OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – An Oshkosh playground is getting a makeover.
Little Oshkosh Playground at Menominee Park has been a longtime fixture in the community, and now the public will get to pick a replacement.
The playground was built by the community in the late 90s.
City of Oshkosh Parks Department says the wood is failing, and it’s time for an upgrade.
“With the deterioration of it, it’s really necessary that we replace the playground,” said marketing and fund development coordinator for the City of Oshkosh Parks Department Anne Schaefer.
Knowing how much the 22-year-old playground means to people in the area, the city has tried to keep the public informed and involved with the future of it as much as possible.
“I think it’s wonderful! The more input that they get from your residents of the city well worth it,” Sarah Zblwski of Oshkosh said.
Schaefer says the city began asking for public input back in February.
“We met with school children, Boys and Girls Clubs, we had public input, and that’s how we came to have these designs behind me.”‘
Residents were invited to vote for their favorite of five designs on Tuesday.
“It’s a different playground, instead of the same kind of things so I hope, if they do change it, they keep some of the same elements,” resident Beckie Janes said.
Some don’t want anything to change…
“Nothing at all, nothing at all!” said Jessica Gilbert.
In part, because of their own memories of the playground and of living in Oshkosh.
“This playground, you remember,” Gilbert said. “It’s your favorite playground, there’s other things to do…they have a little snack shack, they’ve got so many things here, so you should keep it how it is.”
Others agree with the city that safety is key.
“It would be nice to keep what is there, and then just kinda build around it, but I know that’s not an option,” Zblwski said. “Getting new stuff in there is probably better.”
Schaefer says another concern the city learned from the feedback they received was parents not being able to see their children at all times when playing at Little Oshkosh.
“If you’re out there, it’s hard to see your children as they go into all these nook and crannies,” she explained. “It’s really fun for them, but the safe way to go is to have a clear line of sight.”
Oshkosh Parks will keep getting community input through an online survey and during the department’s free Tuesday concert series at Leach Amphitheatre.
A final design will be picked after that.
The city says Little Oshkosh Playground’s demolition will begin toward the end of the parks season, with the build happening right after.
