The Menominee Park train and other amusement rides won't run this summer. City officials cite a budget crunch and aging equipment. PC: Fox 11 Online
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Starting Saturday, the Menominee Park Train will return to Oshkosh for another season after a proposed hiatus due to budget cuts.
“It’s back this year. Last year we didn’t have it, so I’m expecting it to be a busy day,” said Jen McCollian with the City of Oshkosh Parks Department.
In January, the city approved $50,000 to fund the train for another season, with funding from a foundation created through GoFundMe.
“Due to a lot of community members coming forward and helping out, we were able to make it happen to have it open this year,” McCollian said.
That funding paved the way for a “test run” this season. McCollian said the city still hasn’t decided on a more permanent solution yet.
“There’s a lot of work between the city and the foundation and community members for a long- term solution for this area,” she said. “Nothing’s 100% yet.”
Charm Matherne, who has only seen the train tracks, said she’s excited to see it in operation.
“I’m looking to see how my kid would react to it. She’s 10 months. But she’s always watching the train toys in the library,” Matherne said. “We’ve been seeing the tracks and haven’t seen the train, so yeah, we’re really excited for the train.”
McCollian said the reaction is the same for those who are longtime fans.
“I mean, if you grew up here like I did, it’s kind of a staple to the community. Those people who have been around for a long time, they had their kids on it, or their grandkids or themselves. So if you’re from this area, it’s something that means a lot to people to keep this in our park,” McCollian said.
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