Project completion planned by Memorial Day
By Angie Landsverk
The city of Weyauwega’s new kayak/canoe launch is expected to be installed by Memorial Day weekend.
The city budgeted $31,000 for the launch as part of this year’s capital projects budget.
City Administrator Jeremy Schroeder said the launch has been ordered from Schmidt Boat Lifts and Docks.
The company is also installing it.
Constructing a handicap accessible launch has been one of the city’s top recreational priorities.
The current access point to the Waupaca River is off Old Mill Street by the dam.
It is not handicap accessible.
The overall project also includes creating a handicap accessible trail from the parking lot to the launch.
“The next step is to figure out the trail,” Schroeder said.
City officials recently met with Waupaca County Highway Department representatives.
Andy Schmidt of McMahon, the firm that handles the city’s engineering services, was also part of that meeting.
Schroeder said the city has an agreement with the county’s Highway Department to do work in Weyauwega.
Constructing the trail is something the department can do, he said.
Since the project involves work along the shoreline, the city may need to obtain a permit from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Schroeder. said.
“We’re waiting for feedback and guidance from the DNR,” he said.
Then work can start on the trail, Schroeder said.
He said the goal is to have the trail constructed but with screenings that are packed down and ADA complaint.
The thought is to let it set a season or two to see if there are any shifts before it is paved, Schroeder said.
That gives the city more time and flexibility, he said.
The estimated cost of the trail is $40,000.
Howard Quimby has donated $20,000 toward that cost.
The city is also seeking a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Recreational Boating Facilities Grant which is received, would cover 35% of the cost of the trail.
In addition, the city is seeking a county Greenway Commission Grant, Schroeder noted.
He said the city also has the opportunity to buy the red barn on the property, raze it and create more parking.
The cost to purchase the building is $25,000, and the estimated cost of razing it and then constructing more parking there is $40,000.
That puts the total cost of the project at about $136,000.
The city has a sign at Petersen Park noting that goal and the amount raised thus far.
Schroeder said any funds raised above that amount will go toward such amenities as a shelter, benches and picnic tables.
There are also plans for additional landscaping.
Public Works staff members already cleared out some brush and the hope would be to handle the future plantings in house as well, he said.