Menominee Park in Oshkosh, seen May 20, 2020. PC: Fox 11 Online
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Aging equipment, budget restraints and water access have led Oshkosh officials to discontinue the amusement rides at Menominee Park this year.
That includes the popular train ride, as well as water sports like kayaking and canoeing.
For decades, visitors to Menominee Park have enjoyed all of its attractions, including the zoo and train ride.
“I’ve grown up visiting Menominee Park and going on the train, and I know it’s a very cherished part of the community as well,” said Oshkosh resident Adrea Matulle.
But according to the city’s park director, the train — as well as other amusement rides, including kayaks and paddleboat rentals — won’t be available in 2025.
Weather and weed growth in the early part of summer limit access to the pond area for water recreation, leading to a short season. And the aging train engine, its tracks and the lack of a secure storage facility for the train have become too cost-prohibitive to maintain.
“This is something that we’ve been trying to evaluate for the last number of years. As we saw the operation for the train — the cost of that not only for staffing, but upkeep of the train engine itself and repair of train tracks, and other things to keep the operation moving,” said Oshkosh Parks Director Ray Mauer.
It’s a decision city officials didn’t take lightly, but one they felt was necessary.
According to Mauer, the amusement rides are part of an account that is supposed to be covering its own costs, while also generating some revenue to help pay for other expenses associated with its operation. That simply wasn’t happening.
“I just want to try and save it in some effort,” added Matulle.
When Matulle, an 18-year old senior at Oshkosh West High School, heard the rides were stopping, she set up a GoFundMe page with a goal of raising $50,000.
She said, “Menominee Park is a very historical part and Menominee Tribe, such and such, and taking down the history of it. The train has been up for 40 years and taking a part of that is just limiting future generations to enjoy it.”
City officials say they are unaware of any public campaign to try and raise money to save the train. While they do appreciate the effort, the parks director believes it will cost more than the initial $50,000 investment to keep things in the park on track.
Mauer said, “That $50,00 is something that would cover some of those immediate needs. That doesn’t include the fact that we currently don’t have a budget for this year for the amusement rides.”
While Oshkosh officials won’t derail any attempt by the community or potential corporate partners at helping to revive amusement program, they admit it would most likely take a long-term commitment to make it happen.
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