Yahara River Trail Phase 2 – NOW OPEN!
Although it was anticipated that construction on phase 2 would not be completed until this fall, we are pleased to share the news that phase 2 of the Yahara River Trail is now OPEN to trail users! Located in Fish Camp County Park in Dane County, phase 2 of the trail begins at the trailhead, located near historic fish net houses, and extends south along the eastern shores of Lake Kegonsa into Lake Kegonsa State Park. Over the last 18 or so months, Dane County Parks worked with KL Engineering to remove trees on the project site, install a new 90 foot bridge, and complete construction for the new 1.6 mile stretch.
Future phases of the Yahara River Trail project will eventually connect this segment to the Village of McFarland and City of Stoughton. Bike/Ped projects such as this are crucial to not only improve the connectivity of alternative transportation in the area, but to also showcase the impact and importance of funding projects around the state just like this one. If you live in the area, get out to Lake Kegonsa State Park and check out the new trail!
CALL TO ACTION: 2024 and 2025 are BIG years for bicycle and pedestrian advocacy. With new legislative maps going into effect, the makeup of the state legislature is going to look a lot different heading into 2025. Not to mention, the 2025-2027 biennial state budget will be drafted and approved by about this time next year. If you care about funding infrastructure projects like this one, and issues around bike and pedestrian safety, write or email your state legislators and let them know they are vitally important to you and your community. To make it easy for you, the Bike Fed has a form letter on our website where you can find your legislator, enter your information, and send your letter electronically! Please visit our website here to send your letter.