Town adds shelter, overhauls boat launch

By Michael King
Post-Crescent staff writer

TOWN OF MENASHA — Town resident Glenn Schmidt only became aware of the Fox Cities trestle trail two years ago but now uses it regularly. He's proud of the town improvements to Fritse Park on the west end.

"It's nice to see they're spending money on things like that (to benefit) the quality of life," said Schmidt, who did not visit the trail, which crosses Little Lake Butte des Morts between the city and Town of Menasha, until well after its late summer 2005 opening.

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Schmidt and other trail users have been watching the progress being made on the $1.2 million worth of park upgrades that are under way.

Tony Franz, project manager for Miron Construction, said Monday the project is on schedule and "pretty close to 75 percent complete."

Schmidt, 47, figures the new comfort station adjacent to the popular trail and revamped park will be another reason for him to show off the area to new visitors.

Earlier this summer, he was walking the trestle trail with his sister-in-law, who lives in Canada. He had bragged about the trestle trail and mentioned that he "hoped we can see an eagle" since there are several eagle nests near Fritse Park and the trestle trail.

Not long after they stepped onto the trestle they spotted an eagle that swooped down and "came out of the water with a fish. It was pretty awesome."

With restroom and shelter facilities available to trail users by next spring, Schmidt figures the trail and park will be more popular than ever.

"It's really encouraging exercise and outdoor activities," Schmidt said. "You can get around and get some fresh air and be with family and have facilities that are comfortable and convenient."

With pleasant weather continuing this week, Franz said the plan is to pave the handicap accessible asphalt trail from the trail down to the lower level of the park and possibly start some landscaping, which will be finished in spring. Asphalt paving of the park driveway and the parking areas will wait until spring.

"They're going to do some dormant planting," Franz said. "It is pretty late but with the nice weather we've been having we could put it in and touch it up in the spring."

Other key parts of the project include renovation of the seawall and boat launch, including a quiet launch area for canoes and kayaks; development of a boat wash station; improved parking and stormwater management.

Overall, the bids came out to just more than $1.2 million but two state grants totaling about $265,000 and about $61,300 of in-kind service or material donations makes the net project cost $956,655.

Franz said Radtke Contractors of Winneconne has completed the two boat launches, demolished one seawall that was replaced with rip rap and are working on a new seawall.

Mike Kading, town park and recreation director, said water enthusiasts will finally have "a safe and effective boat launch. They won't have to worry about getting their (boat) trailers stuck. It will be an incredible upgrade.

"It will be a nicer, more peaceful environment and will look as one with the trestle trail," he said. "It's going to be a nice, welcoming area, a place to meet your friends and walk the trails."

Michael King: 920-729-6622, ext. 33, or mking@postcrescent.com