual park locations. While useful, these standards should be subject to the
locally gathered data in the Needs Assessment section in prioritizing and justifying the real needs
for the community.
4.4 Community Input Summary
“A standard for parks and recreation cannot be universal, nor can one city be compared with
another even though they are similar in many respects.”
NRPA Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines.
The most important gauge of how well the park system is meeting the needs of the community is
by studying input gained directly from community residents, officials, and staff.
The online community survey, completed by approximately 483 persons, reveals that 87% of
respondents are “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the park system and thankful for the hard work
that the parks department puts in. When asked what amenities are most important, the top ten
items are as follows: Restrooms, Paved Trails, the Riverwalk, Menominee Park Zoo, Leach
Amphitheater, Picnic Areas, Unpaved Trails, Parking Lots, Playgrounds, and Pavilions/Shelters.
The most desired new or additional features are more Biking/Walking Trails, and completing the
Riverwalk.
The following section, Section 5: Needs Assessment, will examine this data, including comments,
in much more depth. Please see Appendix A for actual survey responses.
Section IV: Parkland Analysis
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 81
4.5 Regional and State Trends
As of the time of writing, the 2019-2023 Wisconsin Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation
Plan is the most current state CORP. The following data from the that plan is useful for a larger
Wisconsin perspective.
Overall, 95% of Wisconsin adults participated in some type of outdoor recreation in the past year.
Wisconsin residents’ top five favorite nature-based outdoor activities were: walking/hiking, fishing,
hunting, bicycling, and camping.
The SCORP divides the state of Wisconsin into eight regions. The Lake Winnebago Waters region
(of which Oshkosh is a part) “is centered on the Lake Winnebago watershed which includes the
lakes of Butte des Morts, Winneconne, and Poygan as well as the Fox and Wolf rivers. Together,
these waters are the major recreational resource within the region” and “draw visitors from
throughout the state and beyond for boating, fishing, hunting, bird watching, and more.”
In the Regional Recreation Needs section, activities rated highly by respondents in the Lake
Winnebago Waters region included:
• Bicycling (all kinds)
• Bird or wildlife watching
• Camping
• Canoeing or kayaking
• Cross country skiing
• Dog walking
• Fishing
• Hiking, walking, trail running, backpacking
• Hunting
• Motor boating
• Nature photography
• Participating in nature-based education
programs
• Picnicking
• Swimming in lakes and rivers
• Visiting beaches
Identified gaps and needs in existing recreation opportunities state-wide were listed as:
• Outdoor recreation facilities near population centers
• Trails
• Water access (such as shoreline and boat launches)
• Camping opportunities
• Dog parks and exercise areas
• Target shooting ranges
The following list is based on the methods suggested in the SCORP to boost outdoor recreation
participation:
• Increase promotion and marketing of outdoor recreation areas.
• Improve mapping and online information.
• Continue upgrading and developing recreation facilities to meet demand.
Section IV: Parkland Analysis
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 82
• Evaluate visitor usage at the various facilities and locations.
• Identify and implement strategies to improve access and reduce barriers.
• Expand efforts among federal, state, county, and local governments to coordinate and
collaborate on providing recreational opportunities.
4.6 Future Park Lands
The Wisconsin Department of Administration’s Wisconsin Municipal Projections, 2010-2040,
prepared in 2013, depicts Oshkosh’s population as growing slowly through 2040. The following
charts compare the median NRPA recommended park acreage per 1,000 persons listed
previously with the existing and projected population numbers to give a rough sense of the amount
of new parkland, if any, that may be desired in the future.
While the charts below utilize the Municipal Projections data for 2030 and 2040, if community
growth patterns differ significantly, parkland changes should be re-evaluated.
Population Projection and Parkland Projection Analysis
Neighborhood Parks
Year Population
Projection ÷ 1,000 = NRPA Standard
Benchmark/1,000 = Median Acreage
Recommended - Existing
Acreage =
Acreage
Under
Median
2024 66,986 ÷ 1,000 = 67.0 x 1.5 = 100.5 - 63.6 = 36.9
2030 72,900 ÷ 1,000 = 72.9 x 1.5 = 109.4 - 63.6 = 45.7
2040 73,800 ÷ 1,000 = 73.8 X 1.5 = 110.7 - 63.6 = 47.1
Community Parks
Year Population
Projection ÷ 1,000 = NRPA Standard
Benchmark/1,000 = Median Acreage
Recommended - Existing
Acreage =
Acreage
Under
Median
2024 66,986 ÷ 1,000 = 67.0 x 6.5 = 435.4 - 240.4 = 195.1
2030 72,900 ÷ 1,000 = 72.9 x 6.5 = 473.9 - 240.4 = 233.5
2040 73,800 ÷ 1,000 = 73.8 x 6.5 = 479.7 - 240.4 = 239.4
It is recommended that local needs and desires, city staffing capabilities, and budgets be carefully
examined before developing or acquiring additional parkland.
PARK SERVICE RADIUS AREAS
Mini Parks
(1/4 mile radius)
Neighborhood Parks
(1/2 mile radius)
Community Parks
(1 to 2 mile radius)
PARK SERVICE AREA MAP
RESIDENTIAL
MIXED USE
PARKS OVER RESIDENTIAL AND MIXED USE ZONING
RESIDENTIAL
MIXED USE
PARK SERVICE RADIUS AREAS
Mini Parks
(1/4 mile radius)
Neighborhood Parks
(1/2 mile radius)
Community Parks
(1 to 2 mile radius)
SERVICE AREA OVER RESIDENTIAL AND MIXED ZONING
POTENTIAL ACQUISITION AREAS
Neighborhood Park
(1/4 to 1/2 mile radius)
Community Park
(1 mile radius)
PROPOSED PARK ACQUISITION MAP
NEEDS ASSESSMENT
SECTION 5
Section V: Needs Assessment
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 87
5.0 NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Guidelines and recommendations are useful metrics, but the best way to get a true picture of
community needs and opportunities is to obtain input directly from the people who live there.
Online surveys, input meetings, and emails provide direct information on how existing facilities
and services are being utilized- or not- and the reasons why. There is no better way to determine
needs and opportunities and to create customized solutions than to listen to what the community
has to say.
In the course of updating this plan, an online community input survey was made available and a
park staff input meeting was held. Park site visits with the Parks Director provided further input.
In addition, input was solicited at Advisory Park Board meetings in February, May, and July.
5.1 Online Community Survey
The Oshkosh Parks Department conducted a 20-question online community survey in March,
2024. 483 responses were received.
Respondent Location
The vast majority (90.5%) of respondents live in the City
of Oshkosh.
Demographics
A little over a third (36%) of survey respondents fell into
the 31–45-year-old age bracket. The next most
represented groups were 61-75 (27%) and 46-60 (25%).
Responsiveness fell off dramatically at either end of the
spectrum. Just 8% of responses came from the 18–30-
year old group, and only 4% of responses came from
those 75+. One survey was filled out by someone under
18.
A third of those responding have at least one child under
age 18. Of those who do, 42% have only one child, 37%
have two, 15% have three, and 7% have four or more.
Yes
90%
No
10%
Do you reside in the City of
Oshkosh
0%
8%
36%
25%
27%
4%
Respondent Age
Under
18
18-30
31-45
46-60
61-75
75+
Section V: Needs Assessment
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 88
Information Sources
Multiple answers were allowed for this question.
Of the responses provided, the most popular
source, with a quarter of the total responses,
was Social Media. This was closely followed by
Word of Mouth (21.3%), and the Newspaper
(14.5%) The least utilized sources were: Other
(1.5%), Oshkosh Media (4.1%), and the City
Website (9.6%)
Twenty-five comments were received. The
leading "other" responses were: secondhand
sources such as clubs, friends, workplace, or
neighborhood meetings (20%), the local news
(16%), the parks department itself (16%),
Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau
(OCVB) communications (12%), and "I don't
know where to find park info" (12%).
Most of those surveyed had accessed the city
parks website from one to five times in the last
twelve months to learn information on park
services. When asked what other park-related
information they would like to see on the website
that isn’t currently there, most of the requests
were for information on the parks, including
updated photos and descriptions, restroom
locations, maps, and park reviews. Other desired
information: rules for bicycle and dogs in parks,
park planning information, schedules for amenity
upgrades, and educational information on trees
and wildlife.
0.0%
5.0%
10.0%
15.0%
20.0%
25.0%
30.0%
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0 times
28%
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59%
6-9 times
9%
10+ times
4%
City Park Website Useage
0 times 1-5 times 6-9 times 10+ times
Section V: Needs Assessment
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 89
Usage
How often do you use the Oshkosh park facilities? Over
half (66%) of the respondents visit the parks once or
twice a month or more (28% 1-2x/month plus 38%
weekly). A dedicated 11% visit the parks daily. Only 3%
indicated that they never visited the parks.
Menominee Park and South Park are the most visited
parks in the Oshkosh system. The 161 comments
mentioned some 40 additional parks, sites or trails that
people also use. Eleven of these park sites are owned
by other entities, such as Winnebago County.
11%
38%
28%
14%
6%3%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
1
Park Facility Usage
Daily Weekly
1x-2x per Month Every 3-4 Months
Once a Year I don't Use the Parks
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
16%
18%
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Section V: Needs Assessment
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 90
Satisfaction
Park satisfaction levels are relatively
high with 87% of respondents
describing themselves as “Satisfied” or
“very satisfied.”
When asked how well a list of Oshkosh
parks, trails, park amenities, and
programs are meeting the needs of the
community, some interesting trends
emerged.
"Needs are Acceptably Met" is the
highest rated category for all park
facilities listed, with the exception of
Leach Amphitheater, in which “Needs
Acceptably Met” tied with "Needs are
Well Met."
Facilities with "Needs Not Met" rating of
25% or higher are as follows: Sledding
Hills (39%), Restrooms (36%), Unpaved
Trails (31%), Outdoor Volleyball Courts
(25%), and Paved Trails (25%).
Facilities with "Needs are Well Met"
ratings of 25% and over are: Leach
Amphitheater (48%), Pollock Water
Park (32%), Menominee Park Zoo
(32%), South Park Splash Pad (30%),
and Baseball Diamonds (25%).
Based on weighted average, the top ten
most important amenities are as follows:
Leach Amphitheater, Pollock Water
Park, Menominee Park Zoo, Baseball
Diamonds, South Park Splash Pad,
Soccer Fields, Boat Docks & Launches,
Outdoor Tennis Courts, Playgrounds,
and Outdoor Basketball Courts.
Very
Satisfied,
33%
Somewhat
Satisfied,
53%
Somewhat
Dissatisfied,
10%
Conditions are
Unacceptable,
2%Don't
Visit
Parks, 2%
SATISFACTION WITH PARKS
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
120%
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How Well are Park Facilities Meeting
Community Needs?
Needs are Well Met Needs are Acceptably Met
Needs are Not Met
Section V: Needs Assessment
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 91
Another question asked users to select up to 10 of the following parks, trails, park facilities, and
programs that they felt were important to them and their families.
The top ten amenities voted most important in this question are as follows: Restrooms, Paved
Trails, the Riverwalk, Menominee Park Zoo, Leach Amphitheater, Picnic Areas, Unpaved Trails,
Parking Lots, Playgrounds, and Pavilions/Shelters.
Amenities voted least important included: Horseshoe Pits, the Skate Park, and Soccer Fields.
51 general comments were received for this question. The top four requests in the comments
were for more Pickleball Courts, Natural areas (native plantings and urban forests), Dog Friendly
Spaces, and a desire for water features- specifically an improved beach at Menominee Park and
a Splash Pad at Westhaven Circle Park.
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Which Park Facilities are Most Important to You?
Section V: Needs Assessment
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 92
Athletic Fields
When asked whether they thought there were enough athletic fields in Oshkosh, 48% of
respondents indicated that there are enough fields for adults and 54% thought there were enough
fields for youth. 18% said there are not enough athletic fields for adults and 14% thought there
were not enough for youth. 32% said that they didn’t know.
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
Leach Amphitheater
Pollock Water Park
Menominee Zoo
Baseball Diamonds
South Park Splash Pad
Soccer Fields
Boat Docks/Launches
Outdoor Tennis Courts
Playgrounds
Outdoor Basketball Courts
Riverwalk
Parking Lots
Pavilions/Shelters
Fishing Piers
Skate Park
Picnic Areas
Disc Golf
Horseshoe Pits
Paved Trails
Outdoor Volleyball Courts
Unpaved Trails
Restrooms
Sledding Hills
Most Important Facilities
(by Weighted Average)
Yes, 48%
No, 18%
I Don't
Know,
34%
Do You think there are enough
Athletic Fields for Adults in the
City?
Yes No I Don't Know
Yes, 54%
No,
14%
I Don't
Know,
32%
Do You think there are enough
Athletic Fields for Youth in the
City?
Yes No I Don't Know
Section V: Needs Assessment
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 93
0%5%10%15%20%25%30%35%40%
Comment Categories
Park Maintenance
Respondents were then asked to indicate their top priorities for park maintenance. Restroom
Maintenance and Updating ranked highest, followed by Trash Removal, Playground
Maintenance, Trail Maintenance, and Facility Maintenance. See the charge below.
Sorted by category, most of the open comments were requests for additional amenities, safety-
related requests, specific maintenance requests, specific park-related requests, and requests
regarding returning areas to a more naturalized condition. The most mentioned specific requests
were for more native plantings and natural areas, park ordinance enforcement, Miller ’s Bay
maintenance, a public golf course, and more garbage cans.
Facility Planning
When provided with a list and asked to select items they felt should be expanded or improved,
the Biking/Walking Trails (28%) and the Riverwalk (23%) were the top choices by a wide margin.
All of the other options accumulated only single digit percentages.
Comments included a list of additional suggestions, the top five of which were: more Restrooms
with longer hours, more Natural/Wooded/Native Planting Areas, Playground Improvements, a
desire for maintaining existing facilities in lieu of additional amenities, and the desire for a Dog
Park and/or more Dog-Friendly Areas.
0%5%10%15%20%25%
Playground Maintenance
Facility Maintenance
Mowing & Trimming
Restroom
Maintenance/Updating
Trail Maintenance
Trash Removal
Tree Care
Urban Wildlife Issues
Other
Top 4 Priorities for Park
Maintenace
0%5%10%15%20%25%30%
Athletic Facilities
Bike/Walking Trails
Boat Docks/Launches
Disc Golf
Fishing Piers
Riverwalk
Pickleball Courts
Tennis Facilities
Other
Items to Expand and/or Improve
Section V: Needs Assessment
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 94
Park Access
Most respondents rated their ability to
walk or bike in and around the City of
Oshkosh as "good." Based on the
results, walkers have a slightly more
pleasant experience than bikers.
Rentals
The vast majority (88%) of respondents
have not rented or reserved a park
pavilion, shelter, or sports field.
Of those who did, most (62%) of the
rentals were for a family event. "Other"
came in at 15%.
