Public Information Meeting: Walking Iron Trail and Parks and Open Space Plan Update

Dane County Parks is requesting input on planning for two projects that are currently underway; the Walking Iron Trail and the 2024-29 Dane County Parks and Open Space Plan update.

Dane and Sauk County have been working with MSA Professional Services since 2019 on design and engineering for a new recreation bridge across the Wisconsin River that is the starting point of the Great Sauk State Trail and will eventually provide future connections to Devils Lake State Park. In 201 the planning project was extended for the Walking Iron Trail from the proposed Wisconsin River recreation bridge more than 3 miles into Dane County that was made possible through a rails to trails conversion process. The Walking Iron Trail will provide future connections to the DNR Lower Wisconsin Stae Riverway, Walking Iron County Park and Wolf Run Trail in the Village of Mazomanie.  Dane County Parks is seeking input on the design of the trail and possible recreation uses.

The Dane County Parks and Open Space Plan is a countywide comprehensive outdoor recreation and natural resource plan that must be updated every 5 years to maintain eligibility for State Stewardship grant funds.  Updates to the plan include identifying recreational needs and significant natural, cultural, and historical resources in the county to be considered for protection.  The planning process will seek input from Dane County residents to help guide future park land management over the next 5 years.

Dane County Parks will facilitate a public information meeting to present both planning projects, answer questions and listen to comments.  The meeting will be held at the Wisconsin Heights Middle-High School, Room 2424, 10173 Highway 14, Mazomanie, WI 53560.

Project Information:

• Great Sauk-Walking Iron Trail - Rails to Trails Conversion
• Dane County Parks and Open Space Plan