HomeMy WebLinkAboutQuarryParkMasterPlanQuarry Park Master Plan
October 2025
Project No. 25.016
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Prepared for:
City of Oshkosh Parks Department
805 Witzel Avenue
Oshkosh, WI 54902
Prepared by:
Rettler Corporation
3317 Business Park Drive
Stevens Point, WI 54482
October 2025
City of Oshkosh
Quarry Park Master Plan
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The following persons provided critical input, support, and critique in the development of this
document. The City of Oshkosh and Rettler Corporation wish to thank the following people for
their time and assistance in developing this plan.
City of Oshkosh City Council:
Matt Mugerauer, Mayor
Joseph Stephenson, Deputy Mayor
Karl Buelow, Council Member
Brad Spanbauer, Council Member
Jacob Floam, Council Member
Kris Larson, Council Member
DJ Nichols, Council Member
City of Oshkosh Advisory Park Board:
Tim Franz, Seat 1
Becky Metz, Seat 2
Lester Millette, Seat 3
Amy Davis, Seat 4
Jacob Floam, Council Rep.
Devon Hudak, Alternate 1
Steven Herman, Alternate 2
City of Oshkosh Staff:
Ray Maurer, Parks Director
Chad Dallman, Assistant Parks Director
Travis Derks, Landscape Operations Manager/City Forester
Jenny McCollian, Revenue Facilities Manager
Rettler Corporation:
John Kneer, ASLA, PLA, President
Rebecca Ramirez, PLA
City of Oshkosh
Quarry Park Master Plan
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Master Plan
1.0 Introduction ......................................................................................... 1
2.0 Site Analysis ....................................................................................... 3
3.0 Needs Assessment ............................................................................. 7
4.0 Master Plan Development .................................................................. 8
5.0 Cost Overview .................................................................................. 12
6.0 Conclusion ........................................................................................ 13
7.0 References ....................................................................................... 14
Appendix
A. Detailed Cost Estimate
City of Oshkosh
Quarry Park Master Plan P a g e | 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Quarry Park consists of property from three adjacent quarries that date back to the 19th century.
William Faber's Oshkosh Stone Company (50 feet deep) was the last quarry to close, operating
until 1954. The City of Oshkosh then purchased or leased most of the land for sanitary landfills
by 1962. By 1968, the three landfills had been filled and plans were made for grading, fencing
and adding park facilities.
In 2010, the city installed a vent system in the former quarry to safely manage methane levels.
In 2024, the city partnered with Rettler Corporation, a Stevens Point based landscape
architecture, engineering, and design firm to create the following Quarry Park Master Plan.
Aerial view captured in 1937, illustrating historical quarry activity.
Photo courtesy of the GeoData@Wisconsin, Aerial Photography, Winnebago County, WI 1937
City of Oshkosh
Quarry Park Master Plan P a g e | 2
Project Milestones
April 30, 2024 Quarry Park Listening Session
March 27, 2025 Quarry Park Discussion with DNR
May 1, 2025 Follow Up Meeting (virtual)
May 19, 2025 Neighborhood Input Meeting
July 28, 2025 Neighborhood Input Meeting 2
Sept 8, 2025 Advisory Park Board Presentation
Oct 21, 2025 Plan Commission Presentation
Oct 28, 2025 Common Council Presentation
City of Oshkosh
Quarry Park Master Plan P a g e | 3
2.0 SITE ANALYSIS
Quarry Park is situated between Florida Avenue,
Knapp Street, and W 17th Avenue, in the south-
central part of the City of Oshkosh.
Parcel #: 91307010000
Size: 8.02 acres
Address: 925 Florida Avenue
The site is predominately composed of open green
space with only a few trees, all of which are located
along the perimeter. In consequence of its former
usage and history of fill, the site is undulating and
rather flat, though sloping gently toward the east.
The western two thirds are roughly four feet above
the eastern third, with some brief 3% and 4%
slopes between them.
The lowest point is in the northeast corner. The
highest point is at the southwest corner.
Access is either by car, with street parking along
Florida Avenue and W 17th Avenue, or by foot
utilizing the local sidewalks and road crossings.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources Surface Water Data Viewer, there are
no wetlands on the site, however there is one area
of wetland indicator soils hatch in the middle of the
eastern edge. A wetland delineation may be
required before construction.
While the surrounding area is composed of
7314B2 Kewaunee Silt Loam according to USDA
NRCS Web Soil Survey, it’s uncertain what is
actually in Quarry Park, given the site’s history of
fill.