Most users rated their rental experience
as "great" or "good."
23%
13%
63%
59%
14%
28%
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%
Walkers
Bikers
Rated Ability to Walk or Bike in and
around Oshkosh
Poor Good Great
Yes
No
0%20%40%60%80%
Family Event
Work Function
Sports Practice/Game
Wedding
Fishing Event
Boating Event
Other
What was the Rental for?
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Ease of
Reservation
Process
Facility Quality
and Cleanliness
Cost of Rental Overall
Experience
How would you rate your rental
experience?
Great Good Poor
Have you rented any park facilities
in the past 12 months?
Section V: Needs Assessment
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 95
Leach Amphitheater
The next two questions focused on the Leach Amphitheater, Waterfest (42%), Parks Department
events (24%) and other Special Events (19%) were the most attended types of events.
General Comments
The final question asked for any other comments or suggestions to help improve the park facilities
and services in the City of Oshkosh. 176 people chose to share open comments and suggestions.
Most of those comments contained multiple ideas and thoughts.
The most mentioned desire was for more garbage cans and more frequent trash pickup (7.8%).
This was followed by compliments to the parks department and staff (7.2%), concerns about
biking safety on City streets (4.1%), requests to finish the Riverwalk (3.8%), an interest in
additional disc golf courses (2.7%), more trails (2.4%), more restrooms (2.4%), more native
plantings (2%), requests to fix the South Park splash pad (1.7%), and a desire for more benches
(1.7%).
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
79%
14%
5%2%
How many times have you or a
family member attended an event
at Leach Amphitheater?
0-3 times 4-6 times 7-9 times 10+ times
Waterfest
42%
Special
Event
19%
Private
Party/Rental
1%
Parks Dept.
Event
24%
Not
Applicable
13%
Other
1%
Type of Leach Event Attended
7.8%
7.2%
4.1%3.8%
2.7%2.4%2.4%2.0%1.7%1.7%1.7%1.7%1.7%1.7%1.7%1.4%1.4%1.4%1.4%1.4%1.0%1.0%1.0%1.0%
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1.0%
2.0%
3.0%
4.0%
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6.0%
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General Comments: Most Mentioned Issues
Section V: Needs Assessment
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 96
5.2 Additional Feedback
Park Staff
A virtual meeting with park staff was held on March 25, 2024 to solicit boots-on-the-ground
perspectives of park use and specific needs.
Some of the topics discussed included:
• South Park Splash Pad:
o The operating budget includes an allowance for splash pad renovations. However,
it will eventually need to be completely reconstructed.
• Community Park Master Plans:
o Lakeshore Park, Menominee Park, Rusch Park, South Park, and Rainbow
Memorial Park all have Master Plans.
• Park identification signage needs and types:
o The city is currently working on replacing park identification signs with new
uniformly themed ones.
• Pickleball Courts:
o A question was raised about the adequacy of the number of pickleball courts in the
city.
o It was noted that Menominee Park, South Park, Teichmiller Park, and Westhaven
Circle Parks all have pickleball courts and pickleball will be going into 44th Parallel
Park when the tennis courts are renovated.
• Waterfront Park Amenities:
o The condition of certain waterfront park features was discussed, including docks,
boat launch concrete slabs, parking, the riprap causeway at Fugleberg boat
launch, and the weeds in Miller’s Bay.
• Riverwalk maintenance:
o A suggestion was made to add funding to the CIP for long term repairs and
maintenance.
o The cost for lighted bollards was discussed as well.
• Pickart Park:
o The status of Pickart Park was discussed. The Parks Director stated that funding
for improvements is in the 2024 budget and that the process will start with
neighborhood input meetings.
Public Input
Public input was solicited at the Advisory Park Board meetings in February, May, and July 2024.
CORP Review Team
Input and oversight for the project was provided by the Parks Director and the Advisory Park
Board
Please refer to Appendix A: Community Input for detailed survey responses.
RECOMMENDATIONS
SECTION 6
Section VI: Recommendations
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 97
6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
The primary purpose of this Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan is to guide the City of
Oshkosh in the development of parklands and facilities to satisfy the outdoor recreation needs of
both visitors and residents. The recommendations listed below are based on information
gathered from the community, the consultant’s professional judgement and experience, and
discussions with the City Parks Department.
6.1 General Recommendations
The following is a list of general recommendations regarding acquisition and development needs,
and for general park improvements.
Accessibility Guidelines and Provision for Persons with Disabilities:
A segment of the population who would like to avail themselves of public parks is impeded by
physical or cognitive disabilities. Often traditional amenities and programs often have little to offer
these residents.
The term “accessible” describes a site, building, facility, or portion thereof that complies with the
Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) as interpreted by the
Department of Commerce in the Wisconsin Administrative Code and Register for Barrier -Free
Design.
The City of Oshkosh has conducted a self-evaluation of its public buildings and facilities
throughout the city and developed a Transition Plan detailing how the organization will ensure
that facilities are accessible to all individuals.
In February 2022, the city approved the City of Oshkosh Americans with Disabilities Act
Transition Plan for Public Buildings and Facilities plan.
The city should continue to upgrade existing facility and parkland features in accordance with the
plan and ADA guidelines. Newly designed, constructed, and/or altered recreation facilities should
comply with the applicable requirements under the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
Acquisition and Development of Park Land:
National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) standards indicate that the city is presently
below the recommended acreage standard metric. If only NRPA Level of Service (LOS) classified
parkland is counted, the city is 1.7 acres per 1,000 persons below the low end of the range
recommended in the WIDNR Guidelines for the Development of Local Comprehensive Outdoor
Recreation Plans. If all city-owned parkland is counted, then the city is only 0.03 acres per 1,000
persons lower. This shortage in parkland is mitigated somewhat by the proximity of several
Winnebago county park areas. It should be noted that these ranges are merely guidelines and
being on the lower end provides an opportunity to reassess community needs and to qualify for
grant opportunities.
There are a few residentially-zoned areas within the city, however, which are not served within
the NRPA recommended service radius, due to distance or barriers. The city should investigate
the acquisition and/or development of recreational opportunities in the areas shown on the
Potential Park Acquisition/Development Map as budgets and opportunities allow. It is further
recommended that the city monitor potential future parkland areas as residential areas grow.
Section VI: Recommendations
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 98
Community Beautification:
The city continues to recognize that the appearance of the community is an important component
in the provision of programs and services. The image that the city portrays affects the morale of
citizens and visitors. A clean safe environment helps to instill a sense of pride in the community.
Beautification projects, such as planting trees, shrubbery and flowers, along with other general
landscaping for parks and other public areas should continue to be encouraged, particularly with
perennials and native species. Continuation of the Taking Root Project should be encouraged
and supported by the city. The city should also continue to support the Tree City USA program.
The city is partnering with community organizations in 2024 to improve the landscaping on city-
maintained roundabouts and medians.
Conservation:
In addition to providing space and facilities for leisure activities, park systems should include
conservation and preservation measures. WDNR policies discouraging the development of
wetlands, floodplains, areas of steep slopes and other environmentally sensitive areas should be
strictly enforced.
Efficiency and Sustainability:
The city should continue to ensure that park development occurs in a fiscally sustainable manner
by considering the following:
▪ Installing new or replacing aging infrastructure with more energy efficient “green”
amenities such as LED lighting and water saving measures where feasible.
▪ Naturalizing certain little-used and currently mowed expanses in order to better utilize staff
time and resource costs and to benefit the environment.
▪ The Parks Department should continue to research grant opportunities and other funding
sources to support and enhance parkland, park programs, and park maintenance. (See
Public-Private Partnerships and Service Group/Volunteer Involvement sections below.)
Dogs in Parks:
In the fall of 2016, the City Municipal Code was updated to allow domesticated animals in parks
for the purpose of being walked on pass-through walkways and trails provided they are on a
lease no longer than six feet, under full control of their owners, and that their owners clean up
any waste and properly dispose of it off site. City Ordinance 19-4(D).
This update has been met with mixed reviews by park users. From past public input, it is estimated
that 50% of the population support dogs in parks while 50% does not. Comments in the community
survey support an off-leash fenced “urban” dog park. The city should evaluate potential sites for
such a facility.
Federal and State Aid Programs:
The city should continue to take advantage of state and federal financial and technical assistance
programs designed to assist the community in meeting recreation needs. To maintain eligibility
for such programs, the city’s Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan must be updated every
five years.
Impact Fees:
Many communities collect “impact fees” at the time the building permit is issued for a new home.
These impact fees can fund a variety of things including sewer and water construction, firefighting
Section VI: Recommendations
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 99
equipment, library facilities and park development. Regardless of the particular facility or service,
the fee must be reasonably related to or somehow serve the new neighborhood. When a
municipality collects park impact fees, they go into a separate account to fund capital development
of parks (or improvements to existing parks) to serve the new residents. The City of Oshkosh may
choose to fund all or part of the total park development cost through an impact fee. Therefore, it
is recommended that the city evaluate instituting a park impact fee.
Invasive Species:
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has developed resources and policies for
identifying invasive species and describing the various types of control mechanisms and
procedures for preventing the spread of species. The city should utilize WDNR guidelines for
invasive species management. DNR guidelines include strategies and other methods of
documenting and controlling invasive species, such as buckthorn, phragmites, emerald ash borer,
etc.
Municipal/School District Cooperation:
The city should promote the continued cooperation between the municipality and the local school
district in meeting the needs of the community. Cooperation might take the form of joint land
acquisition and facility development cost sharing. The increased use of existing facilities by both
the city and school district during the hours not scheduled by the respective agency should be
strongly encouraged. Establishing a joint, written agreement with the school district to identify
responsibilities and regulations is recommended in order to promote the harmonious use of school
district and city facilities.
The city is also encouraged to work with the surrounding area municipalities to increase park and
recreational opportunities for citizens.
Parkland Dedication:
Most communities have developer exactions for school and parkland acquisition and recreational
facilities development. These requirements are designed to help a growing community keep pace
with new residential development and to equitably apportion the cost of providing public areas.
The City of Oshkosh ordinance provides the flexibility to accept land or fees on a case-by-case
basis. From the Oshkosh Municipal Code, Ch. 30 Article XIII Section 30-422(J)(6)
(a) Reservation of Potential Sites
In the design of a subdivision, condominium development, or land division, consideration
shall be given to the adequate provision of and correlation with such public sites or open
spaces where it is determined by the City Plan Commission that a portion of the area is
required for such public sites or open spaces, the subdivider may be required to reserve
such area for a period not to exceed five (5) years, after which an applicable agency shall
either acquire the property or release the reservation.
(b) Dedication of Sites
Where feasible and compatible with the Comprehensive Plans for development of the
community, the subdivider shall dedicate to the public adequate land to provide for the
park and recreation needs of the subdivision, condominium or land division.
The amount of land to be provided shall be determined on the basis of 1,100 square feet
per detached single- family housing unit and 900 square feet per attached multi- family
Section VI: Recommendations
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 100
housing unit created by a subdivision plat, condominium plat, or Certified Survey Map. If
the number of housing units is not specified on the plat or Certified Survey Map, the
maximum allowable density under the City Zoning Ordinance shall be utilized to determine
the number of allowable housing units to be used to establish public land dedication
requirements.
(c) Proportionate Payment in Lieu of Dedication
Where the City, at its sole discretion, determines such dedication is not feasible or
compatible with the Comprehensive Plan or other plans of the City, the subdivider shall,
in lieu thereof, pay to the City or Town, depending on the location of the plat, a fee
equivalent to the value of the required dedication. Such fee shall be determined as follows:
For detached single- family housing units a fee of Two Hundred Dollars ($ 200. 00) per
residential lot, payable prior to acceptance of the final plat, condominium plat, or
Certified Survey Map, and Two Hundred Dollars ($200. 00) per dwelling unit, payable
prior to City of Oshkosh Chapter 30— Article XIII- Page 8 Municipal Codes City of
Oshkosh Zoning Ordinance Municipal Code issuance of a building permit, with the
provision that monies for lot payments made prior to the final plat shall be applied to the
total amount due and owing for the cost of each unit; money to be placed in a non-
lapsing fund to be used for neighborhood park and recreation area purposes.
For attached multi- family housing units a fee of One Hundred Sixty-Five Dollars ($ 165.
00) per allowable housing unit payable prior to acceptance of the final plat, condominium
plat, or Certified Survey Map and One Hundred Sixty- Five Dollars ($ 165. 00) per
dwelling unit payable prior to issuance of a building permit. Such fee shall be used
exclusively for immediate and/ or future site acquisition or capital improvement.
Some issues to consider when altering or amending the ordinance are as follows:
▪ Setting dedications at a level that covers all the costs associated with the acquisition and
development of the additional parkland.
▪ Extending the ordinance to extra-territorial jurisdictions.
▪ Mandating periodic reviews of the ordinances to update them.
A second item that sometimes arises, is the question of what type of land is acceptable for park
dedication. It is recommended to consider the following factors before accepting potential
parkland.
▪ Park dedication sites should not be used as borrow pits for clay or any other building
material and should be stable enough to support the proposed park improvements.
▪ All land should be free from detention or retention facilities and be above the 100-year
flood level.
▪ The grading and topography of the site shall meet the city’s approval. No slope shall
exceed 4:1 and the site will be graded to provide positive drainage with no ponding of
water.
▪ Land should be contiguous and in a configuration to serve the development with the
proposed recreational components.
▪ Parkland should have a minimum of 25% of the total perimeter directly fronting on a public
roadway.
▪ All parkland should be fully improved at time of dedication, including roads, sidewalks,
utilities, and final grading and seeding.
Section VI: Recommendations
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 101
Park System Planning:
The City of Oshkosh should encourage park and recreation facility planning on a neighborhood,
community and city-wide basis, viewing each site as an integral part of a unified system. A master
plan and/or management plan should be established for each community park (and parks in other
categories, as needed) to provide direction for the progressive and orderly planning, maintenance,
and programming of the facilities.
Pedestrian/Bicycle Circulation and Trails:
Bicycle and walking paths, as well as the bicycle usage of street and pedestrian walkways was a
major topic in the online community survey.
• In the question asking users to select from a list of facilities that are important to them and
their families, “Biking/Paved Trails” rated second, just under “Restrooms.”
• Trail maintenance also rated highly in a question asking users to prioritize types of
maintenance, coming in just under restroom maintenance and trash removal.
• When asked to select amenities that they felt should be “expanded or improved,”
respondents chose “Bike/Walking Trails” as their first choice.
• Another question asked: “How would you rate the ability to walk and bike in and round the
City of Oshkosh?” The majority of both walkers and bikers rated their experience in the
city as “good.” However, more walkers than bikers chose “great,” and almost twice as
many bikers as walkers, indicated “poor.”
• The final survey question, an invitation for open comments, revealed that a significant
number of people feel unsafe on the roads, especially at intersection crossings and
bridges, and would prefer a separated bike lane.
