Navigational Aids & Boat Landing Fees

The Winnebago County Parks Department outlines several updates in their Annual Report for 2021. Here are a few highlights:

Navigational Aids

The Parks Department began repairing buoys in-house in 2021. Nearly 20 buoys have been repaired so far. Much of this work occurs during the winter months. Expenses for the navigation aid repairs in 2021 totaled $11,078.

DID YOU KNOW?

Winnebago County Parks Department has began placing three lit buoys around Blackbird Island in Lake Winnebago three years ago. These buoys increase boating safety around an obstacle that is difficult to see, especially during high water.

The Parks Department also worked with the Fox River Runners to add two new buoys to Lake Butte Des Morts as you enter the Fox River.

Boat Landing Fees & Permit Sales

In 2021, boat launch parking permit revenue increased by nearly $17,000 from the previous year. The Parks Department partnered with RecDesk, an online reservation system, in 2021. The new software allows residents and non-residents to purchase boat launch trailer parking permits using a credit card online. Permits can still be purchased in-person at the Parks Department, Clerks Office, Festival Foods Oshkosh, and Fish Tales.

Grundman Boat Landing Improvements

Winnebago County Proposed Timeline for Boat Launch Improvements

In November of 2021, the Parks Department received a grant from Fox River/Green Bay Natural Resource Trustee Council for up to $400,000 for the Grundman Boat Landing project. Parks Department staff hopes to apply for the Recreation Boating Fund grant with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in 2022. The department plans to begin engineering and submitting permits for this project in 2022. The project would then be constructed in 2023.