MENASHA, WI — Winnebago County is working to turn the former UW‑Oshkosh at Fox Cities campus into a financially sustainable community asset. County Executive Gordon Hintz said the board expects a comprehensive long‑term plan by next year that will lessen the $800,000 annual upkeep burden shouldered by taxpayers.
Current uses generate modest revenue
The county, which owns the 43‑acre site, has already opened several public facilities to help offset costs. The Barlow Planetarium, a Community Arts Center, office space and a fieldhouse are available for events and rentals. In addition, the Menasha Joint School District operates a childcare center on the grounds.
Hintz noted that the planetarium enjoyed its best year in a decade, providing a welcome boost to the campus’s revenue stream. “Every day we are subsidizing a campus that doesn’t make money, we’re not able to do some of our core missions,” he said, underscoring the urgency of a lasting solution.
Vision focuses on housing and expanded childcare
The county’s preliminary assessment points to two primary opportunities: new housing development and expanded childcare services. By leveraging the campus’s size and location, officials hope to attract families seeking affordable homes while also meeting the growing demand for early‑childhood education.
“Redevelopment doesn’t happen overnight,” Hintz said. “But we want to have a plan that we’re moving forward.” The upcoming plan will outline how the county can transition the property from a “stranded asset” into a vibrant hub that supports both the local economy and family life.
Fiscal responsibility at the forefront
County leaders stress that any redevelopment must be fiscally responsible. The $800,000 annual maintenance cost, largely covered by taxpayers, is a significant line item in the county budget. By introducing revenue‑generating housing and childcare, the administration aims to reduce that subsidy and redirect funds toward other core services.
Hintz emphasized that the county will continue to monitor the performance of existing facilities while the long‑term plan is drafted. “Finding a way to turn this into an opportunity instead of a stranded asset is the goal,” he said.
Community input and next steps
County officials plan to hold public forums later this year to gather feedback from residents, business owners and faith‑based groups. Input will help shape zoning decisions, infrastructure upgrades and potential public‑private partnerships.
Once the plan is finalized, the county will seek state and federal grant opportunities to support infrastructure improvements, ensuring that the redevelopment aligns with broader regional growth strategies.
What this means for Winnebago families
For local families, the proposed housing and childcare expansion could provide more affordable options close to schools, parks and worship communities. The initiative also reflects Winnebago County’s commitment to responsible stewardship of public resources, a principle that resonates with the county’s traditional family values.
As the county moves toward a concrete vision, residents can expect regular updates from the executive office and opportunities to weigh in on the future of the former campus.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