Recognizing the importance of pedestrian and bicycle facilities in connecting people to parks,
businesses, and other attractions as well as to work, the city adopted the City of Oshkosh Bicycle
and Pedestrian Master Plan in 2019. This plan should be referenced and implemented to increase
access to parks.
The city should also continue to work with surrounding communities, private landowners, local
conservancy groups, and state and federal agencies to improve trail development and
connections.
Refer to Section 3.4: Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities and Trails, and the mapping at the end of
that section for more information.
Private Recreation Areas and Facilities:
The city should encourage development of specialized facilities by the private sector. Specialized
facilities (miniature golf, kayak launches and rentals, indoor athletic venues, etc.) are an important
enhancement to public recreational facilities. Quality and availability for public use should be
emphasized.
Programming:
One of the fundamental objectives of the Oshkosh Parks Department is to develop a variety of
recreational facilities and activities for the community. This is in order to promote the public use
and enjoyment of community facilities, to increase community interaction, to support health and
wellness, and to enhance leisure time through the development of individual skills. In order to
accomplish this, a number of programming factors should be considered.
Section VI: Recommendations
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 102
▪ Communicate opportunities to the community by utilizing multiple options including the
city website, social media, print media, and community publications.
▪ Develop and maintain adequate facilities and open space to accommodate current and
future program needs.
▪ Continue to conduct periodic surveys of the community’s recreational facility preferences,
needs, and trends to ensure that facilities are of the type and quality that residents desire.
Public-Private Partnerships:
The city should look for opportunities to increase outdoor recreation opportunities by coordinating
with recreation interest groups, health care providers, recreation providers, elected officials, and
others to collaboratively develop outdoor projects.
Through public-private partnerships, development and acquisition opportunities may be
enhanced, which could allow for the preservation of existing resources and access to resources
that have not been previously available to residents and visitors.
Service Group/Volunteer Involvement:
The city should continue to encourage service groups and special interest groups to become
involved in park and recreational developments, including development of competitive sports
areas and neighborhood parks.
The city offers groups the opportunity to participate in “Adopt-a-Site” which allows participants to
take part in maintaining the park system and associated areas under the Parks Department’s
supervision.
Staffing Considerations:
Increased maintenance needs for new areas as well as
for aging facilities has the potential to increase the need
for staff and resources within the department in the next
five to ten years. It is recommended that the Parks
Department monitor staff workload, keeping the
following figures in mind.
▪ The 2023 NRPA Agency Performance
Review, which summarizes the key findings
from the National Recreation and Park
Association’s NRPA Park Metrics
benchmarking tool, reveals that agencies
serving jurisdictions with 50,000-99,999
persons have a median number of 11.1 FTEs
(full time equivalent employees) for every
10,000 residents.
Section VI: Recommendations
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 103
As demand increases, consideration should be given to varied and creative solutions including
the following:
▪ Employing additional staff.
▪ Increasing the efficiency of current staff by:
o Studying task/time record keeping data.
o Examining where and how equipment is stored and maintained for ease of access
and increased equipment life.
o Acquiring new and more equipment and technology if/as necessary.
▪ Encouraging community volunteers.
▪ Looking into increasing public-private partnerships.
▪ Reducing maintenance requirements, if possible, by:
o Reducing maintenance intensive features and plantings.
o Determining what park areas will be maintained to the highest degree and which
will be more natural. Consider clustering high maintenance areas near each other.
▪ Contracting out certain services or projects.
In the meantime, the city should continue to support current staff by:
▪ Encouraging a healthy work/life balance.
▪ Continuing to solicit feedback from employees on a regular basis and making changes as
necessary.
▪ Assisting in the professional development of employees by encouraging continuing
education and memberships in professional associations that promote the concepts,
practices and techniques of professional parks, recreation, and urban forestry
management.
Urban Forestry:
The Landscape Operations Division, as part of the Parks Department, is responsible for the
management and maintenance of trees in public spaces, including terrace areas, parks, and
public buildings. The division is also responsible for landscape maintenance and horticulture
operations of roundabouts, cemeteries, and the downtown Business Improvement District (BID).
Annually, staff is responsible for approximately 150-300 tree removals per year, 150-300 new tree
installations per year, stump removals, tree pruning, plant health care, tree/shrub insect and
disease treatments, equipment maintenance, and snow removal in addition to other projects.
Staff also manages additional tree planting projects through various grants and neighborhood
improvement project funds. A digital tree inventory is maintained on a regular basis in a GIS
system.
Forestry goals for the next five years include the following:
▪ Continue to update and maintain the public tree inventory.
▪ Trim 1/5th of the city street trees and tree structure to facilitate snow removal.
▪ Continue with the Tree City USA program.
Section VI: Recommendations
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 104
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Section VI: Recommendations
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6.2 Park-Specific Recommendations
The following specific proposals have been developed based on the Needs Assessment survey,
the Parkland Analysis (which includes National Recreation and Park Association standards), as
well as consultant and Advisory Park Board input and direction from city staff and the Parks
Department. Parks not identified in the following list do not have immediate needs and/or
recommendations at this time or have independent master plans. Park numbers are keyed to tie
in with the maps included in Sections 3 and 4 of this Plan.
Accessible walks listed in the following Park-Specific recommendations should be
installed per City of Oshkosh Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan for Public
Buildings and Facilities published February 2022.
Parking lot improvements listed in the following Park-Specific recommendations should
be completed per the City of Oshkosh Assessment of Municipal Parking Lots document.
Please refer to Section 7: Implementation Strategies for estimated costs for each individual
component.
The budget estimates in Section 7 are intended to provide guidance to the decision makers
responsible for implementing the plan and are organized into a matrix of short-, mid- and long-
term goals based on time increments of 1-5 years, 6-10 years and 11-15+ years.
The schedule of improvements for each facility will be determined at a later date, as
recommended by the Parks Department Staff and the Advisory Park Board as part of the annual
Capital Improvements Program.
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6.3 Proposed Park Types
The exact size and location of the proposed facilities should be decided on a specific case by
case basis. However, as lands become available and residential growth continues to move into
underserved and/or undeveloped areas, the city should investigate securing park space in the
areas shown on the Proposed Park Acquisition Map.
Careful planning, particularly of larger parks, will help to minimize acquisition and development
costs and better meet community needs. The master planning process should include a
comprehensive review of the existing conditions, advantages, and challenges for each potential
park site as well as an evaluation which includes the identification of proposed needs, the
collection of community input, the preparation of concept plans, and detailed cost estimates. It is
recommended that the city seek the assistance of a licensed landscape architect for park
planning.
Park Examples
The following are some general examples of parks by NRPA classification types.
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Mini Park
Classification General Description Location Preferred
Size
Service
Area
Mini Park ▪ The smallest park classification.
▪ Used to address limited, isolated, or
unique recreational needs.
▪ Often contain landscaping, seating
areas, and central focus feature
such as a gazebo, fountain, play
area, or historical marker or art
project.
▪ Often created on a single urban lot
or remnant parcel.
Generally
located in a
residential
setting.
Accessibility is
by way of trails,
sidewalks, or low
volume
residential
streets.
Typically
between
2,500 sq. ft.
and 2 acres.
1/4-mile
radius
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Neighborhood Park
Classification General Description Location Preferred
Size
Service
Area
Neighborhood
Park
▪ Basic unit of the park system.
▪ Recreational and social focus of
the neighborhood.
▪ Informal active and passive
recreation.
▪ Typical amenities include:
shelters, picnic areas (with
tables and grills), drinking
fountains, and pathways.
Generally located in
a residential setting.
Accessibility is by
way of trails,
sidewalks, or low
volume residential
streets. Access
should not be
interrupted by non-
residential roads
and other physical
barriers.
2 acres min.
5-10 acres
preferred.
1/4 to 1/2-
mile radius
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Community Park
Classification General Description Location Preferred
Size
Service
Area
Community
Park
▪ Focus is on meeting community-
based recreation needs and/or
preserving unique landscapes and
open spaces.
▪ Provides a combination of intensive
and non-intensive development. In
addition to the facilities provided at
neighborhood parks, community parks
may provide natural features, trails,
swimming pools, picnic areas,
elaborate playfields, game courts, ice
skating, shelters, or sanitary facilities
and ample off-street parking.
Usually serves
two or more
neighborhoods.
As needed to
accommodate
desired uses.
Usually 10-30+
acres.
1 to 2-
mile
radius
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6.4 Maintenance Plan
While careful planning and design are essential to building a great park system, the level of long-
term care generally plays the biggest part in determining facility attractiveness, safety, longevity,
and visitor experience. Sustainable maintenance also improves the quality of the natural
environment.
The amount of necessary maintenance will vary from park to park. Active parks, very visible parks
in central locations, and well-used parks tend to need a higher level of attention while open spaces
often only require some type of annual maintenance.
The following is a general list of goals and recommendations for municipal park systems. While
the overall list of recommendations is extensive, it is meant to be long-term and many should be
implemented over a period of years.
Maintenance Goals and Recommendations
Goal: Efficiency
Recommendations
▪ Provide adequate and well-trained park personnel.
▪ Promote an understanding of the significant scope of work related to parks, facilities and
trail operations and maintenance.
▪ Plan realistic time frames when scheduling maintenance work.
▪ Acquire appropriate equipment to perform maintenance effectively and efficiently.
▪ Create and maintain a log for tracking park system and individual park maintenance
activities.
▪ Implement systematic routine maintenance of park facilities and equipment:
o Play equipment
o Courts and fields
o Benches and picnic tables
o Trail systems
o Restrooms and shelters
o Paved parking areas
o Accessible routes
Goal: Accessibility
Recommendations
▪ Retrofit all parks and park facilities to be accessible, including shelters and restrooms. As
park facilities are constructed or upgraded, they should be designed to be barrier-free and
accessible to all park users.
▪ Cover surfaces directly under play equipment and a safe zone around the play equipment
with an ADA compliant safety surface. In addition, provide an accessible route to all play
structures and facilities.
▪ Continue with the current playground equipment replacement program.
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Goal: Sustainable Maintenance and Care Practices
Recommendations
▪ Periodically survey the condition of each park as well as the facilities within the park in
order to schedule routine maintenance projects effectively and efficiently.
▪ Design a sustainable maintenance program that includes evaluating annual labor, supply
and equipment needs.
▪ Consider employing some or all of the following guidelines in the maintenance program:
o Retain existing soil during construction and planting projects. Stockpile and reuse
this soil on-site to minimize disturbance that could encourage growth of invasive
plant species.
o If fill needs to be imported, specify weed-free fill.
o When using fertilizer, use organic or “slow-release” and use no more than
recommended for proper growth.
o The soil should be tested once every three years to determine the need for fertilizer
and pH adjustment.
o Use compost as an annual dressing.
o Mulching retains moisture in the soil, moderates soil temperature, prevents erosion
and the washing away of nutrients, and keeps weed growth under control. Mulch
should be applied no deeper than 4” on trees, 2-3” on shrubs, and about an inch
on perennials.
o Use shredded hardwood mulch rather than wood chips because of its slower
decomposition rate and lower nitrogen depletion properties.
o In turf areas and newly planted areas, water deeply, about one inch of water per
week to keep plants healthy and to prevent soil erosion. Water in the early morning
to prevent evaporation.
o Consider using two types of grass within the parks, a cool season athletic mix turf
grass for active play areas, such as ball fields and picnic areas, and a native cool
season grass such as Canada rye in place of Kentucky bluegrass and fescue in
other areas of the park.
o Mow high (about 3” or no more than one-third of the blade of grass) in earlier
morning hours, leaving grass clippings on the turf. Longer blades of grass tend to
grow deeper roots helping to avoid erosion and obtaining more moisture and
nutrients from the soil.
o Turf grass on ball fields and soccer fields should be mowed 2x/week during the
seasons when needed. All other turf grass areas should be mowed 1x/week as
time and weather permit.
o Include large drifts of native grasses and flower areas in parks, especially around
water bodies to protect water quality, provide seasonal color and texture, enhance
wildlife habitat and deter goose populations.
o Consider a controlled burn or equivalent natural management area approach, such
as mowing, to maintaining native landscapes within parks. Controlled burns, if
selected, should be performed only by trained personnel.
o Incorporate natural storm water control measures within the parks such as rain
gardens, grass swales and additional planting of trees around parking and other
hard surface areas to reduce site run-off.
o Reduce the use of pesticides, herbicides or other chemically treated materials (i.e.
wood), whenever possible due to their impacts on water quality and wildlife habitat.
When needed, especially in the case of invasive plant species control, chemicals
should be applied only by trained personnel and care should be taken to ensure
proper use and storage.
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Goal: Community Partnership and Cooperation
Recommendations
▪ Solicit public evaluation of parks, facilities, and trail maintenance from the public using
periodic surveys or online feedback.
▪ Utilize community volunteer resources to assist in park beautification and maintenance
projects, e.g., rain gardens, restoration projects, invasive species control and installation
of signage, new playground structures, etc. These types of activities bring community
members together, especially in neighborhood park settings and can create a sense of
ownership that will last.
▪ Create volunteer recognition programs to acknowledge groups or community members
for their service.
▪ Educate the public on the aesthetics and benefits of sustainable park landscapes using
brochures, fact sheets, the city website, social media, and/or newsletters and signage.
Goal: Capital Improvements
Recommendations
▪ Routine maintenance generally consists of the repair and upkeep of existing park facilities
(such as painting a shelter building), does not appreciably increase the value of the park,
and is traditionally funded through the Park Department’s operations budget. Capital
improvements, on the other hand, are the addition of labor and materials that improve the
overall value and usefulness of a park (such as upgrading a restroom facility to be barrier-
free), and often designated and funded individually through segregated municipal funds.
▪ Generally, capital improvements are ranked in the following manner:
o Improvements to Existing Facilities:
▪ Correct health and safety hazards
▪ Upgrade deficient facilities, including accessibility-related deficiencies
▪ Modernize adequate but outdated facilities
o Development of new facilities, as deemed appropriate and necessary through public
demand (public meetings, Parks Department input, expected population growth).
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Landscape Maintenance Guidelines
Planting Type Annual Maintenance Schedule Long-Term Maintenance
Winter Spring Summer Fall At 2 Years At 5 Years At 10+
Years
Trees and Shrubs
Only prune
lower branches
that will create a
hazard. Trees
should not be
staked unless
absolutely
necessary.
Renewal prune
woody shrubs to
improve shape.
DO NOT
SHEAR
SHRUBS.
Pruning should
be done only by
trained
personnel.
Selectively
replace shrubs
that have
overgrown.
Renewal prune
woody shrubs
to improve
shape.
DO NOT
SHEAR
SHRUBS.
Pruning should
be done only by
trained
personnel.
Replace
shrubs that
have
become
overgrown.
Planting
New/Replacement
X X X
Fertilizer Only when needed
Mulch X X X
Pest Control (only as
needed)
X X
Plant Repair X X X X
Pruning X X X X
Perennials/Ornamental
Grasses
Divide existing
plants to keep
them healthy
and maintain
shape.
