Waukesha County's Discovery Trail Project: 2nd Phase Underway

WAUKESHA COUNTY, WI — The second phase of the Discovery Trail Project is now underway, according to the Waukesha County Park System The multi-phase project is revitalizing and expanding accessibility of the paved trail at Retzer Nature Center, county park officials said.

“Support from the Waukesha Rotarians and the Friends of Retzer group have advanced this amazing project,” said Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow. “The accessible trail and educational features are going to bring the wonders of the natural world to people of all abilities and levels of mobility.”

Phase two of the project, which began Monday, will construct a gateway feature at the entrance and create a series of "Exploration Stations" along the trail for outdoor education, sensory-based play experiences, and STEM activities for families and school groups, county park officials said. The trail will also include an area for outdoor classes and events to fully immerse attendees of all abilities in nature. This phase is expected to be completed mid-autumn.

Phase one of the project constructed a connector path to meet the new accessible boardwalk trail. Trees were harvested on-site for reuse in the design, climbing boulders were placed and site restoration was completed with native trees, shrubs and plants. The project was awarded Community Development Block Grant funding to reconstruct the old trail to ensure ADA accessibility. Phase one was completed in May.

According to county park officials, future phases will continue to add additional "Exploration Stations" along the trail. The park system has launched an online donation campaign at www.waukeshacounty.gov/discoverytrail. The project is funded through contributions from the Waukesha Rotary Club, the Friends of Retzer Nature Center Fundraising, sponsors and donors.