Gold Star Trail Costs Jump $200K

4/27/17 – The cost to complete the first phase of the Gold Star Memorial Trail has increased from original projections. The ten-foot wide paved trail – which would honor local fallen veterans – would initially extend from Mayville’s Theiler Park to the Horicon Marsh Visitor Center, running along County Highway TW and State Highway 28. During the final stages of the design work over the past few months it was determined that four boardwalks would need to be built on the trail in wetland areas. It was also determined that a rock retaining wall would need to be built along part of the trail on State Highway 28 to ensure that it would not be washed out during large rains. Bill Ehlenbeck with Dodge County Parks and Trails says the new expenses have driven the project cost estimate $200,000 higher than originally planned, and beyond the fundraising goal that was met at the end of last year. However, Ehlenbeck says all costs are still an estimate and the county will know better cost determinations when the project is bid out. Meanwhile, the Friends of Dodge County Parks – the organization leading the fundraising effort – is working with potential vendors to obtain some of the lumber and stone at reduced costs or through in-kind donations. The group is also seeking additional grant funds and looking for volunteers to help build part of or all of the 550-feet of boardwalks needed. The draft design plan is now awaiting permits from the DNR and DOT; once that is secure the project will be bid out. Construction is still tentatively scheduled to take place this summer but Ehlenbeck says delays are possible.

For information on donating or volunteering, please contact Bill Ehlenbeck, manager of Dodge County Parks and Trails at behlenbeck@co.dodge.wi.us or 920-386-3702.