Divide
existing
plants to
keep them
healthy and
maintain
shape.
Planting
New/Replacement
X X X In areas where
establishment is
unsuccessful,
amend soil and
replant.
Replace dead
plant material.
Change plant
species in
cases of major
die-outs.
Replace
dead plant
material.
Change
plant
species in
cases of
major die-
outs.
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Planting Type Annual Maintenance Schedule Long Term Maintenance
Winter Spring Summer Fall At 2 Years At 5 Years At 10+
Years
Aeration April Sept. Re-grade
sections that
may have
become
“bumpy.”
Remove lawn
from area
around tree
trunks.
Complete
major
renovation of
turf areas
designated
for active
sports such
as ball fields,
soccer fields,
etc.
Mowing X X X
Re-sodding X X X
Re-seeding (over-
seeding)
X
Weed control (only as
needed)
X X
Fertilization X X
Naturalized Areas
Planting X X Weeding/burns
and general
management is
critical during
the first three
years of
establishment.
The goal is to
have minimal
contact in
subsequent
years to reduce
impact to
wildlife habitat.
ONLY BURN
IN NATIVE
GRASS &
FLOWER
AREAS.
Most trees and
shrubs cannot
typically survive
this method of
weed control.
Plant species
selection
should be
modified
based on
success rates.
Long-term
management
should
consider
wildlife
habitat
quality.
Plant
species
selection
should be
modified
based on
success
rates and
aesthetic
quality.
Replace
plants or re-
seed as
needed.
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IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
SECTION 7
Section VII: Implementation Strategies
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7.0 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
The list of recommendations in the previous section, which consist of repairs, upgrades,
corrections, and desired additional amenities, are intended to provide guidance to decision
makers.
In this section, estimated costs are provided for each of these improvements to assist the city in
organizing funding. Typically, these costs include furnishing and installation as well as appropriate
allowances for demolition, mobilization, and permitting. These estimates are based on 2020-2024
costs from similar bid projects and do not necessarily reflect inflation, regional price differences,
and potential future material cost increases. Quantities are based on county aerial photography.
These items may be funded through a combination of city capital improvements budgets, public-
private partnerships, grants, volunteer opportunities, and donations. Any city-funded
improvements would have to be presented to and approved by the city as part of its annual Capital
Improvements Program. Various grant and alternate funding sources are listed in the second half
of this section.
For ease of reference, this section also provides a plan for implementing those recommendations
over the next ten to fifteen years. The improvement information is organized into a spreadsheet
matrix of short-, mid- and long-term strategies that are based on time increments of 1-5 years, 6-
10 years, and 10+ years and beyond. This section should be viewed as a planning tool. Projects
not completed in the hypothetical time frames identified should simply be considered future
opportunities.
It is recommended that the city monitor, review, and prioritize the improvement strategies on an
annual basis.
7.1 Capital Improvements
(See the following spreadsheets)
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Multiplier 1.035 to 1.188 1.229 to 1.411 1.460+
*Note: a 3.5%
construction inflation
multiplier to be
added per year to
the current
estimated cost.
Short Term
(1-5 Years)
2025-2029
Mid Term
(6-10 Years)
2030-2034
Long Term
(11+ Years)
2035+
PARK NAME
CURRENT
ESTIMATED
COST
Site Lighting $10,000 X
Park Identification Sign $5,000 X
Replace Perimeter Fencing $35,000 X
Benches $6,000 X
SUBTOTAL $56,000
Site Lighting $10,000 X
Park Identification Sign $5,000 X
Benches $3,000 X
SUBTOTAL $18,000
Tennis/Pickleball Court Reconstruction $200,000 X
Accessible Walks $15,000 X
Ballfield Reconstruction $300,000 X
Open Air Shelter $75,000 X
Park Identification Sign $5,000 X
Site Lighting $30,000 X
Benches $12,000 X
SUBTOTAL $637,000
Playground Improvements $275,000 X
Accessible Walks $5,000 X
Park Identification Sign $5,000 X
Site Lighting $10,000 X
Benches $10,000 X
SUBTOTAL $305,000
Capital Improvement Schedule
44th Parallel Park
Abbey Park
Congress Avenue Tot Lot
Garden Club Park
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Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan Page | 155
Multiplier 1.035 to 1.188 1.229 to 1.411 1.460+
*Note: a 3.5%
construction inflation
multiplier to be
added per year to
the current
estimated cost.
Short Term
(1-5 Years)
2025-2029
Mid Term
(6-10 Years)
2030-2034
Long Term
(11+ Years)
2035+
PARK NAME
CURRENT
ESTIMATED
COST
Playground Improvements $275,000 X
Accessible Walks $7,000 X
Park Identification Sign $5,000 X
Shoreline Restoration Allowance $75,000 X
Benches $10,000 X
Parking Lot Redevelopment*TBD X
Site Lighting Allowance $40,000 X
SUBTOTAL $412,000
Playground Improvements $80,000 X
Accessible Walks $15,000 X
Park Identification Sign $5,000 X
Site Lighting $15,000 X
Open Air Shelter Renovation $45,000 X
Shoreline Restoration Allowance $75,000 X
Benches $6,000 X
SUBTOTAL $241,000
Basketball Court Reconstruction $45,000 X
Accessible Walks $6,500 X
Park Identification Sign $5,000 X
Benches $10,000 X
Site Lighting $40,000 X
Replace Perimeter Fencing $60,000 X
SUBTOTAL $166,500
Ballfield Reconstruction $335,000 X
Accessible Walks $19,000 X
Park Identification Sign $5,000 X
Site Lighting $40,000 X
Benches $5,000 X
SUBTOTAL $404,000
Master Plan Development $15,000 X
SUBTOTAL $15,000
Bauman Park
Park Site A
Abe Rochlin Park
Fugleberg Park
Mary Jewell Park
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan Page | 156
Multiplier 1.035 to 1.188 1.229 to 1.411 1.460+
*Note: a 3.5%
construction inflation
multiplier to be
added per year to
the current
estimated cost.
Short Term
(1-5 Years)
2025-2029
Mid Term
(6-10 Years)
2030-2034
Long Term
(11+ Years)
2035+
PARK NAME
CURRENT
ESTIMATED
COST
Improvements Allowance $340,000 X
SUBTOTAL $340,000
Master Plan Development $15,000 X
Park Identification Sign $5,000 X
SUBTOTAL $20,000
Site Lighting $40,000 X
Park Identification Sign $5,000 X
Benches $5,000 X
SUBTOTAL $50,000
Tennis and Basketball Court Reconstruction $275,000 X
Playground Improvements $275,000 X
Park Identification Signs $10,000 X
Accessible Walks $5,000 X
Site Lighting $50,000 X
SUBTOTAL $615,000
Accessible Walks $2,000 X
Restroom/Shelter Construction $500,000 X
Site Lighting $40,000 X
Park Identification Sign $5,000 X
Benches $5,000 X
Basketball Court Overlay $10,000 X
SUBTOTAL $562,000
Playground Improvements $150,000 X
Accessible Walks $26,000 X
Basketball Court Reconstruction $60,000 X
Park Identification Sign $5,000 X
Site Lighting $40,000 X
Benches $10,000 X
SUBTOTAL $291,000
Stoegbauer Park
Pickart Park (refer to master plan)
Quarry Park
Stevens Park
Teichmiller Park
Roe Park
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan Page | 157
Multiplier 1.035 to 1.188 1.229 to 1.411 1.460+
*Note: a 3.5%
construction inflation
multiplier to be
added per year to
the current
estimated cost.
Short Term
(1-5 Years)
2025-2029
Mid Term
(6-10 Years)
2030-2034
Long Term
(11+ Years)
2035+
PARK NAME
CURRENT
ESTIMATED
COST
Accessible Walks $5,000 X
Playground Improvements $275,000 X
Shelter Roof Allowance $5,000 X
Park Identification Sign $5,000 X
Site Lighting $40,000 X
Benches $10,000 X
Shoreline Restoration Allowance $75,000 X
SUBTOTAL $415,000
Splash Pad $500,000 X
Site Lighting $40,000 X
Park Identification Sign $5,000 X
Benches $10,000 X
Accessible Walks $25,000 X
Ballfield Improvements $300,000 X
Basketball Court Resurfacing $20,000 X
SUBTOTAL $900,000
Playground Improvements $300,000 X
Skate Park Restoration $100,000 X
Park Identification Sign $5,000 X
Lighting Replacement $60,000 X
Benches $10,000 X
Parking Lot Improvements TBD X
Determine Park Long-Term Plan TBD X
SUBTOTAL $475,000
Park Identification Sign $5,000 X
Site Lighting $40,000 X
Accessible Walks $10,000 X
Parking Lot Improvements TBD X
SUBTOTAL $55,000
Park Identification Sign $5,000 X
SUBTOTAL $5,000
Westhaven Circle Park
West Algoma Park
Red Arrow Park
24th Avenue Boat Launch
Al Broullire Memorial Garden
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan Page | 158
Multiplier 1.035 to 1.188 1.229 to 1.411 1.460+
*Note: a 3.5%
construction inflation
multiplier to be
added per year to
the current
estimated cost.
Short Term
(1-5 Years)
2025-2029
Mid Term
(6-10 Years)
2030-2034
Long Term
(11+ Years)
2035+
PARK NAME
CURRENT
ESTIMATED
COST
Park Identification Sign $5,000 X
Benches $5,000 X
Parking Lot Improvements TBD X
SUBTOTAL $10,000
Replace Railings $30,000 X
Park Identification Sign $5,000 X
SUBTOTAL $35,000
Accessible Walks $3,000 X
Park Identification Sign $5,000 X
Site Lighting $40,000 X
Benches $10,000 X
SUBTOTAL $58,000
Causeway Improvements TBD X
Additional Boat Launch TBD X
Site Lighting $40,000 X
Park Identification Sign $5,000 X
Parking Lot Improvements TBD X
SUBTOTAL $45,000
Benches $5,000 X
Railing Repairs/Replacements $50,000 X
SUBTOTAL $55,000
Decking Replacement (composite decking)$30,000 X
Boat Launch Concrete Improvements $30,000 X
Park Identification Sign $5,000 X
SUBTOTAL $65,000
Park Identification Sign $5,000 X
Benches $3,000 X
SUBTOTAL $8,000
Bowen Street Fishing Dock
Carl E. Steiger Park
Boatworks
Fugleberg Boat Launch
Mill Street Boat Launch
Michigan Street Fishing Dock
Riverside Park
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan Page | 159
Multiplier 1.035 to 1.188 1.229 to 1.411 1.460+
*Note: a 3.5%
construction inflation
multiplier to be
added per year to
the current
estimated cost.
Short Term
(1-5 Years)
2025-2029
Mid Term
(6-10 Years)
2030-2034
Long Term
(11+ Years)
2035+
PARK NAME
CURRENT
ESTIMATED
COST
Park Identification Sign $5,000 X
Site Lighting $40,000 X
Benches $5,000 X
Boat Launch Improvements TBD X
Composite Decking for Fishing Pier $50,000 X
SUBTOTAL $100,000
Park Identification Sign/Message Center $75,000 X
Electrical Infrastructure Improvements $30,000 X
Improvements Allowance (from Downtown
Oshkosh Redevelopment Plan)TBD X
SUBTOTAL $105,000
Park Identification Sign $5,000 X
Scoreboard $25,000 X
Ballfield Lighting $275,000 X
SUBTOTAL $305,000
Park Identification Sign $5,000 X
Site Lighting $15,000 X
SUBTOTAL $20,000
TOTALS $6,788,500
Short Term $4,655,500
Mid Term $2,133,000
Long Term $0
*Please note that complete master plan costs, for those parks with master plans, are not included.
Opera House Square
Killian G. Spanbauer Field
North High Conservancy Park
William A. Steiger Park
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan Page | 160
Section VII: Implementation Strategies
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 161
7.2 Funding
There are various common funding methods that communities can use to help acquire, develop,
operate, and maintain park systems. Each have potential benefits and drawbacks. It is desirable
that capital improvement schedules combine funding sources. The specific method or
combination chosen will depend on the particulars of the situation. Methods are as follows:
▪ General Funds/Local Taxes: Commonly used for park system administration, park
operations, maintenance, and some park acquisition and development.
▪ User Fees: These voluntary fees ensure that only those who use a particular facility or
feature pay for it, rather than relying on a large base of non-users to subsidize usage. User
fees are generally implemented only on specialized features such as boat launches or
hunting licenses. The general idea is that if a feature benefits the public at large, it should
be supported by the public. If a feature benefits only a limited number of private individuals
or organizations, then it should be financed- at least in part- by the same.
▪ Impact Fees: Wisconsin State Statute §66.0617 permits municipalities and counties in
Wisconsin to impose impact fees on developers. This legislation specifies what standards
that an impact fee ordinance must meet, as well as establishing procedural requirements
that must be satisfied before a governmental entity may enact such an ordinance,
including the completion of a needs assessment study and the holding of a public hearing.
Used for parkland acquisition and development within a specified district and designed to
meet recreation needs created by the new development.
▪ Philanthropy/Donations: Used for park acquisition, development, and management.
“Friends” groups, foundations, conservancies, benevolent individuals, and even local
businesses can provide a way for public parks to receive ongoing support from private
funding.
▪ Volunteer Participation: Used for park development, operations, and management. If
volunteer participation is utilized for park development and management, it must be
properly administered to be effective. Volunteers must be trained, equipped, and
supervised to work in an effective, safe, and legal manner. Please note that some grant-
in-aid programs do not recognize donated labor as a local match.
▪ Loans: Used for park acquisition and development.
▪ Grant-in-Aid Programs: Used for park acquisition and development. It should be noted
that although it is desirable to acquire funding from grants, the city should also consider
its ability to:
o Submit the necessary grant application materials
o Administer the grant
o Maintain the necessary documentation as required by the grant
o Fund any required match
o Maintain he improvement or program
o Accept any long-term obligations or restrictions on the city property where the
funding is used.
The chart below lists some potential grant funding sources.
