Oconomowoc will take Oz Plaza a step further for the 'Wizard of Oz' premiere anniversary in 2024
Jim Riccioli
OCONOMOWOC - Five years after embarking on a unique journey tied to the city's historic connection to a world-renowned film, Oconomowoc will continue to follow the Yellow Brick Road from an enhanced Oz Plaza next year.
At a May 16 meeting of the Oconomowoc Common Council, city officials shared more details of a plan to build upon the downtown plaza concept unveiled in 2019 as part of the 80th anniversary of the premiere of "The Wizard of Oz" locally. Under the plan, new additions would be in place in time for the 85th anniversary of the classic film's release in August 2024.
The film debuted in Oconomowoc on Aug. 12, 1939, according to city officials.
Evolving plaza brings characters to life next to City Hall
The Oz plaza quickly became a popular tourist attraction because of its impressive representations from iconic elements of the film.
In 2019, to mark the milestone anniversary, seven statues depicting the film's iconic characters were erected around City Hall Plaza, 168 E. Wisconsin Ave. Dorothy with Toto, the Tin Man, Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion were positioned in the plaza itself, with the Wicked Witch of the West taking up residence on the plaza's north end and the Wizard of Oz statue finding his place in front of City Hall, near an Oz monument installed for the 70th anniversary a decade earlier.
In 2021, a family painted an Oz-themed mural alongside the plaza.
Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, to join the cast of statues
By next summer, the city will take the concept further, extending the Yellow Brick Road from its curly start in the plaza to the Fowler Lake parking lot at the lakefront. In addition, Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, will join the cast of statues.
Other ideas, such as rainbow seating and overhead lighting, will add to the themed ambiance. Another possibility in the works is a place that would give people a chance to put on wings to take on the persona of the film's flying monkeys, a photo-oriented attraction. In general, the site will also become more accessible, officials added.
Kristi Weber, the city's community development specialist who has been involved in the ongoing effort, also recognized the value of the enhancements as she began to present the new ideas in 2021.
"We think it's great," Weber said at the time. "Our residents enjoy it, and the characters add a little bit more flavor to the downtown and the uniqueness of it. They are a year-round attraction. They draw a lot of people."
Officials laud the cultural significance of the effort
Oconomowoc Mayor Robert Magnus can imagine what impact the enhanced plaza could have on townsfolk and tourists, based on what he has seen already.
"When COVID hit, I spent many hours at city hall in my office right outside the figurines of the Wizard of Oz characters," Magnus said in a statement previewing the plans this week. "It was amazing how many people visited this plaza.
"My favorite thing was to watch the kids and grandparents, (with) their big smiles and enthusiasm as they explored the area. We now have the opportunity to enhance these experiences and celebrate our history in the Wizard of Oz story."
For Ald. Karen Spiegelberg, who along with Weber helped the city visualize the planned enhancements, the task is a pleasant one — particularly against a backdrop of usual weighty aldermanic responsibilities such as budget debates and crucial new development decisions.
"Oz Plaza is one of the fun projects to be a part of," Spiegelberg said. "It’s a legacy to leave for citizens and visitors alike, a place for individuals and families to gather, enjoy, and create lasting memories. ... We like to say, 'There’s no place like Oconomowoc,' and Oz Plaza will further add to that unique distinction."
Contact Jim Riccioli at (262) 446-6635 orjames.riccioli@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at@jariccioli.