Menasha · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Menasha public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Jefferson Park Aquatic Facility funding
Menasha is planning an approximately $18 million aquatic center at Jefferson Park, with $8 million already committed by the city and about $10 million expected from donations. The consultant's feasibility study will show whether the community can realistically raise that money, and city leaders will decide whether to launch a formal capital campaign.
Clovis Park Tennis Courts Reconstruction
The city is spending $745,217.74 to replace the failing Clovis Park tennis courts, which the school district uses for competition. The school district, a USDA grant, and city funds are splitting the cost.
Rally for the Valley street closure and downtown access
Council approved the October 3 festival permit after hashing out Chute Street closure logistics, access for Marina Place residents, insurance coverage, and communication with downtown businesses.
High Cliff Connection greenway
The city accepted a grant from Fox Cities Greenways and signed an MOU to build the Woodlands West segment of the High Cliff Connection trail, hoping for more grants later.
Jefferson Park Boat Launch completion
The city added about $19,400 to its Northeast Asphalt contract and paid $67,228 for work done this fall on the Jefferson Park boat launch. More payments are expected before spring finishing work.
'Promise of a Prairie' sculpture donation
The council accepted the Bergstrom family's donated sculpture for the Racine-Ahnaip roundabout on a divided 5-2 vote, and one resident spoke against it. It's a free gift, but the split vote shows not everyone thinks it fits.
Jefferson Park Boat Launch construction progress
The city paid its sixth progress payment on the boat launch rebuild, part of a contract now totaling about $1.34 million with change orders.
Jefferson Park softball field promotional fees
The new Jefferson Park softball field is playable but still missing a scoreboard, warning track, and drainage fixes. The city set a discounted 2026-2027 rental rate to draw leagues in while the work finishes.
Fox Valley Athletics softball partnership
A three-year MOU hands the adult softball program to Fox Valley Athletics, with a discounted combined-league rate to rebuild participation and offset costs.
Employee volunteer participation in Habitat Rock the Block
City employees could spend a half workday helping with Habitat for Humanity's May 14–16 Rock the Block projects in Menasha. Past events brought fewer police calls, higher home values, and stronger neighborhood pride, so supporters saw the volunteer time as an investment in the city itself.
Alcohol consumption in City parks (O-3-26)
The council changed city code to allow drinking in parks, mainly to support a new multi-community festival along the Loop the Lake Trail with Neenah and Fox Crossing. It also opens Shepard Park to alcohol service for other events and rentals.
Pleasants Park Playground Replacement
A new playground goes in on the north side of the parking lot, and the old one comes out — leaving one playground instead of two in the park.