The Stanley Community Trail Phase 2 project has been awarded a $682,400 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternative Program.
Stanley City Council members expressed excitement over the positive development as Jim Jones, president of the Stanley Community Trail Committee, presented the. The Stanley Community Trail Committee, comprised of Jones, former Stanley Mayor Al Haas, Stanley Alderperson Mark Fitzsimmons, Stanley Police Chief Lance Weiland, Stanley-Boyd District Administrator Jeff Koenig, and Steve Millen, owner of Lube Suppliers Store, has dedicated its efforts to the trail for the past two years. Jones shared that they were pleasantly surprised to receive the grant since initial grants are seldom awarded on the first attempt.
“We are probably pretty lucky to get this first grant,” said Jones.
He mentioned that the second grant is easier to get so they plan to initially start with gravel for the trail and then have it paved using funds from the second grant.
“It’s pretty exciting,” commented Jones.
Alderperson Mark Fitzsimmons stated that the committee has laid the groundwork and conducted the research to make the connection opposite ends of the community.
“We’re moving forward I guess, is what it comes down to.”
The proposed bike trail route will connect both Chapman Park and Oriole Park via bike lane on city streets with a bike “trail” built at both parks. Jones shares that the bike trail was initially developed from his family’s passion for biking. He feels that the bike trail will be a wonderful asset to the community and as the trail develops, “It should draw people from around the county to our community,” including adults and families with children.
When asked what features cyclists will encounter along the bike trail, Jones stated, “We are hoping to include a 300-foot suspended boardwalk through a wetland area from Jefferson Street to the school land. There will be several miles of trail alongside the current nature trail on the school land north of Oriole Park and trail along the elk park at Chapman.”
He hopes that the trailhead can be the new depot pavilion that will offer parking and bathrooms.
“We believe it to be the best route through town offering trail access within a few blocks for everyone,” said Jones.
Jones mentioned that the committee will wait until fall for additional communication concerning the grant and added that they will receive detailed instructions at that time as to how to proceed.
“This is a city grant. This is your trail,” Jones told the city council, inquiring if the council still wanted the committee involved in the project.
Mayor Mike Henke answered that it was the community’s trail. “We want you involved,” Henke informed the group and shared that the grant approval was unexpected. Alderperson Laurie Foster extended her congratulations and gratitude to the committee for launching the initiative for the bike trail project.
The project is currently accepting donations and previously received the first donation of $5,000 from the Stanley Lions Club to get the project started.