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County Executive's Office

Dane County Parks To Host Walking Iron Trail and Parks and Open Space Plan Update Public Information Meeting

January 08, 2024
Land & Water Resources

Media Contacts:
Chris James
Park Planning Manager, Dane County Parks
(608) 235-2252
james@countyofdane.com

MADISON, WI - January 8, 2024 - The 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 counties 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 2021, 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 State 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 6:00p.m., January 17th at the Wisconsin Heights Middle-High School, Room 2500, 10173 Highway 14, Mazomanie, WI 53560.

A virtual participation option will be available (preregistration required): https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZO5tNNJVSP2oYav_UzCaqQ#/registration

More information about the Walking Iron Trail and the Dane County Parks and Open Space Plan can be found on the Dane County Parks website at: https://www.danecountyparks.com/about/planning-development

For questions about either project contact:

Chris James, Park Planning Manager
Dane County Parks
4212 Robertson Road
Madison, WI 
(608) 235-2252
james@countyofdane.com

​​​​​​​About Dane County Parks
The Dane County Park System is made up of 17,000 acres of land that features the best of Wisconsin’s natural beauty. Our Parks do not require an entry fee and offer countless opportunities to get away from it all to unwind, spend time outdoors, and make memories with friends and family. Dane County Parks takes an active role to enhance and preserve the county’s finest natural resources. We strive to create welcoming spaces, events and educational opportunities for park visitors of all backgrounds and ability levels.

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