FOX CROSSING, Wis. (WBAY) – Efforts are underway to save the Barlow Planetarium following the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh’s decision to close the Fox Cities campus that houses it. A public hearing was held Monday, with several people speaking out.

Since 1997, the Barlow Planetarium has been a destination for people interested in astronomy, but now its future is uncertain as the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh plans to close its Fox Cities campus in May of next year.

“I think the planetarium is a gem. It’s for the community. I think it will be a great loss, especially for our school system,” one woman said at the public hearing.

At a meeting Monday afternoon with the UWO Fox Cities Board of Trustees, many people expressed hopes of saving not only the Barlow, but also the Weis Earth Science Museum and Communication Arts Center. Richard Beal read from a letter on behalf of the Northeast Wisconsin Stargazers.

“I think when you look at the metropolitan area from Green Bay to Oshkosh, which has been ranked as one of the top 18 locations in the country for future growth tech centers. I think these types of institutions are what make up those rankings,” Beal said.

Supporters of the Barlow Planetarium say it attracted more than 27,000 visitors last year alone, including 18,000 students and Boy Scouts from across Wisconsin.

“The schools are flocking here like crazy, and otherwise people don’t get to know heaven,” said Jonathon Mckenzie of Menasha.

“Just the public relations. We have astronomy club nights, we have the public here and we do public relations,” said Tony Reeves of Fox Crossing. “The club is often contacted by news agencies like yourselves when special astronomy events are coming up.”

If the three units remain, according to the district administration, they would have to be suitable for the future use of the property, whatever that may be.

The Outagamie and Winnebago county councils will make a final decision on the Barlow Planetarium, but that likely won’t happen for several months.

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