Neillsville Improvement Corporation's Work on Trail Project Continues

Monday, May 3rd, 2021 -- 10:07 AM

At Neillsville City Hall on Tuesday evening, April 27th, over a dozen community members voiced their support for a partnership between the City of Neillsville and the Neillsville Improvement Corporation (NIC) that would seek funding from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the development of a trailhead complex and recreational trail.

A motion made by Council Member Julie Counsell and seconded by Council Member Joe Neville to co-sign the DNR grant application passed by a unanimous aye vote.  For over 30 years NIC has been collaborating with the City on projects to benefit the community.

One of the most notable projects occurred when State Highway 73 was repaved through the downtown. This was the formation of Sniteman Town Square Park with its commemorative brick walkway and gazebo, plus the vintage lamp posts that line Hewett Street.

Another example was when NIC donated land to support the City’s public library expansion.  The recreational trail project is not a new concept to City leadership, as it appears in Neillsville’s 2013-2033 Comprehensive Plan, and NIC has been actively working on it for seven years.

“The DNR Stewardship funding would be more substantial as a result of the partnership,” said Dan Clough, vice president of NIC and project chairperson, “The support of the City elevates the effort in the eyes of theDNR.”

Up to this point, NIC has served as the fiscal agent for the project and will continue to do so.  Because the $50,000 DNR grant requires matching funds, NIC has been hard at work fundraising with donations already received from businesses, individuals, and foundations. “Besides the DNR grant, we have $39,000 in other grant requests pending,” said Clough.

The trailhead facility will be located on land recently purchased by NIC, which is adjacent to Fountain Park on the north side of the City’s downtown area. In addition to the trailhead property, NIC has also purchased property from Northern States Power, which will form the beginning of the recreational trail.

This independently functioning project has the potential for future expansions, both east and west, as identified in the DNR’s 2003 Wisconsin Trails Network Plan. Once the trail is extended, it will be open year ‘round for walking, biking, and cross country skiing.

NIC has engaged MSA Professional Services to engineer the trailhead plan. The beautiful creek-side site will be multi-generational, with activities for all ages. The area will also be inclusive; featuring a wheelchair swing, sensory playground elements, and ADA-compliant fishing pier, with the large central play structure dedicated to former Neillsville residents Carl and Millie Opelt.

“This can become a public space that will attract people to the area, enhance the quality of life, and contribute to economic growth,” stated Clough.  Donations in support of the recreational trail project can be mailed to: NIC, 508 Hewett Street, Neillsville, WI 54456 or submitted through the NIC website: https://neillsvilleimprovement.jimdofree.com/current-projects/rails-to-trails/.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.