Section VII: Implementation Strategies
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 162
Potential Funding Sources
STATE OF WISCONSIN GRANTS:
WI Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Acquisition & Development of Local Parks (Stewardship)
Acquisition of Development Rights (Stewardship)
Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program
Clean Water Fund Program
Friends of State Lands (Stewardship)
Gypsy Moth Suppression Program
Habitat Area (Stewardship)
Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program Grants (Multiple)
Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)*
Surface Water Grants
Motorized Stewardship Grants
Municipal Flood Control
Municipal Water Safety Patrols State Assistance
Natural Areas (Stewardship)
Targeted Runoff Management Grant Program
Recreational Boating Facilities Grant Program
Recreational Trails Program
River Protection and Planning Grant Programs
Shooting Range Grant Program
Snowmobile Trail Aids
Sport Fish Restoration
Stamp Funds
State Trails (Stewardship)
Streambank Protection (Stewardship)
Urban Forestry Assistance Grants
Urban Green Space Program (Stewardship)
Urban Non-Point Source and Storm Water Grant Program
Urban Rivers Grant Program (Stewardship)
Utility Terrain Vehicle Trails
WI Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)
Brownfields Grant Program
Brownfield Site Assessment Grant
Community Development Investment Grant
Community Based Economic Development Program (Multiple)
Community Development Block Grants (Multiple)
WI Department of Administration (DOA)
Coastal Management Grants
WI Department of Transportation (DOT)
Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program
Harbor Assistance Program
Local Transportation Enhancement (TE) Program
Safe Routes to School Grant Program (SRTS)
Surface Transportation Program – Urban
Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)
Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA)
Section VII: Implementation Strategies
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 163
Wisconsin State Infrastructure Bank (Loan Program)
FEDERAL GRANTS:
US Department of Housing and Urban Development
Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)
US Department of the Interior
National Park Service Land & Water Conservation Fund
US Environmental Protection Agency
Brownfield Clean Up Grant
Clean Water State Revolving Fund
EPA Environmental Education Grant Program
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
US Fish and Wildlife Service
State Wildlife Grants Program
North American Wetlands Conservation Fund
PRIVATE/NON-PROFIT GRANTS:
American Academy of Dermatology
AAD Shade Structure Grant Program
Bikes Belong Coalition
Bikes Belong Grant Program
Eastman Kodak, etc.
Kodak American Greenways Program
Dr Pepper Snapple & KaBOOM!
Let’s Play Imagination Playground Grant
Major League Baseball
MLB Baseball Tomorrow Fund
Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin
C.D. Besadny Conservation Grant (small grants only)
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program
Bring Back the Natives
Sustain our Great Lakes Program
US Soccer Foundation
US Soccer Foundation Grant
WI DNR Projects
Eligibility
“Eligible local governments are only those towns, cities, counties, and tribal governments that
have a Department approved Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan or Master Plan, which
has been approved by resolution by the local governing unit or a plan of a higher unit of
government. Local governments with qualifying plans receive eligibility to apply for grants for five
years.”
Source: (http://www.dnr.state.wi.us)
In general, eligible projects include land acquisition, development, and renovation projects for
“nature-based outdoor recreation” purposes. Decisions by the department (DNR) as to whether a
particular project activity is categorized as “nature-based outdoor recreation” are made on a case-
by-case basis. Some eligible projects or reasons are as follows:
Section VII: Implementation Strategies
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 164
Eligible Projects
▪ Acquisition of a conservation easement that enhances or provides nature-based outdoor
recreation. Because of the complexity of easements, the department has developed
separate guidelines, including a model easement to explain the requirements for eligibility
for Stewardship funding. Contact your DNR region Community Service Specialist for
additional information.
▪ Land purchases to preserve scenic or natural areas, including areas of physical or
biological importance and wildlife areas. These areas shall be open to the general public
for outdoor recreation use to the extent that the natural attributes of the areas will not be
seriously impaired or lost.
▪ Land within urban areas for such uses as open natural space, undeveloped play areas,
bicycling trails, walking and horseback riding trails, and day-use picnic areas.
▪ Areas that preserve or restore urban rivers or riverfronts for the purposes of economic
revitalization and nature based outdoor recreation activities.
▪ Development and renovation projects for the purpose of nature-based outdoor recreation.
▪ Development and renovation of support facilities for the above – e.g., access roads,
parking areas, restroom facilities, utility and sanitation systems, permanent landscaping,
park signs, fences and lighting for the protection of park users, etc.
▪ Shoreline habitat restoration projects that serve public recreation or resource conservation
purposes and are dependent on being on a shoreline.
▪ Riparian buffer rehabilitation including establishment of native vegetation, which may
include slope and site preparation, and control of exotic plant species.
▪ Shoreline stabilization, which may employ bioengineering practices, and other
environmentally beneficial stabilization techniques.
Source: (http://www.dnr.state.wi.us)
Ineligible Projects
▪ Land acquired through condemnation by the applicant.
▪ Purchasing land for, and development of, recreation areas that are not related to nature-
based outdoor recreation – e.g., sports that require extensively developed open space
such as dedicated sports fields, swimming pools, tennis courts, playgrounds, skateboard
parks, hockey rinks, indoor horse arenas, golf courses, and motorized recreation.
▪ Lands dedicated through a local park land dedication ordinance.
▪ Restoration or preservation of historic structures.
▪ Buildings primarily devoted to operation and maintenance.
▪ Indoor recreation facilities.
▪ Construction or repair of seawalls, dams, and lagoons.
▪ Construction of lodges, motels, luxury cabins or similar facilities.
▪ Environmental remediation or clean-up of site contamination.
Source: (http://www.dnr.state.wi.us)
Please refer to the Wisconsin DNR 2024 Grant Program Guidance at:
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/sites/default/files/topic/Stewardship/2024_Grant_Program_Guidance_
Booklet_FINAL_013024.pdf
REFERENCES
SECTION 8
Section VIII: References
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 165
8.0 REFERENCES
8.1 Annotated Bibliography
▪ City of Oshkosh. City of Oshkosh Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. Adopted
November, 2019.
▪ City of Oshkosh. Information about parks, boards and committees, and GIS information.
Retrieved from URL:
o https://www.oshkoshwi.gov/
o https://www.oshkoshwi.gov/GISOnlineMaps/
▪ City of Oshkosh. City of Oshkosh Comprehensive Plan Update 2040. Adopted October
9, 2018.
▪ MSA Professional Services. Winnebago County Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation
Plan 2024-2028. Adopted 2021.
▪ Mertes, James D., Hall, James R. Hall. Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway
Guidelines. National Park and Recreation Association, 1996.
▪ National Recreation and Park Association. 2023 NRPA Agency Performance Review.
▪ National Recreation and Park Association. 2023 Engagement with Parks Report.
▪ 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.
▪ US Census Bureau. Retrieved from URLs:
o https://data.census.gov/
o https://data.census.gov/profile/Oshkosh_city,_Wisconsin?g=160XX00US556050
0
o https://www2.census.gov
o https://www.census.gov/acs/www/data/data-tables-and-tools/data-profiles/
▪ 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.co.winnebago.wi.us/planning-and-zoning/gis
o https://www.co.winnebago.wi.us/planning-and-zoning/gis/data-download
▪ Wisconsin Department of Administration, Wisconsin Population & Housing Estimates,
Municipality Final Population Estimates, and Demographic Services Center, retrieved
from the URLs:
o https://doa.wi.gov/Pages/LocalGovtsGrants/Demographic_Services.aspx
o https://doa.wi.gov/Pages/LocalGovtsGrants/Population_Estimates.aspx
o https://doa.wi.gov/Pages/LocalGovtsGrants/Population_Projections.aspx
Section VIII: References
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 166
▪ Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Community Assistance.
o Guidelines for the Development of Local Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation
Plans. PUBL-CA-010.
▪ Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, December, 2023.
o http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/surfacewater/swdv/
▪ Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The Ecological Landscapes of Wisconsin:
An assessment of ecological resources and a guide to planning sustainable
management. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, PUB-SS-1131 2015,
Madison.
▪ Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Wisconsin Statewide Comprehensive
Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) 2019-2023. March 2019.
Section VIII: References
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 167
8.2 Aerial Park Site Maps
Mini Parks Page
Congress Avenue Tot Lot ......................................................................... SM - 01
Garden Club Park ..................................................................................... SM - 02
William Waters Plaza ................................................................................ SM - 03
Neighborhood Parks
44th Parallel Park ....................................................................................... SM - 04
Abbey Park ............................................................................................... SM - 05
Abe Rochlin Park ...................................................................................... SM - 06
Bauman Park ............................................................................................ SM - 07
Fugleberg Park ......................................................................................... SM - 08
Mary Jewel Park ....................................................................................... SM - 09
Park Site A ................................................................................................ SM - 10
Pickart Park .............................................................................................. SM - 11
Quarry Park .............................................................................................. SM - 12
Roe Park ................................................................................................... SM - 13
Stevens Park ............................................................................................ SM - 14
Stoegbauer Park ....................................................................................... SM - 15
Teichmiller Park ........................................................................................ SM - 16
West Algoma Park .................................................................................... SM - 17
Westhaven Circle Park .............................................................................. SM - 18
Community Parks
Lakeshore Park ......................................................................................... SM - 19
Menominee Park ....................................................................................... SM - 20
Rainbow Memorial Park ............................................................................ SM - 21
Red Arrow Park ......................................................................................... SM - 22
South Park ................................................................................................ SM - 23
Waterfront Recreation
24th Avenue Boat Launch .......................................................................... SM - 24
Al Broullire Memorial Park ......................................................................... SM - 25
Boatworks ................................................................................................. SM - 26
Bowen Street Fishing Park ........................................................................ SM - 27
Carl E. Steiger Park .................................................................................. SM - 28
Fugleberg Boat Launch ............................................................................. SM - 29
Michigan Street Fishing Dock .................................................................... SM - 30
Mill Street Boat Launch ............................................................................. SM - 31
Riverside Park........................................................................................... SM - 32
William A. Steiger Park ............................................................................. SM - 33
Section VIII: References
City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan P a g e | 168
Special Use Parks
Hikers Monument ...................................................................................... SM - 34
Leach Amphitheater .................................................................................. SM - 35
Opera House Square ................................................................................ SM - 36
Killian G. Spanbauer ................................................................................. SM - 37
Natural Resource Area
Campbell Creek Marsh ............................................................................. SM - 38
Glatz Nature Park ..................................................................................... SM - 39
North High Conservancy Park ................................................................... SM - 40
Rusch Park ............................................................................................... SM - 41
CONGR
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APPENDICES
APPENDIX A:
COMMUNITY INPUT
City of Oshkosh Parks
Department - Comprehensive
Outdoor Recreation Plan
Community Survey
Survey Results
FINAL
04/01/2024
Do you reside in the City of Oshkosh?
Yes 90% (437)
No 10% (46)
How old is the person filling out this survey?
Under age 18 0% (1)
Age 18-30 8% (40)
Age 31-45 36% (176)
Age 46-60 25% (119)
Age 61-75 27% (130)
Age 75+4% (17)
Do you have children under 18?
Yes 37% (180)
No 63% (303)
If your answer to the previous question was Yes, how many?
One 21% (76)
Two 19% (68)
Three 7% (27)
Four or More than Four 3% (12)
Not Applicable 50% (183)
How do you obtain information about Park facilities, programs and events?
Oshkosh Media (formerly OCAT)11% (53)
Newspaper 39% (187)
City Website 26% (124)
Word of Mouth 57% (276)
Marquee signs in the parks 31% (151)
Recreation Department Program Guide 33% (159)
Social Media 67% (323)
Other (Please specify in next question)4% (20)
If you selected "Other" in the previous question, please specify your answer
here:
I don’t really hear about them at all.
I e -mail the parks department (for field reservations). They are very good about replying.
Facebook groups about Oshkosh that are not affiliated with the city
Local clubs
GOHNI Alliance Meetings
Rarely do I know what's going on in our parks and programs. If a neighbor or co-worker tells me,
then I hear it . Sometimes I read the Oshkosh Herald. But otherwise I have no clue what's going on. I
used to know more when my children were little, because that 's when we used the parks, and mainly
that was Lakeshore golf course, the zoo and ride area by Menominee Park, and Pollack pool.
n/a
Discover Oshkosh
communicate with parks department leadersship
Workplace HR
The Herald
Email
Sometimes on radio
Dog park
Discover Oshkosh Events Calendar
Discover Oshkosh emails
Oshkosh Herald
Seasonal mailings
I’ve lived here since 2012 and I didn’t even know we had a Parks Department . I’ve never seen
anything about schedules or events within the City of Oshkosh
Also friend that works for the parks
I am employed by Chad dallman
Friend's who have visited or co-workers.
Pamphlet in mail
WOSH radio
NA
How o en do you use the park facilities in Oshkosh?
Daily 11% (53)
Weekly 38% (185)
Once or Twice a month 28% (133)
Once every 3 to 4 months 14% (66)
Annually 6% (30)
I don't use the parks 3% (16)
What parks have you visited recently?
Menominee Park 81% (393)
South Park 50% (241)
Rainbow Park 22% (104)
Red Arrow Park 15% (73)
Other Oshkosh parks (Please specify in next question)34% (166)
None 4% (17)
If you selected "Other" in the previous question, please specify your answer
here:
Stogenbaur
Fugleberg, Teichmiller
West Haven Circle Park
Rusch Park
Asylum bay
Jones Park, Fugelburg Park
Congress Field Tot Lot
Westhaven
The one on 19th and main
Stogebaur, West Haven
Stevens park
Teichmiller, Roe
Westhaven, Abbey
Fugelburg
Lakeshore Park
Fugleberg
Trails
Stevens Park & Roe Park
Westhaven Circle Park
Abe Rochlin
Lakeshore
Circle park, Abby park, Jones park, walking paths behind traeger elementary
Fugleberg, Fox River Riverwalk, Glatz Nature Center
Carl E. Steiger Park
Fugleburg
Dog Park, Winnebago County Park and Asylum Point Park
Teichmiller
Westhaven, Sawyer Creek Trail
Lakeshore Park (?) by Oshkosh Corp
Stevens Park, Abe Rochlin
County Park, Coughlin
New lakeshore park
Westhaven
Any park with a youth so ball diamond
Westhaven Park, William Steiger Park, Carl Steiger Park
Fugleberg, Abbey, Jones As
44th parallel park
Tachmiller, Akan Acres
Fugleburg
Asylum point park
Westhaven circle park, 44 Parallel park
Stogebauer, Fugelberg
Jones
Westhaven Circle
Fugelburg park, the park by 21 and the river, the park across from the lyons den, Westhaven circle
park
Leach Auditorium
Riverwalks
County park
Sheldon Nature Preserve, Sawyer Creek Trails, Westhaven Circle Park, Jones, and 44th Parallel
Westhaven Circle Park, 44th Parallel Park
Jones Park
Congress Ave, the o e next to the downtown ymca
Westhaven
Wiowash trail
Stevens Park
steven's
n/a
Westhaven Circle Park and Abbey Park
Lakeshore Park, Teichmiller Park, Akan Acres Park, West Algoma Park, Shapiro Park
fugelburg
Teichmiller Park
Lakeshore Park
Stevens Park
Maybe not under Parks? Lasley point Arch. Site
Fugleburg
CONGRESS AVE
Quarry Park
Circle Park
River walk
Rusch Park, Lakeshore Park, Wiowash Trail
Lakeshore
Glatz Park and Nature Reserve
24th Ave Boat Landing.
Winnebago county park
Stevens park
Teichmiller Park
Picnic point /Asylum bay
Westhaven Park, rusch trail
County park
Teichmiller park, riverside park, wiouwash trail.
