OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – There’s new life for an old dump in Oshkosh.
The Snell Road Landfill has been closed for decades, but a new conservation park is open for business.
John Rabe, Winnebago County Solid Waste Director, tells FOX 11 this is the last step in a long process.
“Landfilling was complete in ’89, and then the final cover was installed in 1991. So that started the long-term care period. And so it really has just kind of sat idle. We’re just taking care of it, and it created a great opportunity to create a park.”
The idea has been in-the-works for about four years.
Design engineer Chris Anderson says they had to figure out how to make a park out of a dump site.
“We had to examine the water. And the sediment in the pond, and look at ways that we can separate the public from the landfill. Facilities like the landfill gas system and the leachate system. And then make sure that we weren’t exposing the public to any sort of contaminants.”
A fence separates the mound from the 25-acre park. There are hiking and biking trails. There are two ponds. People can watch nature, or fish from an accessible pier made of recycled plastic.
“We’re able to use something that people consider a waste. Basically a brown site, and create a park. A community asset to let people enjoy the property here,” said Anderson.
The Ken Robl Conservation Park was dedicated Wednesday morning.
“Today is one of the biggest days of my life. I never believed this would happen to me,” said Ken Robl, Winnebago County Board Member.
Robl is entering his 39th year on the Winnebago County Board, and Solid Waste Committee.
“It proves that landfills just don’t stand there, and do nothing. You can work with them, and accomplish something great for the communities,” he said.
A plaque and stone were also dedicated in Robl’s honor.
The Ken Robl Conservation Park is free and open to the public.
The Winnebago County Parks Department will operate and maintain the site.
