OSHKOSH (NBC 26) — The City of Oshkosh looks at purchasing a $100,000 electric train to replace beloved Menominee Park Train this summer.
- The trackless train would drive on trails through and around the Menominee Park Zoo.
- The parks department says the new train would be easier to maintain.
- The new train would offer 15-minute rides, but would likely cost $3 a ticket, rather than the previous $1.50.
The Oshkosh City Council held a workshop Tuesday on next steps for the Menominee Park Train. Their plan is to purchase an electric, trackless train for about $100,000.
"I really think it's a reinvention of our older train," councilor Joe Stephenson says. "It's nostalgia mixed with being able to continue this train further into the future."
The train would run on trails throughout the Menominee Park Zoo, though the City has not decided on the exact route.
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The parks department suggests making the train ride more of a historic tour, with a tour guide explaining significant landmarks in Menominee Park.
"Menominee Park is a jewel, and it's got a lot of opportunity, and I think the vision is there to work from," Chad Dallman, assistant parks director, says.
The ride itself would be twice as long– about 15 minutes.
The City is proposing raising the fare as well– from $1.50 to $3.
"How we can come with a sustainable approach to budgeting, operating, but still providing a quality service to the community," Dallman says.
Last year, the City planned to discontinue the train altogether, citing increasing maintenance costs and declining ridership. Community support, including a Gofundme from a local high schooler, saved the train for one more season.
Stephenson says the community support has pushed the city to look for a solution.
"I think this is a really cool example of how the community can change direction, can change the opinions of your government," he says.
The City will need to finalize the plan's details and bring a resolution to council for the purchase of the train, but Stephenson says they hope to have the train running this summer.
"I really am happy that we're moving forward with trying to make this update," he says.
The City is working with the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation and Discover Oshkosh to try and raise some of the upfront cost of the train.
