Kenosha Park Reopens after EAB Removal

Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser announced Petrifying Springs Park in Kenosha opened back up Saturday.

The park was closed around the beginning of the year. An Emerald Ash Borer infestation is what pushed county parks to take action.

As a part of their reforestation plan, loggers cut down 2,600 trees affected by Emerald Ash Borer (EAB).

According to a release sent from the county:

"Kenosha County Parks has already planted over 2,000 trees over the past five years. Over the next three years, Kenosha County will plant an additional 500 trees within Petrifying Springs Park and Golf Course, Fox River Park and Brighton Dale Links Golf Course"

Saturday, the park was crowded. Bikers, walkers, runners, dog owners, and boy scouts all pack the trails and grassy areas.

Shelly Underhill says she walks everyday. She'll choose different places in town each day, but Underhill's happy Petrifying Springs is now back on her list.

"We did miss it. We just love walking along the park," said Underhill.

As park patrons returned to Petrifying Springs, they noticed the changes.

"We have noticed a lot of trees missing unfortunately. Especially over by the river," said Underhill.

Stumps, piles of logs, and mulch are still visible. Kenosha County Parks say cleaning up what was left by logging operations is the next step.

Not all of the park is open. 

According to a release sent from the county:

"Brighton Dale Golf Course and Fox River Park will remain closed as part of the EAB removal program. Loggers will be working on the removal of ash trees within the golf course, disc golf course, sledding hill, picnic areas roadsides, parking areas and walking paths at both Fox River Park and Brighton Dale Links Golf Course. The loggers are on a tight schedule to complete the removal of the ash trees and need to move and work uninterrupted in each park before the ground thaws. Each park will reopen as soon as the logger has finished the removal of the ash trees."