Trails Network Plan

Introduction

Milwaukee County Parks is developing a visionary and implementable update to the existing 2007 Trails Network Plan. The planning process will provide an opportunity for community input to ensure new trails meet the needs of trail users. The Trails Network Plan will continue to function as an appendix to the adopted 2050 Park and Open Space Plan for Milwaukee County.

Background

During the pandemic, the use of Milwaukee County Parks’ Oak Leaf Trail network skyrocketed and highlighted the need for trail planning and development, especially in underserved areas of the County.

In 2023, the County adopted the Northwest Side Connections Plan, which focuses on neighborhoods that have experienced long-term disinvestment. The plan seeks to reduce disparities in trail access by identifying new trail development opportunities in northwest Milwaukee. It presents a vision for improved walking and biking connectivity in the area and prioritizes specific projects for implementation based on equity, public input, and feasibility.

Building on that effort, the Trails Network Plan Update aims to expand and better connect the existing trails in the County and the Southeast Wisconsin region so that more people can use and benefit from trails. This includes identifying and prioritizing locations and routes for soft and paved trails as well as other bike-related recreation facilities.

The County owns the Oak Leaf Trail system (hard surface), Forked Aster Hiking Trail system (soft surface), and a growing mountain bike trail system. This network of trails is maintained by the County and in partnership with local municipalities and Friends groups, making up the largest trail system in Wisconsin with over 200 miles and 1.5 million annual trips. In the spirit of this shared responsibility for trail management in the area, this plan will also incorporate trails and plans created by local governments and other partners in the region.

VIEW THE MILWAUKEE COUNTY PARKS TRAIL APP

PLAN WITH US!

The Trails Network Plan presents a unique opportunity for Milwaukee County residents to engage in a discussion about how to improve our trail system within the county. Community engagement will take place in three phases, and will include meetings with community advisory groups, community workshops & open house events, pop-up events throughout the county, and online engagement activities.