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) — The train in Menominee Park in Oshkosh is on track to stay for another year as the city’s Parks Department has it listed within its 2026 budget proposal.
“Right now, we have a special revenue account set up for the amusement area, so that’s where the amusement train is budgeted,” said Parks Director Ray Maurer.
The train was set to close in January of this year, but considerable pushback from the community led to it staying open through 2025.
Now, the city is looking to keep it operating in a new, modern way.
“That we look at replacing the existing train that obviously rides on a train track right now, but there are models that we can get that are wheeled and we can take it across land,” he said.
Maurer saying the new model aims to not only draw in more visitors, but reduce costs for upkeep the train suffered in the past.
“Hopefully considerably less maintenance, because the track does require our staff to go out before the season as well as during the season,” Maurer explained. “The track can move and shift a little bit which then causes the issues with the train going around the tracks.”
The city budgeted $475,000 for various park operation expenses, including the train, in 2025. Now, the city is proposing nearly $420,000 for next year.
While costs would be reduced for maintenance, there’s still a lingering issue of demand.
The park saw 11,000 riders this year, much below the estimated numbers after the public outcry.
It’s not the only problem the operation is facing.
“It was not a great year. The train was operating well. We did have some issues trying to get enough staffing throughout the season and we see that potentially being an issue if we go ahead next year with the on land, the wheeled train as well,” Maurer said.
The Oshkosh city budget as a whole is moving forward toward a vote on November 11th, with a community listening session planned for Nov. 4 at 5 p.m.
City officials say they aim to reduce the tax rate on residents from $8.14 to $7.73.
The city has received community pushback on a plan to reduce money provided to the Oshkosh Area Humane Society, and expect more comments at the community listening session.
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