Weyauwega to apply for funding for trail to canoe launch
By Angie Landsverk
The city of Weyauwega is seeking a grant to help fund the cost of the paved trail portion of the new kayak/canoe launch it has planned.
The common council recently approved moving forward with an application for a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Recreational Boating Facilities Grant.
If received, the grant would cover 35% of the cost of the trail.
The estimated cost of that part of the project is $37,700.
The grant application is due Feb. 1, and the city expects to learn in mid-April if it received funds.
Constructing a new handicap accessible kayak/canoe launch is one of the city’s top recreational projects.
The council approved the list of priorities last February.
In addition to the kayak/canoe launch project, the list includes playground equipment upgrades at Community Park and ball diamond improvements.
During its regular meeting last month, the council approved the kayak/canoe launch and playground equipment replacement as part of the proposed 2021 capital improvement projects.
The park where the kayak/canoe launch is planned is located off Old Mill Street by the dam.
The project involves replacing the city’s current access point to the Waupaca River, which has no dock.
McMahon, the firm that handles the city’s engineering services, is assisting with the grant application for the paved trail that would go from the parking lot to the river.
City Administrator Jeremy Schroeder said there are numerous other funding sources for that part of the project.
The city is looking into them.
If the city is unsuccessful in getting the Recreational Boating Facilities Grant and other grants, the city plans to complete the trail in phases, Schroeder said.
Project costs
The estimated cost of the launch itself is $31,000, and the city has budgeted that amount as part of next year’s proposed capital projects, he said.
If the 2021 budget is approved as proposed, the launch gets completed next year, with the trail depending “on other financial resources,” Schroeder said.
Donations from the community could also help fund the overall project.
Schroeder noted there is interest as he has received some calls related to that.
He said the mayor and Recreation Committee want to see the kayak/canoe launch project completed.
Schroeder describes it as an “absolute top priority because they have been discussing (it) for years.”
In regard to the plan for playground upgrades at Community Park, he continues to get further pricing and information for that project.
There is also community support for this project.
“We have already received one donation towards that, and I have been asked for more info from another couple,” Schroeder said.