Menominee Park in Oshkosh, seen May 20, 2020. PC: Fox 11 Online
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A staple for Oshkosh families for generations will keep running for at least another year.
The Oshkosh Common Council voted Tuesday night in favor of granting $50,000 to fund necessary repairs and improvements for the train at Menominee Park.
Oshkosh Parks Director Ray Maurer shared more about what the money will be used for.
“The $50,000 is basically to get the train up and operating, to make some repairs, get some of the train sent out for rebuilding, so we have less breakdowns and maintenance throughout the season,” he explained. “It helps us get the train track ordered, some of the rail ties, the spikes, all of the material that we need to eventually get the train track that needs repairing, get that down once the frost comes down.”
Earlier this month, the city announced the train, amusement rides and water sports at the park wouldn’t open for the 2025 season due to budget restraints. That decision drew criticism from the community.
Council member Jacob Floam addressed the community response during Tuesday’s meeting.
“This is your council listening to you. We made a decision, you guys didn’t like it, so we’re going to go ahead and make sure that we can get on the right track here, no pun intended,” he said.
Adrea Matulle, a senior at Oshkosh West, started a GoFundMe to keep the train operational.
“I think it is definitely a part of Oshkosh that needs to be restored and maintained,” she said.
Matulle is hopeful the funding will breathe new life into the historic train.
This may not be an important part to you, but it is to others, and I think as a community we need to keep it up and band together, and save the train.
Matulle says the funding will go towards a “test run” for the upcoming season, but she’s optimistic it won’t be temporary.
“I think once we see that we really do love it as a community, I think it will stay open for the long run,” she said.
The council plans to vote on a permanent funding solution at a future meeting.
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