Stevens Park, the park off Oshkosh Ave, the park by the river and sawyer St , on Hazel & Irving
Pioneer drive park. I also frequently walk around the area starting at the northern end of Michigan
street with kayak launch and restrooms and the connecting riverwalk
Congress
Dog park
West Algoma Park
Westhaven
Wiouwash trail
county park
Fugleburg Park
Oshkosh Garden Club Park, Baumann Park
Glatz and Fuguberg
Westhaven Circle Park, Stoegbauer Park
Fugelberg
Congress Ave, Winnebago County Park, Emmeline School playground
Westhaven park
Quarry Park
N. Westhaven. neighborhood park. 44th Parallel.
Riverwalk, Boatworks
Westhaven Circle Park
Teichmiller park
STEVENS PARK
Rusch, Westhaven (re: Rainbow above - walked the new trail)
Roe
Stevens Park
Westhaven
County parks
Skate park
Lakeshore
Stevens Park, Path along Fox river downtown
West haven Park, Rusch Park
Rusch Park
Westhaven Circle Park
Abby park. Steven’s park.
Skatepark
Wiowash trail
County Park
Westhaven
County park
Fugleburg park, Westhaven park
Abbie, westhaven, congress, teichmiller
Westhaven
Congress, Bauman,
Westhaven Circle, 44th parallel, others
County Park
Akan Acres
Bauman park, teichmiller
Lakeshore/oshkosh Corp and Abbey park
Westhaven circle park
County park
I go to Winnebago Community Park on County Y a lot .
Abe Rochelin
Ken Robl Conservation
County park
Fugleberg park, stevens park
Jones Park
Stevens Park. Congress Park. The pirate ship park near Sawyer. Jones. The one off 45 on Doty
maybe?
Westhaven
Westhaven, 44th Parellel
Sawyer creek
Westhaven circle park, both Menominee parks
Westhaven Park
Asylum point park
Winnebago co community park
County Park
Winnebago County Park
6th street
Winnebago County Park
Abbey Park, Stevens Park, East Hall Park, Asylum Point , Winnebago County Park
Steven's park
Winnebago County Park
Jones Park
Westhaven
Quarry Park
Winnebago County park
Fugelberg Park, Jones Park
Fugleberg Park, Bauman Park
NA
Garden Club park
Fugelberg.
Fugleburg
Mary Jewell
Stogebauer Park
What is your satisfaction with the condition of the parks you visit ?
Very satisfied 33% (161)
Somewhat satisfied 53% (258)
Somewhat dissatisfied 10% (46)
Conditions are unacceptable 2% (10)
Don't visit parks 2% (8)
Do you feel there are enough athletic fields for YOUTH in the City?
Yes 54% (259)
No 14% (70)
Don't know 32% (154)
Do you feel there are enough athletic fields for ADULTS in the City?
Yes 48% (231)
No 18% (89)
Don't know 34% (163)
Please select up to 7 of the following facilities that are important to you and
your family:
Baseball / so ball fields 16% (77)
Basketball courts 15% (72)
Biking / trails 75% (362)
Boat docks / boat launches 27% (131)
Fishing piers 29% (139)
Football fields 5% (26)
Off-Leash dog park 36% (176)
Pickleball courts 18% (89)
Picnic areas 55% (267)
Playground equipment 44% (214)
Restrooms 80% (386)
Riverwalk development 66% (317)
Soccer fields 8% (38)
Tennis courts 8% (38)
Volleyball courts 8% (39)
Other 17% (83)
If you selected "Other" in the previous question, please specify your answer
here:
Water purifying plants
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Splash pad
Zoo
pool, splash pad, beach
Dog friendly trails for leashed dogs with waste clean up and waste receptacles
Splash pad at circle park, benches to sit by playground areas
Open green space/open wooded space
Nature area/ woods
More areas that allow dogs. Why are they not allowed at Ken Robl?
Native plant areas
Miller's Bay Sailboat Programs
Toddler playground equipment
Swimming Beaches
Kayak launches
paved walking paths ( kept clear of snow & grass) for seniors to walk......many use canes & walkers
Walking paths are needed away from the Awful noisy cars which Roar through neighborhoods have
made our city just another gross Wisconsin town.
kayak launches
Disc golf courses
Large Enough space for launching rockets.
Shade shelters
n/a
Plant life other than grass
Would be nice to have some woodland trails and natural spaces in town...the parks have too much
pointless lawn and not enough trees and wildflowers to support interesting nature hikes.
Adult exercise equipment
Passive use green space and walking trail networks that connect . Snow shoe areas for winter.
Disc Golf
Trash cans
Outdoor gym
Beach at Menominee Park!
naturally planted areas with shade trees (not just grass)
Our parks are lacking winter activities and most neighboring communities have multiple outdoor
rinks on which children can play hockey on. Our city would greatly benefit of being like the
neighboring communities to encourage are children to spend more time outdoors during the winter
months. Also, our parks need trash cans to encourage individuals to keep our parks clean.
Toddler friendly areas and splash pads
Swimming
Sledding hill
Circuit training/workout stations
Music venues
Bench areas in smaller parks that I walk to in my neighborhood
None
Wooded area
something like a pumptrack or small dirt hilly track for all none motor bikes
Food truck parking area (with electric and lighting) for neighborhood gatherings
quality seating for handicap people and more seating on the trails. and the zoo.
Disc Golf courses
Green space
Natural areas (wooded areas, native prairie areas, naturalized shores)
Disc Golf Course
space
Skatepark
Splash pads. Would love to have more than one option for the kids.
Skateboarding park
Small neighborhood parks
splash pad for children at Westhaven Circle Park
Skatepark’s
Garbage cans
Splash pad
Walking path with restrooms
Disc golf
Golf course is missing. Golf is huge in the world and every city I know our size and many smaller has
a public course ...truly sad we do not . Our Oshkosh foursome drives two to three times a week
to.play elsewhere spending $3-400 in another community each time we do.
work out at parks, sitting place for ADULTS at playground major lacking, lack of fencing
Disc Golf
Disc Golf Courses
Street hockey
Bike and walking trails
Disc golf courses
I use the parks for walking
Shoreland Restoration Site by Ames Point
Track and field area
Disc Golf
Disk golf courses
Rugby Fields
Kayak launch
Disc Golf Courses
85 years old, don't go to parks very much. Spend my spare time at Van Dyne Sportsmen Club
Trash receptacles
Disc golf courses
We have no off-leash dog park in the city. I propose making a dog park in Quarry Park, there is
plenty of room among the three parcels.
Well kept and accessible walking areas (sidewalks, trails, etc.)
Disc golf course
Garbage disposal.
Walking trails
NA
Outdoor ice rink
Ice/field hockey
Golf course
Trash receptacles in parks.
N/A
How well do you think the following parks, trails, park facilities, and
programs provided in the City of Oshkosh are currently meeting the needs of
the community?
Question Meeting Needs
Very Well Acceptably Met Needs Not Met
Baseball diamonds 25%67%8%
Boat docks / boat launches 24%66%10%
Disc golf 16%66%18%
Fishing piers 20%61%19%
Horseshoe pits 13%70%18%
Leach Amphitheater 48%48%4%
Outdoor basketball courts 19%68%13%
Outdoor tennis courts 22%67%11%
Outdoor volleyball courts 13%61%25%
Park restrooms 11%52%36%
Park parking lots 19%66%15%
Paved trails 18%57%25%
Pavilions / shelters 18%68%14%
Picnic areas 16%67%17%
Playgrounds 24%63%13%
Riverwalk 24%58%18%
Skate park 17%66%17%
Sledding hills 10%51%39%
Soccer fields 24%67%10%
Unpaved trails 11%58%31%
Pollock Water Park 32%61%7%
South Park Splash Pad 30%57%13%
Menominee Park Zoo 32%54%14%
Expand all /Collapse all
Meeting Needs Very Well Acceptably Met Needs Not Met
Baseball diamonds
25%67%8%
Boat docks / boat launches
Disc golf
Fishing piers
Horseshoe pits
Leach Amphitheater
Outdoor basketball courts
Outdoor tennis courts
Outdoor volleyball courts
Park restrooms
Park parking lots
24%66%10%
16%66%18%
20%61%19%
13%70%18%
48%48%
19%68%13%
22%67%11%
13%61%25%
11%52%36%
19%66%15%
Paved trails
Pavilions / shelters
Picnic areas
Playgrounds
Riverwalk
Skate park
Sledding hills
Soccer fields
Unpaved trails
Pollock Water Park
18%57%25%
18%68%14%
16%67%17%
24%63%13%
24%58%18%
17%66%17%
10%51%39%
24%67%10%
11%58%31%
32%61%7%
South Park Splash Pad
Menominee Park Zoo
30%57%13%
32%54%14%
Please select up to 10 of the following parks, trails, park facilities, and
programs that are important to you and your family:
Baseball diamonds 12% (60)
Boat docks / boat launches 27% (132)
Disc golf 17% (84)
Fishing piers 29% (141)
Horseshoe pits 5% (23)
Leach Amphitheater 50% (240)
Outdoor basketball courts 14% (70)
Outdoor tennis courts 11% (53)
Outdoor volleyball courts 10% (49)
Park restrooms 83% (399)
Park parking lots 44% (212)
Paved trails 70% (336)
Pavilions / shelters 37% (178)
Picnic areas 48% (234)
Playgrounds 42% (204)
Riverwalk 66% (318)
Skate park 5% (26)
Sledding hills 24% (114)
Soccer fields 8% (37)
Unpaved trails 48% (233)
South Park Splash Pad 22% (105)
Pollock Water Park 29% (138)
Menominee Park Zoo 57% (275)
Other 10% (47)
If you selected "Other" in the previous question, please specify your answer
here:
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Pickleball Court
Biking/hiking trails
Dog friendly spaces- a secure/fenced area where one person at a time could let their personal dogs
run would be ideal for people who live downtown/urban areas and need/want to let dogs run off
leash a little but not co-mingle
Nature area/ woods
Native plantings for visual interest and to increase biodiversity
So ball diamond
Miller's Bay Sailboat Programs
Swimming Beach
Menominee Park Beach need renovation for swimming
Parks that are not on main streets i.e., South Park. Places where it is pleasant to walk and not
completely overshadowed by noisy smoke belching autos and motorcycles. There is really no real
place for serenity in the whole city. Better laws and enforcement is needed in Oshkosh to get rid of
the polluters and no muffler loud autos. Sheboygan county is far better at maintaining clean and
noise free recreation city areas. This county is far behind other counties.
Park where dogs can be part of the activities.
None.
Congress Ave Tot Lot
Pickleball courts
n/a
Native Landscaping
Like I said ... Families currently have to drive 20+ minutes to get to a REAL nature trail or hiking
experience. Time to turn some of the lawn into trees, prairies and natural shoreline!!
Pickleball courts
having a quiet place to sit and relax along the shore; night stargazing
Quarry Park
Pickleball courts
Pickleball Courts
Menominee Park Beach
Off leash dog park
Safety
Dog park, sledding
Quiet and beautiful neighborhood areas
None
Pickleball courts
Quarry Park is a blank slate the could use restrooms, picnic area, walking trails, rock climbing, and a
parking lot
beach at Menominee
Dog inclusive areas
Native shore gardens along Millers Bay
Urban forest
need to add a splash pad at Westhaven Circle Park . Park is heavily used
Open green space within parks and cross country skiing
Public golf course is missing.
mark how to use equipment ... around the splash pad "how to turn water on" is always being asked.
Disc golf maps and marking. parks kids need to be safe why isn't "little Oshkosh" fenced like it was...
now its just south park that helps moms keep the littles contained in one place. such a shame it was
nice with the beach and zoo there too
Shoreland Restoration site at Ames Point
Pickleball courts
Rugby Fields
Kayak launch
unable to participate in sports other than shooting
Pickleball Courts
Pickleball courts
We have no off-leash dog park in the city. I propose making a dog park in Quarry Park, there is
plenty of room among the three parcels.
Restrooms in park areas
NA
Golf course
N/A
Please choose your TOP 4 priorities for park maintenance:
Playground maintenance 45% (219)
Facility maintenance 41% (200)
Mowing / trimming 30% (144)
Restroom maintenance / updating 78% (377)
Trail maintenance 45% (219)
Trash pickup and removal 64% (307)
Tree care 27% (129)
Urban wildlife issues 15% (72)
Other (Please specify in next question)10% (49)
If you selected "Other" in the previous question, please specify your answer
here:
Leave the animals, let the trails be more wild, plant water purifying plants
Safety. I won't go to most parks later in the day because the teenagers take them over and make a
hostile environment for my toddlers to play safely.
Homelessness
They are all important . Keep the parks looking nice and user friendly to promote outdoor activity.
Pls plant real trees, oaks, elms, maples, pines. Trees that last 25+ years. Plant 2 for every tree cut
down for the next 20 yrs. City used to be shadded in summer, now its hot concrete.
Goose poop on the trails, and algae/nasty green stuff in Lake Winnebago and on the shores. Last
summer, the jetty-area in Menominee park was so gross, especially with the drought conditions
Expansion/ more parks & trails
Repair and extend the boat launch concrete or ad steel deck extensions. Then, BAN POWER
LOADING! Charge every tournament boat every day to raise money to make the launches usable
without damaging boats and trailers. THEN BAN POWER LOADING. Miller's Bay has needed dredging
for decades as well.
Several Oshkosh so ball and baseball fields are in terrible disrepair. Most need lighting and fence
and field work just to be safe for athletes.
Control the weeds in Miller's Bay that sometimes prohibit marine navigation.
clearing of paved walking trails in South Park (all year round)
A better police department that actually enforces noise issues in the city. i.e., getting the No muffler
automobiles and loud motorcycles off our streets. "Most people do not like the fact that nothing is
done in Oshkosh, even when complaints have bee raised."
Anything safety related please.
Goose **** is a problem
n/a
Pesticide use in public areas
I'm behind anything that restores natural ecological balance in our community and provides
something other than boring lawn that people rarely use and the parks has to always mow and
maintain
make the parks no bbq park, too many open flames, lighter fluid, garbage, in the playground areas
especially. eradicate profane graffitti when complaint is made, children and taxpayers dont need to
view the obscenities
Damage and graffiti
So ball Fields at Menominee Park Reetz Complex
Menominee Park is looking like a cemetery!!! This is an absolute turn off when walking down the
trail toward Ames Point . There needs to be a policy that states only small plaques are allowed when
trees or benches are dedicated to a loved one. NO PLASTIC FLOWERS, CROSSES, FLAGS,
CHRISTMAS WREATHES (that are still up!) etc. This is a PUBLIC PARK! It looks tacky, cheap and
downright ugly! It distracts from the beauty of the nature sought a er on a walk!. Someone please,
make a new policy that serves the whole public. The current policy favors the few. I don't pay house
taxes to provide space for what looks like a cemetery! Also, there needs to be a beautified formal
entrance to Menominee Park at Neveda St . and Menominee Dr. This entrance is used so much and
should be enhanced!
