Oshkosh Nixes Water Sports Creating Wakes on Fox River

OSHKOSH, WI- (WISS) – The Oshkosh Common Council met Tuesday (March 25, 2025) for just under 40 minutes, accomplishing quite a few things in a short amount of time. 

Amended Ordinance Prohibiting Water Sports on Fox River In Oshkosh

Water sports enthusiasts will have to find another place to ski, wakeboard, or engage in similar activities now that the Oshkosh Common Council approved an ordinance amendment prohibiting those activities on the Fox River.

Oshkosh Parks Director Ray Maurer told the Common Council that they have worked with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, which would enforce the ordinance. All are on board with the amendment to improve safety and help reduce shoreline erosion.

Maurer said the ordinance affects the entire Fox River through the City of Oshkosh from its mouth by the Leach Amphitheater to Rainbow Park.

“Any time we have any ordinance change or anything that affects our boat launches, we have an informational kiosk at each of the boat launches. We will be posting that information highlighting the amended ordinance. I will be also working with local boat clubs, getting them information as well. We’ll work with the marinas throughout the area. Social media posts as well will explain that,” Maurer said.

The vote to amend the ordinance was passed unanimously.

July 4th Fireworks to Move

The Common Council also approved a resolution to move the yearly July 4th Festival Foods Fireworks show from Monkey Island to Ames Point at Menominee Park. 

Council Member Jacob Floam said the Advisory Parks Board had to find a new vendor for the fireworks show because the former vendor could no longer provide enough staffing.

Parks Director Maurer said a vendor who works with sponsor Festival Foods stepped up, but there were issues with setup and safety at Monkey Island.

“Basically, if we can’t move it to the Point, we may not have a July 4th show,” said Maurer. “So as we took at look at Ames Point again, talking with the Sheriff’s Department, our police and fire, we all supported the idea.”

The Common Council’s vote to move the July 4th fireworks display was also unanimous.