Please refer to the following maps showing landfill
limits, wetland indicator soils extents, and the site
analysis.
07.21.25
07.21.25
WETLANDS & INDICATORS
07.21.25
SITE ANALYSIS
City of Oshkosh
Quarry Park Master Plan P a g e | 7
3.0 NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Several community input meetings were
held with the neighborhood residents to
listen to thoughts, concerns, and desires
for the space.
The first meeting was held on April 30,
2024 with city parks staff, Paul Timm
from AECOM, and several neighborhood
association members. The parks director
introduced the background, goals, and
consultant. Then John Kneer with Rettler
Corporation took the floor, describing the
listening session and general park
master planning process. After a brief
presentation, he opened the discussion
for comments and questions. Significant
topics included the site history and
constraints.
A review meeting was held with the DNR on March 27, 2025 to verify what was permissible and
what would not be possible.
The second community input meeting was held May 19, 2025, in which various potential amenities
were discussed and enough input gained to create two concept plans.
The third meeting was conducted on July 28, 2025 in which both concepts were presented and
further input solicited. At this meeting, the group was unanimous in their decision that Concept 2,
with some modifications, should become the base for the master plan. The Oshkosh Parks
Department staff suggested some revisions as well.
After making these changes, a cost estimate was developed for the preferred concept, and both
were presented to the Advisory Park Board on September 8, 2025.
City of Oshkosh
Quarry Park Master Plan P a g e | 8
4.0 MASTER PLAN DEVELOPMENT
CONCEPT 1
In this concept, 6-ft wide gravel trails form two large loops within the park. Entry trail connections,
decorated with stone outcroppings and native plantings, connect each corner of the park to the
loop. A central viewing area is positioned at the top of the 3-4% slope transition. Near the center
of the site, an east-west 300’x150’ mowed multiuse grass area is preserved for impromptu
neighborhood games. Large parts of the site will be dedicated to naturalized prairie areas with
educational signage. Site amenities include boulder seating and picnic tables. Existing trees are
preserved and approximately nine additional trees will be added in areas well outside the landfill
limits. A park identification sign will be placed near the northwest corner.
CONCEPT 2
In this concept, the 6-ft wide gravel trails intersect the park, connecting the corners and providing
paths through the park. Access points with landscaped stone outcroppings remain at each corner
of the park. The trails meet at the center of the site in a small loop decorated with more
outcroppings and seating. A viewing area is positioned at the top of the 3-4% slope transition.
The 300’x150’ multiuse grass field area has been rotated to run north-south and is located in
north-central part of the site. Naturalized prairie areas with educational signage are positioned to
accommodate the paths and playing field. Site amenities include boulder seating and picnic
tables. Existing trees are preserved and approximately twelve additional trees will be added in
areas well outside the landfill limits. A park identification sign will be placed near the northwest
corner.
MASTER PLAN
Concept 2 was preferred by a substantial margin. An intersecting trail through the park was
selected in place of looped trails to better reflect community preferences and site accessibility
goals.
Changes from Concept 2 included altering the prairie areas somewhat, revising some path
connections, and the addition of musical play equipment to the center of the park, creating
something unique for children to interact with and encourage creative play.
Construction may be phased, as funds allow.
STONE OUTCROPPINGS WITH PLANTINGS
BOULDER SEATING
07.21.25
STONE OUTCROPPINGS WITH PLANTINGS
BOULDER SEATING
07.21.25
STONE OUTCROPPINGS WITH PLANTINGS
BOULDER SEATING
BURKE PlayEnsemble NU-3128
BURKE Nucleus NU-3281
10.22.25
City of Oshkosh
Quarry Park Master Plan P a g e | 12
5.0 COST OVERVIEW
The following site development cost ranges have been derived from 2024 actual project
construction costs. Redevelopment may be phased; therefore, the total cost should be evaluated
by both individual elements and their phasing potential.
Summary - Project Total $521,370.00
(See Appendix A for detailed cost estimate line items)
City of Oshkosh
Quarry Park Master Plan P a g e | 13
6.0 CONCLUSION
Quarry Park is an important resource to the surrounding community, as well as a memorial to
Oshkosh’s limestone quarrying legacy. Not far away is the Robert Lutz house, designed by
architect William Waters using stone from the nearby Lutz-owned quarry.
The goal of the Quarry Park Master Plan is to transform the current open green space into a more
functional park while addressing environmental concerns. Although Quarry Park’s status as a
former landfill precludes many of the usual park amenities, with careful planning and a creative
approach, the space can be transformed into a peaceful and scenic environment with abundant
trails for recreation.