Native plant installation and maintenance
Skating rinks
Better splash pad and in more then one park
Loitering and smoking in a non smoking pavilion.
Quiet areas with flowers and benches
None
fishing piers with parking close to pier
Add more disc golf baskets (a course) in Menominee Park
The homeless and Tom bauer
Finishing Menominee Park driving path
More biking, jogging trails. Especially along the river walk.
Other cities have trash bins, and dog bags in their city parks, helping keep them clean from garbage
and dog poop. Oshkosh does not have this type of system in place. Would be nice.
Working to establish native plants / habitat in parks and along trails for pollinators and birds...and
for beauty. Partner with Master Gardeners and/or youth work program to pull invasive plants.
Please please update and fix the South park splash pad. It is such a great space and so needed.
Drug enforcement
Needs for Public golf is unmet .
back off the mowing and trimming. fix the playgrounds! broken and not safe. park department didn't
keep up the old play ground and the one you replaced is falling apart worse then the old one
already
Keep the West students out of Arrowhead Park
House for pork and beans
Abbey Park is always being used and the equipment needs updating and more things
parks don’t have garbages
More rugby fields
Park Road/Sidewalk Care & Basketball Net Care
Water levels at boat launches
Why are there so few public trash cans in the parks?
Accessibility
Designated smoking areas
NA
THE ZOO IS BORING! SAME THING ANIMALS ARE BOT ACTIVE
We need a new splash pad
Please develop golf course
More swings & places to play hid & seek... Plus, more toys at each park for kids to have fun playing
tag
Please select those items you feel should be expanded / improved:
Athletic facilities 14% (70)
Bicycle and walking trails 65% (312)
Boat docks / boat launches 17% (81)
Disc golf 16% (78)
Fishing piers 22% (104)
Riverwalk 53% (256)
Pickleball courts 17% (84)
Tennis facilities 5% (25)
Other 21% (100)
If you selected "Other" in the previous question, please specify your answer
here:
Better splash pad and/or another splash pad area
Additional parking for trailers at Rainbow Park. Parking at Rainbow park so ball field along with a
bathroom. Additional 2 so ball fields near Rainbow Park and the new Lakeshore Park Facility to host
a youth so ball tournament and bring money into the city.
Volleyball Courts
NONE the city does not have the money and taxes are too high already
Lights, lights, lights.
More nature trails areas. For wildlife or native plant viewing.
Park benches, splash pad at circle park
More trails/walking areas
Nature area/ woods/ wildlife areas
Stop wasting space on sports fields.
More native planting areas
Get animals out of corn silos at the zoo before building expansions. It is and always has been
disgraceful.
More toddler friendly playground equipment
Larger skatepark
basketball courts kayak launch
Reduce the area of mowed turf grass. It is costly to maintain, dull in appearance and has little value
to wildlife. Replace with trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennial plantings.
Better areas to put parks and walking trails which are not in the high noise areas.
More designated kayak launches
Dogs in the parks
Bathrooms
Garbage Bins more present
NA
I would like to see EV chargers added to Oshkosh parks
It’d be nice to have a public track like for track and field with rubber turf
More space for native species and edible landscaping (community gardens/fruiting trees & bushes)
Trails, zoo
I think right now the Parks department should focus on maintaining what we have, and assessing
the usage of each park.
no expansion
We don't need to expand or start any projects. We need to use taxes wisely and maintain what we
already have.
Playgrounds
Native Landscaping
Need a good restroom near Millers Bay boat launch or up Menominee Drive near pump house at
Nevada.
Dog Parks
Naturalized shoreline in Menomonee Park, woodland or prairie restoration in other parks around the
city. Also, please stop taking down old trees without planting new ones.
preserve, and create green spaces with native plantings
Quarry Park as an Urban Dog Park
We need some smaller dog parks, especially near downtown.
South park splash pad
More green space
Outdoor gym facility
Improve entrance to Menominee Park at Menominee Dr. and Neveda!
Restrooms
Playgrounds
Support for smaller neighborhood parks
Small neighborhood green spaces
Hockey facilities during winter
Splashpad
Safety
Security in the parks.
Simply placing a garbage can at each park would go along to keep trash out of the parks, would
keep trash from blowing around in the wind, and help maintain an aesthetically pleasing
appearance. For example, West Algoma Park is beautiful, on the water, great for fishing, has a small
pavilion, and playground equipment . However, this park doesn’t have even one trashcan. Bobbers,
fishing line, picnic trash, empty bait containers are constantly found in this park making it look
trashy and not a place I want my kids to play.
Restrooms
Kayak launches or free rentals like Omro has
Need more rest rooms
Signs to label park (o en times people think it is private property because there is no signage i.e
Oshkosh Garden Club Park) benches - beautification with flowers/trees
None
Bathrooms opened earlier in the season.
Menominee Park Beach House is a huge asset to the city and should be staffed/maintained for
residents to benefit from. Also additional bathrooms are needed in Menominee Park near
playground areas and trails.
Ice Skating Rink (or other winter offerings), Splash Pads, Winter Restroom access, more garbage
cans in parks to reduce littering
Rock climbing area
Outdoor racquetball courts
the zoo, the bathing beach area at Menominee, South Park splash pad is inadequate compared to
what it used to be.
none
More dog inclusive areas. Waupaca has an amazing area in their Dog Park for the dogs to swim.
Considerable deficiency in wooded and naturalized areas compared to peer cities and larger urban
communities
The homeless
Menominee Park beach & bath house rehabbed and open. Expand sq of beach availability
More shelters and restrooms at Menominee Park by Ames Point . Also a bubbler/ water fountain for
drinking. There’s nothing on that end of the park at all.
Menomonee Park needs improvement to the beach area, restrooms have been closed for to long.
Spend some money on Menomonee park.
Skatepark
Skateboarding park
More small parks in central city
Lighting along the trail in Rusch Park
Add a splash pad to the very busy Westhaven Circle Park
Skateparks
Please put more year round garbage facilities in Menominee Park.
Water pad at south park
Restrooms
Bathrooms year round. Families still attend parks in winter and need the facilities! If pipes cannot be
maintained than at least put up port a potties please. Add port a potties and trash cans at ALL
parks.
Public golf is needed.
PLAYGROUND its not even listed and every single one we have been to in the last year have safety
issues. south park and monoamine specifically FIX what we have stop ingoing and replacing
Street hockey
Abbey Park
Ice skating rink and rental
Accessible playgrounds- all new playgrounds or revamps should contain accessible features
We need more trees and there needs to be more flower/prairie areas. There is way too much grass
that is not utilized for anything other than mowing and maintaining. Our parks could do a lot better
by providing small pockets of gorgeous flower prairies (like the one in Neenah) with trails. So many
trees are dead, and not being replaced fast enough. The park is hotter than ever without the much
needed shade.
Shaded playground areas
PLAYGROUNDS
Playgrounds
more playground space and park space where the largest population lives
Available kayak launches
More Basketball Courts
We have no off-leash dog park in the city. I propose making a dog park in Quarry Park, there is
plenty of room among the three parcels.
trails
Garbage disposal should be in every park.
Restrooms
All could use improvement .
We need a new splash pad, hundreds of kids slide on the cement hurting themselves and it looks
pathetic
Please develop golf course
Instead upgrading parks with less toys, so the parks bore kids quickly, in more swings... And other
toys... Park toy equipment areas are getting smaller & smaller, these days... Making them unexciting
to some 8 to 12 year olds real quickly
How would you rate the ability to walk and bike in and around the City of
Oshkosh?
Question Great Good Poor
Walking in and around the City 23%64%14%
Biking in and around the City 13%59%28%
Expand all /Collapse all
Great Good Poor
Walking in and around the City
Biking in and around the City
How many times in the past 12 months have you accessed the City's website
to learn information on Park services?
0 times 28% (136)
1 - 5 times 59% (286)
6 - 9 times 9% (42)
10 or more times 4% (19)
23%64%14%
13%59%28%
What other information, if any, relating to Park services would you like to see
on the City's website that isn't there already? (Optional)
N/A
beach conditions
none
Bike etiquette for sharing paths with pedestrians
Reporting private trees so they can be trimmed so sidewalks can be used
Any important information residents should know, and/or showing off the different facilities (like a
monthly spotlight)? As someone who is still fairly new to the city, I could see that being super
beneficial.
Maintenance
Fishing tournaments should be curtailed to a li.it of one per calendar month. We who pay taxes to
use the Miller's Bay launch cannot use it most weekends because of the fish heads and their
ridiculous tournaments.
When permanent and proper field and facility upgrades will happen.
Statements which bring public attention to the awful noise problems within the city of Oshkosh, and
pleas to the public to speak out on it .
More Trees
Food trucks in the parks - sometimes hard to find the dates and locations. Happenings at the Zoo.
Pictures and Reviews from residents
Dog leash warnings
I think the parks department does a great job! I do think the Leach amphitheater needs to be
utilized more. I know you probably don’t want to hear this, but I think there are a few parks that
could be closed down. For instance, there are a whole bunch of parks up and down Oshkosh Avenue.
I’m not sure all of them are necessary. I think the Parks department should do an assessment of
how many people are using each park on an average day, and then decide whether that park should
remain open.
n/a
Tree and wildlife health.
educational opportunities for all ages, regarding the native environment we are privileged to live
Reetz So ball Complex Score booths
access for the disabled and/or elderly
the road through Menominee park fixed quickly
Pickle ball, courts, at least one trashcan at every city, park, and more paved trails would go along
way to making the city more accessible, more appealing, and certainly much more clean.
More wildlife areas/ natural vegetation areas
updated photos, better descriptions
Hi light a park each month
How about updating ALL of the information for smaller parks
Menominee park should have a few more Pickleball courts. They would be used more than the
tennis courts.
Which Parks offer restrooms
Not sure
Canoe/kayak launches that won't scrape the bottom of the boat
Get rid of the homeless, stop catering to them and get rid of Ray Mauer
We need more youth utilizing the skatepark as it is a great way to keep kids off the street and
private property. It is a very welcoming environment for all ages but it does need some updates.
Park planning for Central City
Online reservations for shelters/pavillions
A plan
A strategic plan to build a public golf course perhaps partnering with the county to find a path
forward.
due to lack of safety in Oshkosh playground up keep, we drive to fondulack and other parks out of
Oshkosh when we need rentals we rented 3 times last year, unfortunately not in Oshkosh. it would
have been nice to stay in town.
Na
None
It's hard to find a list of all the parks.
Thank you very much for all that is done.
Maps and Info about military memorials would be really appreciated.
NA
a place to shoot air guns or .22's
We have no off-leash dog park in the city. I propose making a dog park in Quarry Park, there is
plenty of room among the three parcels.
Reserving parks and pavillions
Regular restroom maintenance.
Golf course development
Not sure at this time
Have you reserved or rented one of the park pavilions/shelters and/or sports
fields in the past 12 months?
Yes 12% (57)
No 88% (426)
If your answer to the previous question was yes, what was the rental for ?
Family event 30% (44)
Work function 3% (4)
Sport practice / game 4% (6)
Wedding 2% (3)
Fishing event 1% (2)
Boating event 1% (1)
Other 7% (11)
Not applicable 59% (87)
If your answer to Question 25 was yes, how would you rate the following?
Question Great Good Poor
Ease of reservation process 38%53%9%
Quality of the facility and its cleanliness 33%57%10%
Cost of rental 39%54%7%
Overall experience with the facility
rental 39%59%2%
Expand all /Collapse all
Great Good Poor
Ease of reservation process
Quality of the facility and its cleanliness
Cost of rental
Overall experience with the facility rental
38%53%9%
33%57%10%
39%54%7%
39%59%
In the past 12 months, how many times did you or one of your family
members attend an event at the Leach Amphitheater ?
0 - 3 times 79% (380)
4 - 6 times 14% (68)
7 - 9 times 5% (25)
10 or more times 2% (10)
Other 0% (0)
In the past 12 months, what type of event did you attend at the Leach
Amphitheater ?
Waterfest 60% (263)
Special event 28% (120)
Private party / rental 1% (6)
Parks Department Events (Tues. night concert series, Family Movie Night , Touch-a-
Truck)34% (150)
Not applicable 19% (81)
Other 2% (9)
General Comments Summary
The final question asked for any others comments or suggestions to help improve the park
facilities and services in the City of Oshkosh. 176 people chose to share open comments and
suggestions. Most of those comments contained multiple ideas and thoughts.
The most mentioned desire was for more garbage cans and more frequent trash pickup (7.8%).
This was followed by compliments to the parks department and staff (7.2%), concerns about
biking safety on City streets (4.1%), requests to finish the Riverwalk (3.8%), an interest in
additional disc golf courses (2.7%), more trails (2.4%), more restrooms (2.4%), more native
plantings (2%), requests to fix the South Park splash pad (1.7%), and a desire for more benches
(1.7%).
7.8%
7.2%
4.1%3.8%
2.7%2.4%2.4%2.0%1.7%1.7%1.7%1.7%1.7%1.7%1.7%1.4%1.4%1.4%1.4%1.4%1.0%1.0%1.0%1.0%
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General Comments: Most Mentioned Issues
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Comment Categories
APPENDIX B:
PARK AND OPEN SPACE CLASSIFICATIONS
City of Oshkosh Park Classifications/Standards
The list and chart below are intended to define key terms and identify the existing system
resources.
The following definitions used in this plan are imported from previous City of Oshkosh
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans, the 2011-2016 Wisconsin Statewide Comprehensive
Outdoor Recreation Plan, and the Guidelines for the Development of Local Comprehensive
Outdoor Recreation Plans published by the Wisconsin DNR, which are in turn based on National
Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) terminology.
Oshkosh Outdoor Recreation Facilities Terminology
Classification General Description Preferred
Size
Service
Area/LOS
Application
Mini Park ▪ Used to address limited, isolated, or unique recreational
needs.
▪ Often contains landscaping, seating areas, and central
focus feature such as a gazebo, fountain, play area, or
historical marker or art project.
▪ Often created on a single urban lot or remnant parcel.
Typically
between 2,500
sq. ft. and 2
acres.
1/4-mile radius
Neighborhood
Park
▪ Basic unit of the park system.
▪ Recreational and social focus of the neighborhood.
▪ Informal active and passive recreation.
▪ Typical amenities include: shelters, picnic areas (with
tables and grills), drinking fountains, and pathways.
2 acres min.
5-10 acres
preferred.
1/4 to 1/2-mile
radius
Community
Park
▪ Focus is on meeting community-based recreation needs
and/or preserving unique landscapes and open spaces.
▪ Provides a combination of intensive and non-intensive
development. In addition to the facilities provided at
neighborhood parks, community parks may provide
natural features, trails, swimming pools, picnic areas,
elaborate playfields, game courts, ice skating, shelters,
and ample off-street parking.
As needed to
accommodate
desired uses.
Usually 10-
30+ acres.
