Greenway Trail plan nears final development stage

City of Brookfield residents will soon have a new trail to bike, walk and run on.

The development phase of the next section of the Greenway Trail System reached its final stages as the Parks and Recreation Commission presented a preliminary design plan for the multi-use trail Monday.

About 3,500 feet - about two-thirds of a mile - of asphalt trail will connect Brookfield Manor Park to Ruby Park. Construction is expected to begin next summer and last through fall, 2013.

The 8-foot wide proposed trail is an addition to the existing Deer Creek Trail, which runs about 10 miles through southeast Brookfield.

Funded exclusively through revenue generated from cell tower leases on park property, taxpayers won't have to pay toward the estimated $300,000 needed for construction.

Bill Kolstad, director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, said the city will receive a matching grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for up to half the cost of construction after completion.

The commission invited residents to review and comment on the trail segment plans in late September.

"We've gotten many positive comments," Kolstad said about feedback received so far. "It's neighbors meeting neighbors on the trail, utilizing them for outdoor recreation and fitness purposes. It's been very good."

The commission edited the preliminary design Monday, moving the trail further south, closer to the wetlands and away from the road, as recommended by the public.

Kolstad said there will be no more public forums for comment, but emails, letters and phone calls with questions or comments are welcome.

Final plans for the project will be approved by December, and the city will advertise for bids from contractors in early 2013.