Milwaukee County Parks win $450K+ grant to improve Oak Leaf Trail

MILWAUKEE COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee County Parks announced they have won a $453,954 grant from the National Park Service that will go toward Oak Leaf Trail improvements. 

According to Milwaukee County Parks, the grant from the Outdoor Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP) is one of 19 across the US to receive a grant in this round of funding. 

The grant will help fund the construction of a new separated, off-road path for the Oak Leaf Trail’s Kinnickinnic Line, approximately one mile, from 16th St to 27th street. As well as the trail construction, the project will include tree plantings, rain gardens and renovation of outdoor recreation facilities.

Pending full approvals and reviews, the design of the new trail is expected to begin in 2022, and construction could begin as early as 2023.

“The Kinnickinnic line is a vital trail connection on the southside, but it needs some love, as much of it is currently on-road. This grant will help to greatly improve safety and access for trail users on the southside, better serve the Latinx community of Milwaukee and provide a great recreational area for families.” Says Jessica Wineberg, Trails Coordinator for Milwaukee County Parks “Together with the additional work on the Kinnickinnic River watershed by MMSD, the Kinnickinnic line is going to be in much better shape in a few years.”