1 to 2-mile
radius
Special Use
Park
▪ Covers a broad range of parks and recreation facilities
oriented toward a single-purpose use.
Varies Dependent on
Use and
Amenities
Waterfront
Recreation
▪ A type of special use park with a focus on water-based
recreation such as boating, fishing, or canoe/kayaking.
Varies Dependent on
Use and
Amenities
Natural
Resource Area
▪ Undeveloped land set aside for preservation of natural
resources, remnant landscapes, open space, or visual
aesthetic buffering.
Varies N/A
Greenway ▪ Land which effectively ties the park system components
together to form a continuous park environment.
▪ Greenways provide the opportunity for a number of
recreational travel opportunities such as hiking, walking,
jogging, bicycling and in-line skating. Parkway corridors
also provide attractive travel experiences for the motorist
and canoeing can occur in “green” waterway corridors.
Varies N/A
APPENDIX C:
NRPA FACILITY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
20
APPENDIX 11
Sample Recreation Facility Development Standards
Source: Roger A. Lancaster, Ed. 1983. Park & Recreation, Open Space Standards and
Guidelines. Alexandria, Virginia: National Recreation and Park Association. Pages 60-61
ACTIVITY
FACILITY
RECOMMENDED
SPACE
REQUIREMENTS
RECOMMENDED SIZE
AND DIMENSIONS
RECOMMENDED
ORIENTATION
NO. OF UNITS
PER
POPULATION
SERVICE
RADIUS
LOCATION NOTES
Badminton 1620 sq. ft. Singles—17’x44’
Doubles—20’x44’
Long axis north-
south
1 per 5000 ¼ - ½ mile Usually in school,
recreation center or
church facility. Safe
walking or bike
access.
Basketball
1. Youth
2. High School
3. Collegiate
2400-3036 sq. ft.
5040-7280 sq. ft.
5600-7980 sq. ft.
46-50’x84’
50’x84’
50’x94’
with 5’ unobstructed
space on all sides
Long axis north-
south
1 per 5000 1/4 -1/2 mile Same as badminton.
Outdoor courts in
neighborhood and
community parks, plus
active recreation
areas in other park
settings.
Handball
(3-4 wall)
800 sq. ft. for 4-
wall -
1000 sq. ft. for 3-
wall
20’ x 40’ – minimum of
10’ to rear of 3 – wall
court. Minimum 20’
overhead clearance.
Long axis north-
south. Front wall at
north end.
1 per 20,000 15-30 minute
travel time
4 – wall usually indoor
as part of multi-
purpose facility. 3 –
wall usually outdoor in
park or school setting.
Ice Hockey 22,000 sq. ft.
including support
area.
Rink 85’ x 200’
(minimum 85’ x 185’).
Additional 5,000 sq. ft.
support area.
Long axis north-
south if outdoor
Indoor – 1 per
100,000
Outdoor –
depends upon
climate
½ - 1 hour travel
time
Climate important
consideration affecting
no. of units. Best as
part of multi-purpose
facility.
Tennis Minimum of 7,200
sq. ft. single court
(2 acres for
complex)
36’ x 78’. - 12’
clearance on both
sides;
21’ clearance on both
sides
Long axis north-
south
1 court per 2000 ¼ - ½ mile Best in batteries of 2,
Located in neighbor-
hood/community park
or adjacent to school
site.
Volleyball Minimum of 4,000
sq. ft.
30’ x 60’. Minimum 6’
clearance on all sides
Long axis north-
south
1 court per 5,000 ½ - ½ mile Same as other court
activities (e.g.
badminton, basket-
ball, etc.).
Baseball
1. Official
2. Little League
3.0-3.85A
minimum
1.2A minimum
*Baselines-90’
Pitching distance –-
60 1/2’
Foul lines – min. 320’
Center field – 400’+
*Baselines – 60’
Pitching distance –
46’
Foul lines – 200’
Center field – 200’-
250’
Locate home plate
so pitcher throwing
across sun and
batter not facing it.
Line from home
plate through
pitcher’s mound run
east-north-east.
1 per 5000
Lighted – 1 per
30000
¼ - ½ mile
Part of neighborhood
complex. Lighted
fields part of
community complex.
Field Hockey Minimum 1.5A 180’ x 300’ with a
minimum of 10’
clearance on all sides
Fall Season – long
axis northwest to
southeast. For
longer periods north
to south.
1 per 20,000 15-30 minutes
travel
Usually part of
baseball, football,
soccer complex in
community park or
adjacent to high
school.
Football Minimum 1.5A 16’ x 360’ with a
minimum of 6’
clearance on all sides
Same as field
hockey
1 per 20,000 15 -30 minutes
travel time
Same as field hockey
Soccer 1.7 to 2.1 A 195’ to 225’ x 330’ to
360’ with a 10’
minimum clearance on
all sides
Same as field
hockey
1 per 10,000 15-30 minutes
travel time
Number of units
depends on
popularity. Youth
soccer on fields
adjacent to schools or
neighborhood parks.
Golf-Driving
Range
13.5A for
minimum of 25
tees
900’ x 690’ wide. Add
12’ width for each
additional tee
Long axis southeast-
northeast with golfer
driving toward
northeast
1 per 50,000 30 minutes
travel time
Part of golf course
complex. As a
separate unit, may be
privately operated.
(continued)
21
1/4 –mile
running tack
4.3A Overall width – 278’
length – 600.02’
Track with for 8 to 4
lanes is 32’
Long axis in sector
from north to south
to northwest-south-
east with finish line
at northerly end.
1 per 20,000 15-30 minutes
travel time
Usually part of high
school or in
community park
complex in
combination with
football, soccer, etc.
Softball 1.5 to 2.0 A Baselines – 60’
Pitching distance –
46’ men. 40’-women
Fast pitch field radius
from plate – 225’
between foul – lines
Slow pitch – 275’ (men)
250’ (women)
Same as baseball 1 per 5,000 (if
also used for
youth baseball)
¼ - ½ mile Slight difference in
dimensions for 188’
slow pitch. May also
be used for youth
baseball.
Multiple
Recreation
Court
(basketball,
tennis,
volleyball)
9,840 sq. ft. 120’ x 80’ Long axis of courts
with primary use is
north-south
1 per 10,000 1-2 miles
Trails N/A Well defined head
maximum 10’ width,
maximum average
grade 5% not to exceed
15%. Capacity rural
trails- 40
hikers/day/mile.
Urban trails – 90
hikers/day/mile
N/A 1 system per
region
N/A
Archery Range Minimum 0.65A 300’ length x minimum
10’ wide between
targets. Roped clear
space on sides of range
minimum of 30’ clear
space behind targets
minimum 90’ x 45’ with
bunker.
Archer facing north +
or – 45 degrees
1 per 50,000 30 minute travel
time
Part of a
regional/metro park
complex
Combination
Skeet and Trap
field (8 stations)
Minimum 30A All walks and structures
occur within an area
approximately 130’
wide by 116’ deep.
Minimum cleared area
is contained within two
superimposed
segments with 100-yard
radi (4 acres). Short fall
danger zone is con-
tained within two super-
imposed segments with
300-yard radi (35
acres).
Center line of length
runs northeast-south
west with shooter
facing northeast.
1 per 50,000 30 minutes
travel time
Part of regional/ metro
park complex.
Golf
1. Par 3 (18
hole)
2. 9-hole
standard
3. 18-hole
standard
*50 – 60A
*Average length vary
600-2700 yards
*Average length –
2250 yards
* Average length –
6500 yards
Majority of holes on
north-south axis
--
*1 per 25,000
*1 per 50,000
15 to 30 minutes
travel time
*9 hole course can
accommodate 350
people/day
*18 hole course can
accommodate 500-
550 people/day
Course may be
located in community
or district park, but
should not be over 20
miles from population
center.
Swimming Pools Varies on size of
pool and
amenities.
Usually ½ to 2A
sites
Teaching – minimum of
75’ x45’ even depth of 3
to 4 feet
Competitive – minimum
of 25m x 16m. minimum
of 27 sq ft of water
surface per swimmer.
Ratios of 2:1 deck vs.
water
None – although
care must be taken
in sitting of lifeguard
stations in relation to
afternoon sun.
1 per 20,000
(pools should
accommodate 3
to 5% of total
population at
time)
15 to 30 minute
travel time
Pools for general
community use should
be planned for
teaching, competitive,
and recreational
purposes with enough
depth (3.4m) to
accommodate 1m and
3 m diving boards.
Located in community
park or school site.
Beach Area N/A Beach areas should
have 50 sq ft of land
and 50 sq ft of water
per user. Turn-over rate
is 3. There should be
3-4A supporting land
per A of beach.
N/A N/A N/A Should have sand
bottom with slope a
maximum of 5% (flat
preferable). Boating
areas completely
segregated from
swimming area.
SUGGESTED OUTDOOR FACILITY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Activity
Format
Recommended
Size and
Dimensions
Recommended
Space
Requirements
Recommended
Orientation
Service Radius and
Location Notes
Badminton Singles--17' x 44'
Doubles-20' x 44'
with 5' unobstructed
area on both sides
1622 sq. ft. Long axis north -
south
¼ - ½ mile. Usually in school
recreation center or church
facility. Safe walking or
biking or biking access.
Basketball
1. Youth
2. High School
3. Collegiate
46' - 50' x 84'
50' x 84'
50' x 94' with 5'
unobstructed space all
sides.
2400-3036 sq. ft.
5040-7280 sq. ft.
5600-7980 sq. ft.
Long axis north -
south
¼ - ½ mile. Same as
badminton. Outdoor courts in
neighborhood/community
parks, plus active recreation
areas in other park settings.
Handball
(3-4 wall)
20' x 40' with a
minimum of 10' to rear
of 3-wall court.
Minimum 20' overhead
clearance.
800 sq. ft. for 4-
wall, 1000 sq. ft. for
3-wall.
Long axis is north -
south. Front wall
at north end.
15 - 30 min. travel time, 4-
wall usually indoor as part of
multi-purpose building.
3-2 all usually in park or
school setting.
Ice Hockey Rink 85' x 200'
(Min. 85' x 185')
Additional 5000
22,000 sq. ft. including
support area.
22,000 sq. ft.
including support
area.
Long axis is north -
south if outdoors.
½ - 1 hour travel time.
Climate important
consideration affecting no. of
units. Best as part of
multipurpose facility.
Tennis 36' x 78'. 12 ft.
clearance on both ends.
Min. of 7,200 sq. ft.
single court area
(2 acres per
complex)
Long axis north
- south
¼ - ½ mile. Best in batteries
of 2 - 4. Located in
neighborhood/community park
or near school site.
Volleyball 30' x 60'. Minimum of
6' clearance on all sides.
Minimum 4,000 sq.
ft.
Long axis north
- south
½ - 1 mile.
Baseball
1. Official
2. Little League
Baselines - 90'
Pitching distance-60.5'
Foul lines - min. 320'
Center field - 400'+
Baselines - 60'
Pitching distance - 46'
Foul lines - 200'
Center field - 200' -
250'
3.0 - 3.85 A min.
1.2 A min.
Locate home plate
so pitcher is not
throwing across
sun, and batter not
facing it. Line
from home plate
through pitchers
mound to run east-
northeast.
¼ - ½ mile. Part of
neighborhood complex.
Lighted fields part of
community complex.
Field Hockey 180' x 300' with a
minimum of 10'
clearance on all sides.
Minimum 1.5 A Fall season - Long
axis northwest or
southeast. For
longer periods,
north/south
15 - 30 minute travel time.
Usually part of baseball,
football, soccer complex in
community park or adjacent to
high school.
Football 160' x 360' with a
minimum of 6'
clearance on all sides.
Minimum 1.5 A Same as field
hockey.
15 - 30 min. travel time. Same
as field hockey.
Soccer 195' to 225' x 330' to
360' with 10' minimum
clearance on all sides.
1.7 - 2.1 A Same as field
hockey.
1 - 2 miles. Number of units
depends on popularity. Youth
popularity. Youth soccer on
smaller fields adjacent to
fields or neighborhood parks.
Golf -
Driving Range
900' x 690' wide. Add
12' width each
additional tee.
13.5 A for min. of
25 tees.
Long axis is
southwest -
northeast with
golfer driving
northeast.
30 minute travel time. Park of
golf course complex. As
separate unit may be privately
operated.
SUGGESTED OUTDOOR FACILITY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS (continued)
Activity
Format
Recommended
Size and
Dimensions
Recommended
Space
Requirements
Recommended
Orientation
Service Radius and
Location Notes
¼ mile running
track
Over-all width - 276'
length - 600'. Track
width for 8 - 4 lanes is
32'.
4.3 A Long axis in sector
from north to south
to northwest -
southeast, with
finish line at north
end.
15 - 30 minute travel time.
Usually part of a high school
or community park complex in
combination with football,
soccer, etc.
Softball Baselines - 60'
pitching distance
- 45' men. 40' women
Fast pitch field radius
from plate - 225'
Slow pitch - 275' (men)
250' (women)
1.5 - 2.0 A Same as baseball.
indimensions for
16".
¼ - ½ mile. Slight difference.
May also be used for youth
baseball.
Multiple use court
(basketball,
tennis, etc.)
120' x 80' 9,840 sq. ft. Long axis of court
with primary use
north and south.
1 - 2 miles, in neighborhood or
community parks.
Archery range 300' length x minimum
10' between targets.
Roped, clear area on
side of range minimum
30', clear space behind
targets minimum of 90'
x 45' with bunker.
Minimum 0.65 A Archer facing north
+ or - 45 degrees.
30 minutes travel time. Part of
a regional/metro complex.
Golf
1. Par 3
(18 hole)
2. 9-hole standard
3. 18-hole
standard
Average length varies
-600 - 2700 yards.
Average length
2250 yards
Average length
6500 yards.
50 - 60 A
Minimum of 50 A
Minimum 110 yards
Majority of holes
on north/south axis
½ - 1 hour travel time
9-hole course can
accommodate 350 people/day
500 - 550 people/day.
Course may be located in
community, district or
regional/metro park.
Swimming pools Teaching - min.
25 yards x 45' even
depth of 3-4 ft.
Competitive - min. 25
m x 16 m. Min. of 25
sq. ft. water surface per
swimmer. Ration of 2
to 1 deck to water.
Varies on size of
pool and amenities.
Usually 1 - 2 A
sites.
None, but care
must be taken in
siting life stations
in relation to
afternoon sun.
15 to 30 minutes travel time.
Pools for general community
use should be planned for
teaching competitive and
recreational purposes with
enough to accommodate 1m
and 3m diving boards.
Located in community park or
school site.
Beach areas Beach area should have
50 sq. ft. of land and 50
sa. ft . of water per user.
Turnover rate is 3.
There should be a 3-4 A
supporting area per A
of beach.
N/A N/A ½ to 1 hour travel time.
Should have a sand bottom
with a maximum slope of 5%.
Boating areas completely
segregated from swimming
areas. In regional/metro
parks.