The naturalized prairie areas offer a range of ecological and educational benefits. These areas
will require minimal maintenance while supporting biodiversity, providing habitat for pollinators,
birds, and other wildlife. At the heart of the park, a musical garden designed for children serves
as an engaging and interactive centerpiece.
We believe that redeveloping Quarry Park, following the input and concepts included in this
document, will result in Quarry Park’s return to a focal point in the neighborhood and its continued
position as an integral part of the City of Oshkosh Park System.
City of Oshkosh
Quarry Park Master Plan P a g e | 14
7.0 REFERENCES
City of Oshkosh. Information about parks, boards and committees, and GIS information.
Retrieved from URL:
o https://www.oshkoshwi.gov/
Oshkosh Parks Department. Ray Maurer, Parks Director, and other department staff and
members, provided important information regarding the current needs and
recommendations for the City of Oshkosh.
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey. o https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx
Winnebago County Wisconsin. Mapping and GIS information. Retrieved from URL:
o https://www.winnebagocountywi.gov/405/GIS-Department
o https://www.winnebagocountywi.gov/407/Data-Download
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Surface Water Data Viewer. Retrieved
from URL:
o https://dnrmaps.wi.gov/H5/?Viewer=SWDV
City of Oshkosh
Quarry Park Master Plan
APPENDIX
City of Oshkosh
Quarry Park Master Plan
Appendix A
Detailed Cost Estimate
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE
City of Oshkosh
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Quarry Park Redevelopment
Rettler Project No.: 25.016
Item Estimated Category
No.Item Description Units Quantit Unit Price Extension Sub Total
$97,900.00
1. Mobilization L.S. 1 $38,500.00 $38,500.00
2.General Demolition L.S. 1 $5,000.00 $5,000.00
3. Strip and Remove Topsoil, 6-inch depth S.Y. 2,880 $8.00 $23,040.00
4. Strip Topsoil, 6-inch depth S.Y. 1,220 $3.00 $3,660.00
5. Place Screened Topsoil, 6-inch depth S.Y. 1,220 $3.00 $3,660.00
6.
Seed/Fertilize/Mulch Common Green Space (disturbed area
along trails and outcroppings)S.F. 25,000 $0.50 $12,500.00
7. Erosion Control L.S. 1 $10,000.00 $10,000.00
8.Tracking Pad EACH 1 $1,500.00 $1,500.00
$15,000.00
9.Stormwater Management Allowance L.S. 1 $15,000.00 $15,000.00
$45,800.00
10.Native Seeding Area (Seed/Fertilize/Mulch)S.F. 91,600 $0.50 $45,800.00
WALKING TRAILS $58,400.00
11.Crushed Limestone @ 2" depth S.Y. 2,880 $8.00 $23,040.00
12.Base Aggregate Dense, 1-1/4-Inch, 6" depth S.Y. 2,880 $10.00 $28,800.00
13.Geotextile Fabric S.Y. 2,880 $2.25 $6,480.00
MUSICAL PLAY EQUIPMENT $32,100.00
14. Musical Playground Equipment PIECE 5 $6,000.00 $30,000.00
15.Concrete, 5-inch depth (equipment area)S.F. 255 $7.00 $1,785.00
16.Dense Graded Base, 6-inch depth (equipment area)S.Y. 31 $7.00 $218.17
MISCELLANEOUS AMENITIES $175,000.00
17.Site Furniture Allowance L.S. 1 $15,000.00 $15,000.00
18.Site Outcropping Allowance L.S. 1 $125,000.00 $125,000.00
19.Educational Signage Allowance L.S. 1 $10,000.00 $10,000.00
20.Park Identification Sign L.S. 1 $15,000.00 $15,000.00
21.Site Landscaping Allowance (trees and plantings)L.S. 1 $10,000.00 $10,000.00
SUMMARY
CONSTRUCTION ITEMS TOTAL:$424,200.00
CONTINGENCY at 10%:$42,500.00
CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATE SUBTOTAL:$466,700.00
SURVEY & GEOTECHNICAL BORINGS $15,000.00
DNR PERMITTING & APPROVALS TBD
PROJECT SOFT COSTS $39,670.00
SUMMARY - PROJECT TOTAL $521,370.00
Notes:
Topographic Survey not completed at time of study. Existing base map may impact cost estimate.
Geotechnical study not completed at time of study. Soil conditions may impact cost estimate.
UTILITIES
September 2, 2025
EARTHWORK / DEMOLITION
NATIVE SEEDING AREA