Revitalization Effort Wins $50K for Trail Hub Project

A new multi-use trailhead and crossing on Highway 45 just south of the bridge near Riverview Park in Eagle River will improve the area for trail users, farmer's market shoppers, and anyone venturing downtown. And it's thanks in part to a new $50,000 grant.

Eagle River Revitalization Program (ERRP) was selected as one of the 27 Wisconsin communities to benefit from the Vibrant Spaces grant from Wisconsin Economic Development Corp, which gave out $1.1 million across the state.

The funding goes to those looking to create attractive new public spaces. And this crossing does just that, aiming to create a hub where multiple types of trail users can benefit throughout all four seasons in the Northwoods. The space is being designed to provide safe access and connectivity while also adding public art, pedestrian and bicycle amenities, wayfinding signage, and an informational board.

According to the proposal put together by ERRP Executive Director Karen Margelofsky, the transformation of the location will serve a diverse group of users — ranging from boaters to cyclists to pedestrians in the warmer months, and snowmobilers, fatbikers and cross-country skiers in the winter — who access downtown Eagle River and the surrounding trails.

"The proposed placemaking features and wayfinding will not only guide trail users effectively but also foster community engagement and local business support," Margelofsky said in the proposal. She hopes that bringing more user groups into town will also entice people to stop in at local businesses, thus benefiting the backbone of our downtown area.

As part of the placemaking and beautification portion of the project, what is now kind of a dead space in between Railroad Street and Highway 45 near the crossing, along with a portion of Riverview Park near the road would blossom into a more "vibrant space" — hence the name of the grant. Margelofsky has some big ideas on incorporating flower beds, local art, trail maps and informational kiosks to create a more welcoming experience for users of all the trail types Eagle River has to offer.

But this project is more than just a way to glamorize Eagle River, it also adds safety and functionality. The addition of rapid-flashing beacons will make for a safer crossing from people going from the park to downtown, and back again. The existing crossing located in front of Riverview Park that goes across four lanes of Highway 45 is used by pedestrians currently, but traffic rarely slows or stops. Having these beacons in place could change that. It is also where snowmobilers cross the highway during the snowmobile season.

"Currently traffic does not stop, but it would have to. Right now people just kind of run across, and it's not really very safe," Margelofsky said. This added safety measure would be a big improvement, especially with the increase in use in recent years by pickleball players and Labor Day's Sausage Fest attendees.

Community Groups Coalesce

A number of groups and partners are working together to bring this project to light. One of the big players has been Great Headwaters Trail Foundation (GHTF), which had provided much information from earlier studies on its River Trail project that went a long way in allowing Margelofsky to apply for this grant. The foundation also donated $25,000 to ERRP earlier this spring toward this project.

"This could eventually be the trailhead for the bike trail going all the way down to Three Eagle Trail, and hopefully potentially going on the River Trail," Margelofsky said. GHTF's River Trail has been a work in progress as the group is looking to bring the ever-popular paved Heart of Vilas Trail into downtown Eagle River and beyond.

The city of Eagle River was a co-applicant for the Vibrant Spaces grant and also is coordinating with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) and MSA Professional Services for drafting and project management purposes. The DOT's approval of the crossing since it's on a state highway is also an essential part, which Margelofsky said they have locked down.

The Sno-Eagles Snowmobile Club and the Landover ATV/UTV Club are helping to represent different user groups and providing input for a safe design, and the Eagle River Chamber along with Vilas County Tourism will help to support public engagement and promotional efforts. Should they be able to bring in a paved biking trail, Margelofsky noted that in the winter, the Sno-Eagles' groomers would make a snow bridge like they do down near the Railroad Depot (by the ice castle), in order to protect the paved bike trail.

Timeline

With the busy summer season fast-approaching, Margelofsky said at the very earliest, work would begin in the fall after Cranberry Fest. With DOT approval already in place, the next step is to start getting bids and quotes.

"Realistically, we're probably not breaking ground 'til spring of next year," she said, but added that the Vibrant Spaces grant money must be used by the end of 2026.

Vibrant Spaces is a matching grant, so ERRP had to show they could match the funding applied for. Ultimately, the project is expected to cost close to $160,000, but Margelofsky has some in-kind donations for work, as well as allocations from private investors lined up. If needed, she said she will apply for more tourism grants as well.

Until she can get the project moving, Margelofsky has plenty of ideas to keep her busy, and she thinks this location will be a real benefit to the town.

"When you come through Eagle River, you have the bridge, and all the light poles and the flags, and the chamber is right there, and the park is right there. It could be such a placemaking area, that it just seemed like the perfect space for Vibrant Spaces," she said.