Plover River Crossing extends Green Circle Trail

STEVENS POINT — During a Special Common Council meeting, a $1,796,643.43 contract was unanimously approved to Highway Landscapers for the Plover River Crossing project.
The Plover River Crossing project will extend the Green Circle trail by connecting Hofmeister Drive and Ben’s Lane, stretching the trail into Peters Family Park. The project includes a boardwalk path and a bridge over the Plover River, but its biggest asset may be connecting pedestrians on the east side of Stevens Point to the west side without having to cross the I-39 overpass to do so.
Mary Kneebone, alderperson of the Seventh District where the project will take place, said, “This now creates a link for everybody to come back and forth without having to walk across or ride across Highway 10 on that wonderful I-39 overpass. This opens up the east side to the Green Circle Trail. It opens up the Green Circle trail to the soccer fields, the ice rink, the Hall Nature Preserve.”
In addition to the recreational opportunities the project will provide, Kneebone discussed the educational opportunities it will bring. “There will be interpretive signage on how the Native Americans used the land. It is an educational experience, as well. This is more than just a bike trail.”
Dan Kremer, Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Director spoke at the meeting on the finances of the project, “The grant from the DOT will cover up to $1.4 million and the full $363,000, plus some more, has already been raised cash in hand.” He said, “This project, what we’re awarding tonight, is no additional dollars from the city. Everything that’s been spent on the project from the city tax side is already done.”

“We’re getting huge bang for very little bucks on this,” Kneebone said.
Mayor Mike Wiza emphasized the work put into the project. He said, “This project was five, six, years in the making. We’re finally coming to a culmination now.” Council members and Dan Kremer noted special recognition to Friends of the Plover River Crossing Members, Tori Jennings, and Steve Menzel for their work on the project and their efforts to secure funds. Mayor Mike Wiza and Alderperson Mary Kneebone applauded especially the work of former Alderperson Tori Jennings for her contributions.
“As alderperson Kneebone said, this is more than just a bike trail. This is a community asset and it will be for generations.” Wiza said. The council unanimously approved the decision.