APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Appleton’s Common Council received an update Wednesday night regarding the future location of the Trout Museum of Art.
The potential relocation to Ellen Kort Peace Park has caused a lot of controversy within the community.
With a full crowd wearing white shirts to support saving Ellen Kort Peace Park, Appleton Mayor Jake Woodford gave an update regarding the possible relocation of the Trout Museum of Art.
He says the city is continuing to move forward to relocate the museum.
“Currently, we’re on step four of seven, which focuses on site analysis.”
The common council voted eight to seven in October to move forward with a site analysis.
The mayor says within step four, the first review required is environmental.
“The Trout Museum of Art has engaged Westwood Professional Services to conduct the phase one analysis and to develop a report, which they recently received and are reviewing.”
“The results should’ve been made known by this time, but the public has no knowledge of what the review consists of,” said Appleton resident Tom Phillips.
Ellen Kort Peace Park, located along the Fox River, has been a top pick since the idea came to light.
“Because there are currently no operational planning impacts associated with the ongoing process, the city has not established deadlines for competition within step four,” said Woodford. “I would not recommend such action be taken at this time.”
Phillips is disappointed after Wednesday’s update.
“There are still many, many unanswered questions, and I think it would’ve been a very wise and prudent move on the part of the mayor to open it up to the public to have some of those questions answered.”
“At this time, I will not be taking questions as I have no further information to offer beyond what I have shared in this update,” said Woodford.
A few months ago, the museum‘s webpage had multiple references about moving to the park. It even included a map that was showing how the new museum would fit on the property.
But now, the webpage has removed all those references regarding the Peace Park. The site simply says “we continue the search.”
“It’s interesting to say the least,” said Appleton resident Margret Mann. “My personal opinion is it shouldn’t have been on there in the first place because it was not a done deal. So, I think it’s perfectly acceptable for them to discuss areas that they’re looking at. However, if you go through all of the city’s comprehensive plans, sustainability plans, etc., there’s nothing that identifies this park as an area for redevelopment or building.”
An early concept map for the relocation of the Trout Museum of Art, as displayed at the special session. (Photo Courtesy: WLUK)
“What we have right now is a situation where people are leaving learning very little more than when they came in,” said Phillips.
Ellen Kort’s family says they’re trying to see the park developed to honor their mother.
The mayor says within step four, there is a requirement for public input during the development project goals, which will come before proceeding to step five.
