A ribbon cutting will be held Tuesday, July 23, to celebrate the expansion of the pedestrian /recreation trail on Menomonie’s east side. The connection connects the Dunn County Judicial Center and Government Center along Highways 12/29 and completes a recreation trail loop around the city and Lake Menomin.
The event will be from 2-2:30 p.m. in front of the Dunn County Government Center, 3001 Highway 12, Menomonie. The event is free for the public and will be held rain or shine.
The City of Menomonie partnered with Dunn County “to enhance the community’s trail system with the intention of improving the residents’ and visitors’ quality of life,” said Eric Atkinson, Menomonie city administrator.
Kris Korpela, Dunn County manager, said the project increases safety for those who travel by foot or bicycle between the two major county facilities.
Speakers on Tuesday will include officials involved in the project.
In November 2023, the Menomonie City Council approved a cost-sharing agreement with the county to fund one-half of the estimated $250,000 project cost using American Rescue Plan Act funding. This project was approved by the Dunn County Board of Supervisors as a part of the capital improvement plan in 2022.
The trail project will help close the loop for people who access the trail for walking, jogging and cycling, officials said.
The half-mile extension of the trail was set back 40 feet from Highways 12/29 and follows Stokke Parkway to the north where it connects to the existing trail system. It connects to the trail system on the west in front of Oakleaf Clinic and Churchill Tire on Stout Road. The completed Lake Menomin Loop is 8.3 miles.
There currently are now 15 miles of off-street recreation trails in Menomonie, not including the Red Cedar State Trail.