MENASHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The Fox Valley community is continuing to make its voice heard regarding the future of the UW-Oshkosh Fox Cities campus.
“The Weis is an important resource in this day of us complaining about children always being on their technology. This is an experiential learning experience for them,” said Beth Brown.
“I propose a cross-county park as the best option for our planetarium and the Museum,” added Cindy Duckert.
Members of the public spoke during the UW-Oshkosh Fox Cities’ Board of Trustees meeting Monday.
From the University Children’s Center and the Communication Arts Center to the Barlow Planetarium and the Weis Earth Science Museum, area residents want these resources to stay where they are to continue to benefit the community.
“Without the UCC, our family may have been left without childcare. It is likely that that would’ve resulted in me leaving the workforce,” said Jennifer Buelon Fischer.
As FOX 11 previously reported, a driving factor in closing the campus was shrinking enrollment.
Preliminary data obtained by FOX 11 shows an estimated 453 students currently enrolled. For comparison, in the fall of 2018, there were more than 1,600 students.
While the campus buildings are owned by both Winnebago and Outagamie counties, UWO’s departure has ramifications for the city of Menasha.
Mayor Austin Hammond believes the city will lose around $100,000 in revenue annually.
“I really want to make sure that whatever ends up here, whether it’s preserving certain parts of this campus and redevelopment, or whatever that looks like, that it builds off of the tax base and that it is generating revenue and that it really impacts and has a positive impact to the residents here in the city of Menasha,” said Hammond after attending Monday’s meeting.
While no decisions have been made on what’s to come of the location after UW-Oshkosh discontinues learning in June, the property appears to be gaining some interest.
“We had a very good meeting with a potential community partner last week and we will be, along with the UW, conducting a tour of the facility — and in particular the Weis Museum, planetarium, and also the fine arts center,” said Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson, during the meeting.
Nelson was unable to provide more details about this possible community partner, or when this tour will take place.
Members of the Board of Trustees say they’re working to complete an appraisal of the property, but it’s unclear when that will be done. UW-Oshkosh says it continues discussions with county leaders regarding the transition at the campus.
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