MARSHFIELD – During its Dec. 9 meeting, the Marshfield Common Council approved a resolution that could provide the means for work on a Pecan Parkway to Griese Park Connector Trail.
The Park and Recreation Department requested approval of a resolution supporting the Pecan Parkway to Griese Park Connector Trail and Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant application.
“This resolution is required for eligibility during the Transportation Alternative or bonus TAP grant process,” explained Marshfield Park and Recreation Director Justin Casperson.
“It will be a 10-foot-wide asphalt trail connecting the pecan Parkway to Griese Park to an existing greenway in the parkland itself. The new trail will improve neighborhood connectivity and direct access to Griese Park; it will provide a safe off-street route for children, seniors and people with disabilities. It will reduce pedestrian vehicle conflicts and enhance overall trail safety. It will encourage daily walking, biking, jogging and support public health. It will strengthen social and recreational connections within the surrounding neighborhoods and reduce short car trips, lowering emissions and supporting city sustainability goals.”
Casperson said that the proposed trail segment aligns with the city's vision for a safe, active, connected community trail network and that the project was identified as a top priority in connection with the 2021 Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan, the 2024-29 Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan and the city's capital improvement program (CIP).
“Public demand for this type of development is still strong. It was still a top-requested amenity in the 2022 Community Survey. The Marshfield Area Friends of the Trails actively supports this project, and the Weber Foundation has expressed interest in contributing to the local match of the grant,” he added.
The TAP funding would provide $590,000 — $472,000 from the grant and $118,000 from the city, with $50,000 garnered through private donations.
“The Friends of the Trail has agreed to assist in the fundraising aspect. It's a grant reimbursement, so the city would pay the upfront costs and then get reimbursed from the DOT later,” Casperson added.
A resolution approved by the council was needed for grant eligibility.
The project would take place using city land entirely, so no land acquisition or easements would be necessary.
“The trail does not abut up to any residential neighbors, so we don't have to acquire any additional lands. There's no right of way or stormwater complications to work around. The only workaround we really have is wetlands and waterways, which has already been addressed by MSA as well as DOT, and it ranks among the top three in connections in our bicycle pedestrian plan,” Casperson said.
“I think when combined with the future playground that's scheduled for next year, this connection will significantly enhance Griese Park’s long-term recreation value, improve the neighborhood appeal, in particular, the development of the Green Acre Subdivision right on Washington (Avenue).
“I just want to make sure it's clear that this does not guarantee anything. It just means that we're just eligible for a grant. The project still cannot move forward without successful grant acquisition.”
The resolution was approved 8-2, with Alder Rebecca Spiros and Alder Mike O’Reilly voting “no.”
The city will receive grant notification in late spring 2026, with design work scheduled for 2029 and construction in 2030, if the city receives the funding.
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