Muskego Parks Department Lays Out Trail Clearing Plan for Winter

The Parks and Recreation Board met Monday night at and a list of priority for snow removal was laid out for lots and the trail system that laces the city.  Generally, signs are posted on the paved trails that will not be cleared during the winter months, and those that are cleared fall under a 'pecking order.'

"The signs are posted where we do not remove any snow or ice throughout the entire winter season," Anderson explained.  "All others not signed will fall under the priority list and would be cleared within one week of a storm, unless there is a huge dumping of snow and we get a cold spell that freezes everything up – then we have to wait for Mother Nature to help melt these large snow banks."

Director Craig Anderson indicated a few new sections that will require attention in 2012-2013, including a stretch from Quietwood Drive to Racine Avenue along Woods Road, will also need to be included.  The city has not purchased new equipment to clear the paved trails, or the five-plus-mile WE Energies recreational trail that is unpaved, but it's likely that may change.

Anderson said volunteers have come forward in the past, but the reality of the upkeep as the trail system is extended would mean the parks department would request to purchase snow removal equipment in the near future.  In addition, staff would likely need to be hired to man the equipment.

The focus will be on those walkways that are used the most, and that will help promote traffic to businesses (as along Janesville Road).