Milwaukee County Parks Unveils Updated Trails Network Plan to Guide Future Trail Connections
MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee County Parks has unveiled its updated Trails Network Plan, establishing a long-term vision for a safer, more connected and accessible trail system throughout Milwaukee County.
The plan is the first comprehensive update to the County’s Trails Network Plan since 2007. With much of the previous plan implemented, the new plan reevaluates trail priorities and identifies opportunities to close gaps, improve existing routes and expand both paved and soft-surface trail connections. The plan will be adopted as an appendix to the 2050 Plan for Milwaukee County Parks. Funding for the planning effort was provided through a Wisconsin Department of Transportation Transportation Alternatives Program grant, with local matching funds provided through the American Rescue Plan Act.
“Milwaukee County’s trails connect people to parks, neighborhoods, jobs and destinations across our community,” said Milwaukee County Parks Executive Director Guy Smith. “This plan gives us a roadmap for building on that network by closing critical gaps, improving safety and accessibility, and creating more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to experience the outdoors. Just as importantly, the recommendations reflect what we heard directly from the people who use, and want to use, our trail system.”
Public engagement played a central role in developing the plan. The process included two rounds of online surveys, public meetings and a trail comment mapping tool that allowed residents to identify desired connections and improvements throughout Milwaukee County.
Feedback highlighted several recurring priorities, including maintaining and improving existing trails, creating safer crossings and traffic-calming measures, expanding soft-surface trail opportunities, improving connectivity and access, and enhancing wayfinding and signage.
The planning process also examined equity and access gaps throughout the system. Milwaukee County Parks uses its equity index to help prioritize park investments based on factors including social vulnerability, crime rates, population demographics and tree canopy.
A major focus of the plan is strengthening the Oak Leaf Trail as a regional network that is connected, accessible, comfortable and safe for trail users, with clear and recognizable routes. Among the plan’s highest-priority County-led projects are the Kohl Park Gap, Root River Gap, Kinnickinnic River Parkway and Honey Creek Parkway.
The plan looks beyond new trail construction to recommend improvements to existing infrastructure, including safer trail crossings, enhanced wayfinding, trail etiquette and safety standards, and strategies for managing e-bike use.
The Trails Network Plan also establishes a strategic vision for Milwaukee County’s soft-surface trail network, including hiking and mountain biking opportunities.
Recommendations focus on increasing connectivity between parks and existing trails, adding soft-surface trails at selected Oak Leaf Trail segments, integrating trails with stormwater infrastructure where appropriate and creating larger soft-trail recreation areas. Priority areas identified in the plan include the Milwaukee River, Kinnickinnic River and
Menomonee River areas, along with additional opportunities throughout the county.
The updated Trails Network Plan was developed with support from SmithGroup and informed by community feedback and coordination with municipalities and partner agencies. Implementation will occur over time as funding, partnerships and project opportunities become available.
To view the plan, find it here: 26-616 2026 TRAILS UPDATE PLAN (received 092526).pdf
About Milwaukee County Parks
Milwaukee County Parks is dedicated to enriching the lives of the community by providing safe, enjoyable, and affordable recreational opportunities while preserving the natural and cultural resources of the parks. Spanning over 15,000 acres, the Milwaukee County Park System includes more than 150 parks and parkways, over 100 miles of trails, numerous community centers, golf courses, botanical gardens, beaches, and hundreds of playgrounds, athletic fields, and picnic areas. Committed to sustainability, health, and equity, Milwaukee County Parks continues to strive towards a vision where everyone, regardless of background, can enjoy the benefits of green spaces and recreational facilities.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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